Everything You Need To Know About Pool Inspections

If you’re purchasing a Florida property that has a swimming pool, you’re probably imagining a tropical paradise. You can sip a drink, enjoy some sunshine, and take a quick dip to cool down - it almost seems too perfect.

We urge you to slow down. Before pulling the trigger on your poolside paradise, you should schedule a pool inspection from a qualified expert. A pool inspector can help determine if the pool area requires any future repairs, and more importantly, if dangers are lurking beneath the surface. 

This is true even if the pool looks to be in top condition. Pools and their associated equipment are too complex and may have issues that are simply invisible to the untrained eye.

Fortunately, you came across an article that provides you with the basic information that will hopefully help convince you to look up pool inspectors near me before taking a huge financial risk. 

What to expect during a pool inspection

When the inspector arrives at the property, they’ll take notes on the basics of the pool, such as the age, size, and type of material. Generally speaking, the inspector will also calculate its water capacity, which reveals the optimal time for running the filter.

During this portion of the examination, it’s also necessary to check the pool liner for any damage and confirm if all jets are functioning properly. The inspector will keep a close eye on stains on the surface of the lining and any cracks in the cement, grout, and tiles. 

This is only the beginning of the fun, though. The inspection typically extends to the pool surroundings. Don’t think of it as a useless excursion because any cracks in the walkways or the deck could be an indication the pool is settling. Cracks could also be a tripping hazard, along with poorly installed skimmer lids. 

The next stop is checking the condition of the filter system and other pool equipment. In cases where the equipment is off, inspectors may power it on to make sure it’s working properly. 

Keep in mind that this is a visual overview of all the components as it’s impossible to take apart the equipment to check it thoroughly. However, inspectors are deeply familiar with the intricacies of the pool system and will be able to tell if something is broken. 

In the event there are multiple red flags, the inspector may recommend an additional pressure test on the plumbing system to discover any hidden leaks. 

A pool inspection also includes a water test. It’s performed mainly because the quality of the water can have a significant impact on the pool. For instance, imbalanced water chemistry often leads to staining or worse, calcium nodules. 

Thus, the inspectors will perform the test to establish whether levels of PH, alkalinity, calcium, or chlorine fall within the acceptable range. 

Does a pool inspection determine if the pool is up to code?

Absolutely.

Safety is one of the main considerations when purchasing a home with a pool. Inspectors are familiar with all the local regulations necessary for a pool to be up to code. For example, some counties require it to have a fence, together with varying specifications for the size and type of the fence.

This is an important consideration for many buyers. Pool fences aren’t cheap. In fact, we give away a free pool fence to one household each quarter, strictly to keep families safe if they can’t afford to purchase one.

What if inspectors find a problem?

Is a problem with the pool a big deal? Not really. The biggest reason why you may look up pool inspectors near me is because you want to get a bit more negotiating power. Let’s say a filter needs to be replaced - you can ask the seller if they’ll bring down the price to account for the costs of installing a new filter. 

Our advice is not to close on a home before scheduling a pool inspection. Whenever you purchase a property, you should be satisfied with all the agreements regarding the repairs because when you close on a home, it’s too late to do something - you’ve agreed to purchase the property as-is. 

In other words, even if you learn about extensive damage to the pool after closing, you can’t do anything about it as you have already signed a legally binding contract. 

How to choose a pool inspector?

When looking for pool inspectors near me, you shouldn’t settle for just anyone. Choose an inspector with a positive reputation and a wealth of experience in recognizing the overall condition and threats in a pool area. Most importantly, you should opt for an inspector with knowledge of the current regulatory requirements 

Naturally, conducting a pool inspection requires certification, so make sure to account for it when looking for inspectors near me. 

Can a home inspector conduct a pool inspection?

No.

A regular home inspector isn’t qualified to check if the pool meets the code requirements or whether it’s in good condition. However, some home inspectors, such as those working at Guardian Angel Inspections, have all the necessary certifications and are among the most experienced pool inspectors in the area. 

This is great news as you can bundle the pool inspection with your regular buyer’s inspection and unlock an exciting price. 

Enjoy your time in the sun

Owning a pool and inviting friends over for a barbecue and a splash in the sun is as close as you can get to the American dream. To avoid that dream turning into a nightmare, you have to inspect the quality of the pool. 

While the prospect of spending an extra few hundred dollars on an inspection not required by the state seems like a rip-off at first, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, if you use the information from it to negotiate a new price, the inspection is practically paying for itself. 

To enjoy your time in the sun, schedule an appointment with the best inspection company in South Florida - call 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!