Pool Inspection Services

Why Pool Inspections Matter

A swimming pool is one of the most expensive features of any property. When you're buying a home with a pool, you need to know exactly what you're getting. Is the equipment in good working order? Are there hidden leaks or structural problems? Will you need major repairs immediately after closing? A professional pool inspection answers these questions before you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

If you're selling a home with a pool, an inspection protects you too. It documents the condition of your pool and equipment so buyers can't claim problems existed that you didn't disclose. It also allows you to address any issues before listing, which can increase your selling price and speed up the sale process.

Standard home inspections typically include only a cursory look at pools because most home inspectors aren't pool specialists. They might check if the pump turns on, but they won't catch equipment that's failing, plumbing leaks, or structural damage that could cost thousands to repair. Our pool-specific inspections go far beyond what a general home inspector provides, giving you detailed information about every aspect of the pool system.

What We Inspect

Our comprehensive pool inspection covers every component that affects pool function, safety, and value. Here's what we examine:

• Pool Structure: We check the pool shell for cracks, leaks, surface deterioration, and structural damage. We examine tiles, coping, decking, and the pool interior finish for problems that could require expensive repairs.
• Pumps and Motors: We test pool pumps and circulation pumps for proper operation, unusual noises, leaks, and signs of wear. We evaluate whether pumps are appropriately sized for the pool and operating efficiently.
• Filtration System: We inspect filters, including cartridges, grids, or sand condition. We check for leaks, proper pressure readings, and effective filtration. Worn or inadequate filters can cause chronic water quality problems.
• Heating Equipment: If your pool has a heater, we test it for proper ignition, heating performance, and safety. We check for corrosion, leaks, and code compliance issues.
• Plumbing and Valves: We examine all visible plumbing for leaks, cracks, improper installation, and flow issues. We test valves to ensure they operate properly and aren't stuck or leaking.
• Electrical Systems: We inspect pool electrical systems for proper wiring, grounding, bonding, and GFCI protection. Electrical problems are serious safety hazards that must be addressed immediately.
• Automation and Controls: If your pool has automated controls, timers, or remote systems, we test their functionality and check for programming issues or equipment failures.
• Safety Features: We verify that required safety features like barriers, alarms, and drain covers are present and functioning properly. These are required by law and essential for preventing accidents.
• Water Chemistry: We test water chemistry to identify any imbalances that could indicate underlying problems or reveal poor maintenance history.
• Additional Features: We inspect spas, waterfalls, lighting, cleaning systems, salt chlorinators, and any other features your pool includes.

The inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on pool complexity and the number of features. We'll walk you through our findings and answer any questions you have. If we discover issues that need repair or specialized attention like tile cleaning, we can provide estimates for that work as well.

What You'll Receive

After the inspection, we provide a detailed written report documenting everything we found. The report includes photos of any issues, clear descriptions of problems, and recommendations for repairs or maintenance. We categorize findings as immediate safety concerns, needed repairs, routine maintenance items, or minor cosmetic issues so you understand what's urgent and what can wait.

For home buyers, this report gives you negotiating power. You can ask the seller to repair problems before closing, request a price reduction to cover repair costs, or walk away if the pool has major issues you don't want to inherit. For sellers, the report demonstrates transparency and can actually make your home more attractive by showing buyers that the pool has been professionally evaluated.

We also provide cost estimates for any significant repairs we identify. This helps you budget for immediate needs and plan for future maintenance. If you're a buyer who's new to pool ownership, we'll include basic maintenance guidance so you understand what's involved in keeping your pool in good condition.

When to Schedule an Inspection

If you're buying a home, schedule the pool inspection during your due diligence period before your inspection contingency expires. This gives you time to review the findings and negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller. Don't wait until after you've committed to buy because by then it's too late to back out or ask for concessions.

If you're selling a home, consider getting a pre-listing inspection before you put your house on the market. This allows you to address any major issues proactively and avoid surprises during the buyer's inspection. A pool in good working order is a selling point, while a pool with obvious problems can scare away potential buyers or tank negotiations.

Even if you're not buying or selling, periodic inspections are smart for pool owners. An annual inspection can catch developing problems before they become expensive emergencies. It's like a physical for your pool. It gives you peace of mind and helps you plan maintenance and repair budgets. Many of our inspection customers become weekly service customers once they realize how much care a pool requires.

Common Problems We Find

In our years inspecting pools throughout Alhambra and nearby communities, we've seen recurring issues that buyers and sellers should know about. Equipment near the end of its useful life is extremely common, especially pumps and heaters that are 10 to 15 years old. These may still operate but could fail at any time.

Plumbing leaks are another frequent finding. Many pools lose water through underground leaks that homeowners don't notice or attribute to evaporation. These leaks waste water, increase chemical costs, and can cause soil erosion or foundation problems if not addressed.

Safety violations are also common in older pools. Missing or inadequate drain covers, improper electrical bonding, and lack of required barriers all pose serious risks. These must be corrected for both legal compliance and swimmer safety. Finally, we often find chronic maintenance neglect, with green water, clogged filters, and equipment that hasn't been serviced in years. These pools need significant work to bring them back to functional condition.

Frequently Asked Questions