POOL INSPECTION
Pool and Spa Inspections are conducted as an additional service to the home inspection.
A thorough professional pool inspection lets home buyers and home owners know about the condition of the pool and its mechanical processes. If left unchecked, easy to detect issues could become costly to repair. Here's everything you need to know about pool inspection, including what home inspectors check for and how much does it cost, so you can enjoy your pool and yard in peace.
What is Included in a Pool Inspection
Pool Safety
At Coastal Inspection Services, we make sure that your fun in the sun will stay amusing and not worrisome. The types of safety aspects we check for include ensuring that electrical wires are far away from the pool, and that walkways around the pool do not pose a hazard for slips and trips.
Our inspectors check fencing and latches, if any are present, to make sure they are functioning properly so no one accidentally ends up in the pool who shouldn't be there. Fencing should be of a certain height so that kids can not get in unexpectedly, and the design should pose a challenge for a little ones to climb over.
Pool Interior
Some pools have vinyl liners inside of them. These devices help contain the water inside the pool, making sure it does not seep out. A tear in the lining could require a costly repair.
Other pools are finished with one of several types of plaster. Inspectors check the plaster to make sure there are no cracks that could lead to a serious issue in the future, though some cracking is normal. They will also inspect any decorative or functional tiling inside the pool.
Pool Lighting
Many pools have lights inside the pool. Our inspectors make sure that these function whether they are old fashioned light bulbs or newer LED lights. They will check for condensation inside pool lighting fixtures, which can lead to mold or mildew issues.
Tile & Decking Around Pool
The deck of your pool is where a lot of the action happens. Sure swimming is fun, but so is lounging by the pool. Kids love to play or relax while dipping their toes in and sitting on the edge, so the edge of a pool is part of the inspection. Inspectors will check out the "coping" which is the area directly around the pool. Typically, it is 12-18 inches wide and made of some kind of hard material like concrete, brick, or natural stone. Chips in the coping can lead to tripping hazards or debris in the pool.
The decking is any hard surface beyond the coping. You should have that inspected for damage and stains just like the rest of the pool area. Also, the inspector checks for proper drainage for rainfall and any tilts or pitches in the decking.
The Rest of the Yard
Inspectors look at the rest of your yard for safety and quality issues around the pool. They check the position of the roof gutters to make sure rainwater won't drip into the pool often, and natural features of the surrounding land that could affect your poolside enjoyment.
Saltwater Corrosion
A saltwater pool is a luxurious option that offers lower levels of chlorine needed to sanitize and thus less maintenance overall. However, the presence of salt can cause corrosion. Inspectors need to pay special attention when looking at saltwater pools and spas.
Pool Pumps
The pump is an essential piece of equipment for your pool. It circulates water around other devices like filters and heaters to keep your water clean and warm. Without a functioning pump, a pool will not be usable for long! Inspectors check whether the pump is working, and check that it is properly secured and the wiring is solid.
Pool Filter
There are several different types of pool filters but they all do the same thing: clean and sanitize your water. Without one, a pool can quickly become a mess! Making sure the filter is solidly in place, and all the valves that lead to the filter function properly is an important job for an inspector.
Pool Heater
Not all pools have heaters, but it is an important feature in ones that do. Inspectors may assess if the heater is the right size for your pool and verify that it is actually working. Heaters can be costly, so knowing that it is working will give you peace of mind.
Pool Accessories
Pools are fun spaces that may have accessories like a diving board, infinity edge or fountain. Some accessories are useful for cleanliness and maintenance, like a pool cover. Inspectors typically check such items to minimize surprises in the future.
When it comes to diving boards and slides, pool inspectors check for rust or deterioration leading to sharp edges that can cause injuries.
Automation & Remote Control Function
Modern pools may have automation and remote control features. Inspectors can test these features and make sure they are working.
What Pool Inspection Does Not Include
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a pool inspector is not required to inspect the pool at times when conditions like bad weather could cause damage to the pool equipment. It does not include water quality testing, the testing of anything that is already not working properly or the suitability of a pool for accessories like a diving board or slide. Before committing to a pool inspection, be sure to get an understanding of what is or is not included in the inspection.