What Are The Common Issues Discovered During Pool Inspection?
Any home would benefit from having a pool. It not only gives you and your family somewhere to cool off in the summer, but it can also raise the value of your home. However, frequent maintenance and care are also necessary to keep pools and spas in good shape. Leaks, cracks, and improper chemical balances are a few frequent problems affecting pools. Frequently, these issues can be avoided by doing routine pool maintenance and inspections. Pools and spas inspectors are taught to see possible concerns and take the required actions to stop them from developing into more serious problems. You can ensure that your pool or spa will stay in good condition for many years by having regular inspections performed on it.
What Is A Pool Inspection?
A pool inspection involves inspecting the pool for any issues or potentially expensive repairs. You should arrange for a pool inspection whether you’re thinking about buying a house or if you’re a seller looking to head off any potential problems. If pool owners worry about the pool’s state, they will also periodically do this.
If you have a pool of your own, warning indications signify you should engage a pool inspector to take a closer look. If the pool has electrical problems like burned-out underwater lights, incorrectly installed junction boxes, or missing ground-fault circuit interrupters, you need an inspection.
Slippery pool decks can have algae. Call an inspector if you have a cracked liner or leaks in the plaster or cement.
Other concerns include filthy filters, a lack of drain covers, improperly vented heaters, inappropriately mounted heaters, improperly bonded metal surrounding the pool, and incorrectly installed heaters. Any flow restrictions, such as improper plumbing fittings or pipe leaks, indicate a potentially serious problem. Galvanic corrosion may result from an improperly linked heater and pump in the pool. Consider a scenario where your pool lacks anti-drowning safety features like anti-entrapment drain covers and emergency equipment. In that situation, you should contact your pool inspector about it.
Following an inspection, you’ll get a thorough report with written feedback on every area of your pool. This report will list the pool components that were examined (so you can be sure nothing was overlooked), details about their condition, and recommendations for when you should replace them.
A qualified pool inspector will provide information about your pool, point out potential hazards, tell you when repairs are required, and give you options. They are skilled at identifying material defects and specific problems with a part or system that may adversely affect the property’s value or provide an unreasonably high risk of harm. Only components that are easily accessible to an inspector can have their condition assessed. Despite their best efforts, it’s always conceivable that unexpected faults might arise that the inspection overlooked.
Issues Discovered During A Pool Inspection
Structural Integrity:
The structural integrity of the pool itself is one of the frequent problems found during a pool inspection. This can involve issues with the pool’s coping stones, degeneration of the pool shell, or cracks in the walls or floor. If these problems are not fixed immediately, they could endanger the pool’s safety and cause leaks or more damage.
Safety Hazards:
Pool inspections often identify safety issues that require fixing. This can comprise inadequate barriers or fencing surrounding the pool, essential for preventing unauthorized access, particularly by kids. In addition, problems like slippery pool decks, broken diving boards or slides, improper lighting, and broken pool alarms can seriously endanger swimmers’ safety.
Equipment Malfunction:
Inspections frequently lead to the discovery of equipment issues with pools. This could involve malfunctioning heaters, pumps, filters, or chlorination systems. The usability and safety of the pool can be impacted by ineffective or malfunctioning equipment, which can also result in poor water quality, insufficient circulation, and trouble maintaining the proper chemical levels.
Water Quality and Chemistry Imbalances:
Inspectors frequently discover problems with swimming pools’ chemical balance and water quality. Improper pH levels can cause cloudy water, algae growth, possibly hazardous bacterial contamination, insufficient chlorine or other sanitizers, and unbalanced water chemistry. For the safety and comfort of swimmers, these problems must be fixed.
Drainage and Grading Problems:
Maintaining the structural integrity of the pool area requires adequate drainage. Water can build up around the pool due to poor grading or drainage, which can erode the landscape, harm the pool’s structure, or create problems with the pool deck. Inspections may reveal places where water runoff needs to be better controlled.
Pool Inspectors Should Be Licensed And Insured
When most people think about pool inspectors, the first thing that comes to mind is someone visiting their house to inspect the pool and ensure its safety. The truth is that pool inspectors do significantly more to protect public safety.
In many states, pool, and spa inspectors must guarantee that all public swimming pools adhere to health and safety regulations. This includes assessing the pool’s filtration and sanitation systems, the water’s purity, and the equipment’s overall condition.
Pool and spa inspectors must be licensed and insured because they are responsible for ensuring that pools and spas are safe to use. State licensing laws differ; however, most call for pool inspectors to pass an exam.
Additionally, pool inspectors frequently collaborate with local health departments to look into outbreaks of illnesses related to swimming pools. Pool inspectors must, therefore, be certified and covered by insurance. If something goes wrong at a pool they inspected, it will shield them from culpability.
Additionally, it safeguards them in case of mishaps during an inspection. Pool inspectors can acquire a variety of insurance plans, but the most crucial thing is to ensure they are properly protected.
How Much Does A Pool Inspection Cost?
Pool inspections typically cost between $125 and $250. The cost depends on your state, city, and pool size. A licensed pool inspector may charge extra if you reside in a neighborhood where pools are uncommon because there won’t be as much competition.
Some home inspectors also have pool licenses because the procedure is comparable to a home inspection. This is frequently true in areas where swimming pools are popular. You’re more likely to receive a bundle deal from home inspectors who can also perform pool inspections.
A pool inspection is optional, much like a home inspection. Future repairs can be significantly reduced, and any flaws detected will give you negotiation leverage during a sale. If you’re considering purchasing a home with a pool, put your faith in a professional who will provide you with all the information. You’ll regret not doing it.
Don’t leave the condition of your home to chance. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection with Brick Kicker. Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring your home’s safety, quality, and value.