Pool and Spa Inspection

Ensuring safety is the primary reason to consider pool/spa inspections. These recreational facilities involve not only water, but also electrical systems that filter and heat the water. If these systems are not functioning correctly, they can pose significant risks, as water is a conductor of electricity. A thorough pool/spa inspection will guarantee that the entire area is safe for use, both within and outside the facility.

Even if the inspection concludes that everything is functioning correctly, it can provide peace of mind for you and your family to enjoy the pool/spa without worrying about its integrity. Pools and spas need year-round maintenance, so occasional inspections are a good idea.

In addition to ensuring safety and peace of mind, inspections can prevent costly repairs down the road. Major repairs can be quite expensive, making inspections a wise investment. Therefore, there are at least three compelling reasons to get your pool/spa inspected.

Safety Equipment 

If you own a pool or spa, it is important to have safety equipment on hand and near the pool area. During a pool/spa inspection, the inspector will ensure that you have all the required safety equipment and that it is up-to-date with the latest standards. The most critical aspect of this equipment is life-saving devices, which are necessary in the event of an emergency.

In addition to life-saving equipment, the inspector will also examine the technical aspects of the pool/spa’s safety equipment. This includes inspecting the electrical equipment surrounding and used for the pool/spa, such as pool lights and filter power wiring. The inspector will check for any cracks or openings in the wiring and electrical areas where water could penetrate. Ensuring that the safety equipment is functioning correctly and is up-to-date is crucial in maintaining a safe and enjoyable pool/spa experience.

The Exterior & Surrounding Areas

During a pool or spa inspection, our inspectors will evaluate the area surrounding the pool or spa to ensure it is safe and meets local safety codes. Hazards such as missing tiles, broken walkways, and cracked cement will be noted, as these can pose risks, especially when walking barefoot around the pool. Additionally, cracking in the foundation can lead to future problems such as leaks. It’s important to note that structures and plants within a certain distance from the pool or spa can also be safety hazards and will be evaluated. By having a pool/spa inspection, you can ensure the safety of the entire pool area for yourself and others.

General Equipment Functionality 

The primary focus of a pool or spa inspection is to ensure that the system and equipment that operates the pool or spa is functioning correctly. The inspector will examine the pumps, filters, heating and cooling equipment, motors, and the overall connectivity and functionality of the system. They will also check for leaks, adequate filter pressure, and the safety of water heaters. By conducting a pool/spa inspection, you can ensure that your pool or spa is safe to use and in proper working order whenever you wish to relax and enjoy it.

A residential pool and spa inspection involves a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a pool or spa, designed to identify any defects within specific systems and components defined by industry standards. The inspector will only report on material defects that are observed during the inspection process. The scope of work can be modified by the client and inspector prior to the inspection.

• The inspection of a residential pool and spa is limited to the conditions that are present and observable during the inspection. It is not a guarantee or forecast of future conditions or performance of the pool or spa. The inspector can only report on the current state of the pool and spa based on the observations made during the inspection.

• The residential pool and spa inspection is limited to the visible and accessible areas of the pool or spa and is not intended to uncover every potential issue. Instead, the inspection will only identify material defects that are observed on the day 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, extensibility 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.