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Should You Get a Pool Inspection? What’s Included?

Pool Inspection

Pool inspections are often offered with a home inspection during home buying. In most cases, inspection companies will charge additional fees in order to inspect the pool and its equipment. This is because of the extra time and expertise that is needed to inspect the pool equipment.

Let’s talk about what is included in a pool inspection and if you should get one!

What Is Included?

The Pool Itself

The inspectors typically start inspecting the condition of the pool. This includes the water, shell, and pool deck. The home inspector is looking for/at the following:

  • Cracks
  • Water Level
  • Jets
  • Skimmers and basket
  • Surface Condition/Staining – Possibly feeling the condition for roughness.
  • Grout and Tiles
  • Concrete
  • Deck cracks/condition
  • Safety, such as, baby gates/fences and alarms
  • Electric/lights and operation
  • Water falls/features
  • Jacuzzi condition (if applicable)
  • Pool drains (anti-entrapment and vortex drains)

The Equipment

Home inspectors generally do not inspect to ensure all cleaning equipment is there, i.e. nets and brushes. However, the inspectors will inspect the pumps, pipes, filters, heaters, etc.

Here is a list of what the inspectors look for/at:

  • Pool pump condition and operation
  • Pump bonding
  • Pipe condition/routing
  • Evidence of cracking/wear/leaks
  • Filter condition/leaks
  • Filter gauge for internal pressure
  • Heater age, condition, and operation
  • Spa Accessories
  • Lighting Equipment
  • Electrical Equipment & Panels/Breakers
  • Chlorinator or bromine dispenser

Generally speaking, the inspectors follow the water when looking at equipment. This means they start where water enters the system (the pump) and follow the water through the pool equipment, checking for leaks, condition, and damage along the way.

Pool Accessories

This section includes safety, pool screen enclosures, and doors. The inspector generally inspects the condition of the screen enclosure checking for structural damage and general condition.

One aspect in inspecting the screen enclosure is inspecting for bonding. We will cover the importance of bonding at the water equipment in a future post. But in general, bonding the metal of pool equipment disperses the electric flow rather than having electrical gradients that could spike and shock someone while swimming in the pool.

It is important all metal objects within a certain distance (and depending on the type) are bonded properly. The bonding is finally tied to a ground so any spike of electric flow goes to the ground rather than the pool.

So is it worth it?

A pool inspection from a licensed home inspector can help you evaluate the total condition of the pool and its equipment. Therefore, if you are not able to properly understand the condition of a pool and its equipment it would be very beneficial to have a professional evaluate.

Not to mention, an inspector is responsible for ensuring the pool is safe. If you have children, this can be extremely beneficial and help save lives. A professional can assist you in understanding future costs as well!

Concluding

A pool inspection includes many difference components of a pool and can be an effective way to understand its condition and future costs.

Generally, a home inspector can complete this inspection for you during a real estate transaction.

If you any other questions on pool inspections, feel free to comment below or contact us!