Pool and Spa Inspection

Safety is the number one reason to get pool inspections. Pools and spas contain water – of course – but they also have electrical wiring and systems that are used to filter the water, heat up the water, etc. Because of this, pools and spas can be very dangerous if they are not functioning properly, since water is a conductor of electricity.

A pool/spa inspection will ensure that the area is safe both inside of the pool or spa – and on the exterior of the surrounding area.

Even if the pool/spa inspection finds that everything is working properly and that it is safe to use, this will give you peace of mind that you and your family can enjoy the pool or spa for years to come without worrying about the integrity of the pool/spa!

Pools and spas require maintenance year-round, whether you use it all the time or not, it is a good idea to have it inspected every now and then.

Making sure that your pool or spa is inspected will give you peace of mind that it is safe and working properly, because major repairs can be costly.

If you’re still not convinced, here are 3 benefits of getting a pool/spa inspection.

Safety Equipment

When you have a pool or spa on your property, you are required to have safety equipment on hand and within close proximity to the pool. The inspector will check to make sure that you have everything that is required, and that it is up to date with the newest requirements.

Life-saving devices are the biggest aspect of this equipment, because while the hope is that you will not need them, in the event that there is an emergency it is vital that you have them.

The inspector will also look at a more technical part of safety equipment, which is the electrical equipment surrounding & used for the pool/spa.

This includes pool lights, wiring for filter power, etc. The inspector will make sure that there aren’t cracks or places around wiring and electrical areas where water could get in.

The Exterior & Surrounding Area

Inspectors will check the area around the pool or spa to make sure that it is safe and up to code as well. Missing tiles, broken walkways and cracking cement can all be hazards, especially since swimming means that you will likely be barefoot.

Cracking can also mean shifting of the foundation that the pool or spa is laid into, which can cause leaking and other problems in the future.

There also cannot be structures or shrubbery/trees within a certain distance of the area, because this can be a safety hazard as well.

General Equipment Functionality

The most important part of a pool or spa inspection is looking at and testing the functionality of the system and equipment that runs the pool/spa.

The inspector will look at the filters, pumps, heating and cooling equipment, motors, and general connectivity and functionality of the system as a whole.

They will also test and look for leaks, whether there is proper filter pressure, and safety of the water heaters.

Getting a pool/spa inspection will ensure that you are safe to use and be around your pool or spa, and that it will be in working order whenever you want to relax and enjoy yourself!

A residential pool and spa inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a pool or spa (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.

• The residential pool and spa inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
• The residential pool and spa inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

Residential Pool and Spa Inspection

• The inspector shall inspect from ground level:
• The plumbing;
• The filters;
• The lights;
• Any adjoining structure as it relates to the pool or spa;
• The valves;
• The solar heating system;
• The pumps and motors;
• The electrical system;
• The filtration system;
• The pool heater; and
• The safety barriers.

The inspector shall describe:

• The type of swimming pool or spa;
• Details impacting the inspector’s ability to inspect the unit, including water clarity;
• The condition of visible components or systems present in the unit;
• The type of drain installed;
• Any readily accessible component with functional or material defects;
• The type of filtration system; and
• The types of safety barriers.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

• Observed indications of active pool or spa shell leaks;
• Damaged water line tiles;
• Damaged or faulty drain covers, pumps; heaters or filter housings;
• Inadequate drainage;
• Improper settlement of pool deck; and
• Any visibly unsafe or improper pool equipment, electrical connections, or bonding connections

The inspector is not required to inspect or perform any action not explicitly detailed in these Standards.
Limitations, Exceptions and Exclusions
Limitations:

• The inspector is not required to inspect or perform any action not explicitly detailed in these Standards.
• The inspector is not required to come into direct contact with pool or spa water.

The inspector is not required to enter the pool or spa.

• The inspector is not required to drain a pool or spa in order to inspect it.
• A residential pool and spa inspection is not technically exhaustive.
• A residential pool and spa inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
• A residential pool and spa inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns, or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
• A residential pool and spa inspection does not include items not permanently installed.

Exclusions:

• The inspector is not required to determine:
• The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
• The service life expectancy of any component or system.
• The size, capacity, performance or efficiency of any component or system.
• The cause or reason of any condition.
• The cause for the need of correction, repair or replacement of any system or component.
• Future conditions.
• Compliance with codes or regulations.
• The presence of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other pests.
• The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
• The existence of environmental hazards.
• The existence of electromagnetic fields.
• Any hazardous waste conditions.
• Any manufacturers’ recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
• Correction, replacement or repair cost estimates.
• Estimates of the cost to operate any given system.

The inspector is not required to operate:

• Any system that is shut down.
• Any system that does not function properly.
• Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
• Any shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
• Any electrical disconnect or over-current protection devices.
• Any alarm systems.

The inspector is not required to:

• Perform any action that contradicts any laws or regulations.
• Activate any component of the pool or spa.
• Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to: furniture, equipment or debris.
• Dismantle, open or uncover any system or component.
• Enter or access any area that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe.
• Do anything that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe or dangerous to him/herself or others, or damage property, such as, but not limited to negotiating with pets.
• Inspect decorative items.
• Offer guarantees or warranties.
• Offer or perform any engineering services.
• Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than a pool and spa inspection.
• Research the history of the property, or report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility or suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
• Determine the age of construction or installation of any system, structure or component of a unit, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
• Determine the insurability of the property.