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What do you mean a Pool Inspection??

By
Home Inspector with Certified Structure Inspector IOS #1730, EA #30

In a recent discussion with someone about pools it came to light that there are many people that don't purchase a pool inspection. In the Las Vegas area it seems to be the norm but maybe with only the occasional pool and the short swim season the pools inspection is over looked here in Reno. The other possibility is that when the pool man comes to service the pool he will take a look at it. A good pool man can keep the water balanced and the water sparkling but this is after you bought the house and own the pool and all of it's problems you didn't know about because you didn't get a Pool Inspection.

The house isn't the only part of the property that needs upkeep and maintenance. A home inspection is standard. The pool and spa lives outside all year long and often so does it's equipment. With so many homes being vacant for long periods of time equipment could be damaged or stolen. Pool and spa repairs can be expensive and knowing about them prior to the purchase will certainly be a good thing.

Owning a pool bring up images of cool fun, a spa means being able to relax and sooth those aching muscles. What people fail to realize is that the recreational bodies of water bring inherent dangers. Things like electricity and water don't mix so proper procedures need to be done to keep them separate. Also kids and water don't mix. About 350 children under 5 drown each year in pools. Most of the time it's in an immediate relatives pool. A pool and spa inspection by a qualified inspector will focus allot on safety issues. These issue should always be corrected prior to moving in especially in there are young children in the home. More information can be found at http://www.nachi.org/poolsafety.htm.

As a Home Inspector and a Certified Pool Inspector I believe the money spent on a pool and spa inspection is well worth the extra expense. With the report in hand issues can be repaired that not only can keep pool up and running but could possibly save lives.

Comments(4)

Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Robert - We always overlook pools in our area ... mainly because there are just a handful that we have to deal with.  I have a listing right now with a lap pool.  It took an act of congress to find someone who would even take the time to look at it - obviously they were from another area.   Thanks for bringing this to our attention!

Jul 27, 2011 04:59 PM
Rob Ernst
Certified Structure Inspector - Reno, NV
Reno, NV-775-410-4286 Inspector & Energy Auditor

Lisa, It's true there are not allot of pools around this area. I think it makes it even more important to have them looked at because the people buying them are less knowledgeable about them. I just did a pool inspection and the buyers were told the pool guy had everything up and running. I found several leaks and equipment that wasn't working. There were some safety issues discovered also. They asked if I would reinspect after the repairs were made. It was worth the money they paid me to do the inspection. Next time you come across a pool give me a call.

Jul 28, 2011 04:26 AM
Steve Stenros
Poway,La Jolla,Del Mar,Mira Mesa,Carlsbad,Escondido,Temecula - San Diego, CA
CREIA MCI, ICC, ACI Home Inspector,San Diego

Robert, here in southern California I do a lot of pool inspections. Most clients are glad to pay the extra fee to get the "scoop" on the pool and spa!

Aug 10, 2011 06:05 PM
Rob Ernst
Certified Structure Inspector - Reno, NV
Reno, NV-775-410-4286 Inspector & Energy Auditor

Steve, It's money well spent for sure. I did one recently and everything looked good on the outside but I found the heater and filter to have issues. The buyers were happy since they were told everything was up and running.

Aug 11, 2011 04:19 AM