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FAQ's

Absolutely, we perform a majority of our inspection services on swimming pools that are winterized.  We generally only have about 5 months of time when the pools are opened in our region.

Why do I really need a pool inspection?

Most importantly to know what it is you are purchasing.  We will find out if the pool is safe and functional, and in a conditional suitable for use. The cost of a swimming pool repair or renovation can be minor or major depending one which area is in need of repair.

The cost of a pool inspection will be comparable or slightly more than to the cost of home inspection services.  A good pool inspection service will be performed by an inspector well versed in all facets of swimming pool construction, service, and maintenance.  The cost can vary based on the additional layer of testing, or service needed by each individual client.  

For example, one client may need a visual inspection, and report only. Another client may have a closed swimming pool summarized, inspected, and winterized in the same day.  Others may have pressure testing, or bonding testing performed in addition to the report.  It is best to tailor an inspection based on your needs.  

ABOUT 30 YEARS AGO THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WOULD PROBABLY HAVE BEEN YES. Home inspectors may have a checklist that they use to look at pools, however they often lack the practical knowledge of why or how certain facets are to perform. Swimming pools have become more complex over time in terms of hydraulics, electrical components, construction techniques, and finishing materials. A thorough inspection of a swimming pool should be performed by an individual who has many, many years in the field of swimming pool construction, service, and maintenance.

Generally if any components at the equipment pad are leaking it will be discovered at an inspection. During an inspection evidence may be found to warrant further leak detection services to confirm or deny suspicion. This is generally performed through additional services known as pressure testing, and leak dye detection. Electronic listening device may be used to look for leaks in the pool, and underground.

An inspection will determine if a pool complies with local safety regulations, which vary state to state and from municipality to municipality.

For example, a common pool-safety mandate is a permanent perimeter fence  that surrounds any accessible perimeter of a pool. The fence gate should open outward and have a self-closing, self-latching lock.

Some wear and tear on a pool may be easy to see. However, an expert will know what to look for in terms of deterioration.

Interior Finish (“plaster”)

The finish that goes on an inground pool’s interior is usually referred to as plaster. The three major types are marcite, quartz aggregate, exposed pebble, and polished.

The finish on a pool should be generally uniform, and free of stains, major streaks, discolorations, or areas that are rough or mottled. Do note that some kinds of stains are relatively simple and affordable to remove, while others require draining the pool for a major acid washing to attack the unwanted blemishes.

You may see hairline “spider web-like” cracks. The good news is that these are normal with aging finishes. A professional inspection should help determine if any cracks appear to be serious or—in rare cases—are an indication of underlying structural issues.
 

Colorful tiles are used along the pool’s waterline to help waterproof the pool structure at the perimeter and as a decorative element.

It’s fairly easy to assess the condition of pool tile. The grout, the mortar or paste material between each tile, should completely surround each tile and be in good condition. Look for chips and any corners where grout has deteriorated and exposed a sharp angle.

In some areas of the country, decking cantilevers over the pool’s perimeter edge. However, in most regions, pool perimeters have coping.

Typically, coping runs 12 to 18 inches in depth and can vary greatly in thickness.  It’s is a decorative element that comes in a wide variety of materials, including brick, natural stone, premade concrete coping stones, or colored concrete pavers.

The coping material should be stable without loose or seriously chipped pieces. The grout between each piece should be in good condition. There may be mastic, a sealing material between the coping and the deck, and this should be intact to provide a waterproof seal.
 

We assess the deck looks in terms of the surface, the color, and the overall condition of the stone, pavers, concrete, wood, or other materials from which it was built.

We also look at the deck’s position. Is it pitched properly so that rainwater travels away from the pool and off to a proper area for effective drainage?