Pools and spas can provide lots of fun for family and friends. The only problem with them is that they can be expensive to keep up and costly to repair. If you’re on the hunt for a new home that has a pool or a spa, an inspection should be done to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Water Illness, Bacterial Infection & Other Health Problems from Pools in Disrepair
A pool or spa needs to function properly for it to be healthy to spend time in and concrete decks that are cracking can pose potential safety problems. They can also be pricey to repair. When pool liners are older it can be a sign that you’ll have to pay for a replacement soon. Cracked lines or filtration equipment can start to leak and allow contaminants to enter the pool. These can also be hard to repair. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that many pools will fail an inspection because of inferior disinfectant levels that can cause water illness. Water related illnesses cause problems when we have contact with contaminated water. The most common problems being gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections.
Standards Of Professional Practice For Residential Swimming Pool & Spa Inspections
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards Of Professional Practice For Residential Swimming Pool And Spa Inspections sets the standards of how the inspection will be performed. The inspection is designed to give you all the information you need regarding the condition of the pool or spa.
What Pool Inspectors Look For
1. Pool and spa safety will be addressed. All pools have similar safety features but each one is evaluated on equipment that is specific to their operation. Handrails, ladders, working drains and functioning returns are all looked at. Drain covers need to be in place without any broken or missing pieces. Pools and spas should also have a call device nearby in the event of an emergency
2. Pool equipment conditions. Proper water flow and suction can only happen when the operations systems are working correctly. Motors, pumps, skimmers, blowers, drains, filters, heaters, safety controls, gauges and pipes and valves that are visible will all be inspected.
3. System checks. The cleaning system, water supply system electrical components and timers will be inspected.
4. Proper water chemistry. Levels of chlorine, alkalinity, P.H., calcium cyanuric and phosphorous in the water will be tested. The water will also be visually inspected for algae and clarity.
5. Inspection of pool finishes. The interior finishes, the deck and steps inside the pool or spa will be looked at.
6. Checking gates and fencing. Gates, fences, safety barriers, enclosures and alarms need to meet code. Gates need to be latched.
7. Equipment present. like reaching poles, ring buoys and depth markers need to be in place.
8. Grading and drainage. Grading surfaces, drainage and retaining walls that can affect the pool or spa in an adverse way will be noted.
Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Inspections & More in Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Conroe, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
Contact JMark Inspections to schedule your pool inspection today. We can provide you with an affordable pool inspection performed by an experience inspector. This will save you money on repairs and the danger of dealing with a pool that is unsafe to use. Give us a call today!
