Are You buying a home with a Pool?

If you're thinking of purchasing a home that has a pool, then you should consider a pool inspection, inspected by a Certified Pool Inspector (CPI).   Swimming pools can be one of the most valuable assets for a home owner.   They are a place of enjoyment and relaxation for friends and family.

Why not just use a Home Inspector? When buying a home most think the home inspector will cover the pool. They don't always though.  However, when they do cover the pool, the inspector isn't typically a Certified Pool Inspector (CPI) nor do they have  the expertise to inspect the pool.

So why should I get a Certified Pool Inspection? Because when you're buying a home you want to know what your getting into. You want someone that has the skills, certification and knows the local and federal codes when completing your inspection.

Why? Because if you get a pool inspection completed by a certified pool inspector you will get the breakdown of how good of condition your pool is in.  You will know if it is updated to code or not, if you're going to need to fix any equipment on the pool and even when you might need to budget for new plaster.  These are all common things that one needs to know when purchasing a home with a pool. It's better to be informed than not.

What are the items an inspector will look for when inspecting your pool?  The inspector will test the pool with the equipment running.  During this inspection the inspector will inspect the overall condition of the pool and equipment.  They will make sure everything works as intended.

The inspector will also inspect all visual pool plumbing parts.  Pools can have very complicated equipment.  All equipment including plumbing need to be checked, so that the system functions properly.  Equipment will include pumps, heaters, filters and cleaner systems.

Other area's outside the equipment will be inspected.  These area's include the decking surfaces, pool covers, safety fences, and entrances in and out of the pool area.

The inspector will always review for condition and longevity.

Safety comes first. You want to make sure that your pool is safe and has the proper equipment installed and working properly.  Some of the major concerns in the industry are drains and lighting. The inspector will make sure that your main drains are equipped with federally approved anti-entrapment covers on all suction outlets or drains in the pool.  The inspector will confirm that your lighting has been installed properly and with a GFCI breaker if its high voltage.

And then there is fencing.  Fences or barriers are required in all communities to prevent children from wandering into an open pool area.  Their are certain requirements depending on your local codes, but typically those requirements include functioning self-closing, self-latching gates.  This is where your inspector should have the local and federal knowledge of the codes.

You should receive a Inspection report with your inspection. Depending on the company and the amount paid, pool inspection reports vary widely.  However, they should cover on the report all equipment, structures, electrical systems, plumbing, safety items and water chemistry.

In conclusion, it is recommended not to hire a home inspector to inspect your pool unless they are a Certified Pool Inspector (CPI).  It is best to have your pool inspected by a Certified Pool Inspector.  Getting a Certified Pool Inspector will save you a lot of potential headaches when moving into your new home. Be on the safe side, invest into getting a Certified Pool Inspector to inspect your pool today!