You see your pool as a place for fun and relaxation. However, hidden dangers can lurk beneath the surface of even the clearest water. This blog will help you identify the critical moments when you must call in a pro. You will learn how to protect your family from accidents and save yourself from five-figure repair bills.
A professional pool and spa inspection gives you more than just a checklist. It gives you the peace of mind that your summer memories won’t be ruined by a mechanical failure, and your home investment stays protected for the long haul.
Scheduling a Pool & Spa Inspection
So, when is the ideal time to get a professional pool inspection? Here are some common scenarios in which you need pool inspection.
1. When you are Buying a House
The most common time to get a pool and spa inspection is during a real estate transaction. Most standard home inspections do not cover the pool in detail. They might check if the pump turns on, but they usually stop there.
A specialized inspector looks at the guts of the system. They check the heater, the filter, and the complicated plumbing lines buried underground. Many older pools do not meet modern safety standards, so pay special attention to its maintenance, or upgrade it.
Buying a home with a faulty pool can be a financial disaster. A couple who bought a house with a pool in Ohio spent almost $11,000 on its renovation and repairs. A simple inspection gives you the facts before you buy, so you can make the seller pay for the repairs.
2. Every Time You Open for the Season
If you live in a place with cold winters, you likely close your pool for several months. A seasonal pool inspection is a smart move every spring before the kids start swimming. Winter weather can be brutal on equipment.
Ice can expand and crack PVC pipes or damage the pump housing. Seals can dry out and start leaking the moment you prime the system. Getting a pro to look at things before you fill the water saves you from wasting chemicals.
A seasonal pool and spa inspection also ensures your water chemistry is manageable. If the equipment is not circulating water correctly, you will fight an uphill battle against algae. It is better to find a small leak in May than a dry pool in July.
3. When Your Safety Equipment Is Aging
Modern pool and spa inspection services look for these life-saving features. They check that your gates self-latch and that your alarms work. They also check the bonding of the pool, which is what prevents those scary electric shocks mentioned earlier.
4. When You Notice Strange Symptoms
You do not always need a special occasion to call an inspector. Sometimes the pool tells you when something is wrong.
Is the water level dropping faster than usual? You might think it is just evaporation, but it could be a liner leak or a broken underground pipe. If your pump sounds like a can of marbles, the bearings are likely failing.
Other red flag symptoms include:
- Air bubbles blowing out of the return jets.
- The heater makes a clicking or banging noise.
- Visible cracks in the pool decking or the tile line.
- Frequent tripping of the GFCI outlets.
If you see these signs, do not wait. A small leak can wash away the dirt under your pool deck. This leads to sinkholes that cost a fortune to stabilize.
5. After a Major Weather Event
Extreme weather can wreak havoc on outdoor structures. If your area experiences a major flood, a hurricane, or a severe freeze, your pool needs a checkup. Heavy rain can shift the soil around your pool, causing the shell to pop or crack.
Floodwater also brings in contaminants and debris that can clog your filtration system. Even if the water looks okay, the electrical components might have been submerged. Water and electricity are a deadly mix, so never turn the power back on until a pro clears it.
A quick pool and spa inspection after a storm ensures that your lines are clear. It also verifies that the pool’s structural integrity remains solid. It is a small price to pay for your family’s safety.
How to Get the Best Pool and Spa Inspection
Safety is not something you should ever gamble with. Whether you are buying a dream home or just getting ready for a summer BBQ, knowing the state of your pool is important. A professional inspection catches the things you cannot see from the surface.
If you are in the market for a home or just want to make sure your current setup is safe, we can help. Buffalo Property Inspections offers expert pool and spa inspection