“We see more, so you know more”
The swimming pool and spa in your home can bring you countless hours of enjoyment over the course of many years. It provides a great place for family time, parties and exercise and so much more. That’s the silver lining. But with pool and spa ownership comes maintenance and repair. And as a prospective buyer of a home with a swimming pool or spa it is important to know the conditions of the pool as it exists at the time of making your offer on the home. 20/20 Home Inspections will thoroughly inspect your aquatic structures or major defects as well and minor deficiencies. You will receive a quick and accurate report detailing the health of your swimming pool or spa. As an addition to your home inspection you will receive a discounted rate for this service.
Pool and Spa: Our company is Pool and Spa Certified by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). They are the world’s leading organization for training and certification of aquatic professionals. http://www.nspf.org/en/home.aspx
Listed below are many of the most frequently asked questions regarding our inspections. But, before that, here’s a list of what you we will inspect.
• Filter Circulation Pump for proper pressure • Heater • Backwash valves • Pool Sweep Pump – if applicable • Time Clock for Circulation Pump or Sweep Pump • Visible Plumbing System • Pool Surface • Deck and Deck Drains • Pool level from end to end • Coping • Tile • Deck-O-Seal • Pool Enclosure – is it up to code? • Skimmer • Spa or Hot Tub • Controls • Pool Light with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) • Fill Line • Visible Water Condition • Visible Signs of Leaks in Circulation System
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can you tell me whether the structure is sound? We look to many indicators to see whether the structure is sound or not. Indicators such as cracks, the pool being out of level, hollow areas in the coping or bond beam, missing tiles and more. These indicators can help us determine if you need a structural engineer to come out.
2. Can you tell us whether the pool has a leak or not? Although our visit is a visual inspection and not a leak detection, we can see signs of a leak in the pool or spa. We would then be able to recommend if you need to get the plumbing system check by a professional leak detection company or not.
3. Will my pool need to be re-plastered? There are many signs as to whether or not a pool should be re-plastered. Such things as delamination, black algae, cracks in the pool or perhaps the pool surface is just old and rough. When swimming, your skin gets very soft and pliable; if the surface is rough or broken up, a child’s feet, for instance can get cut. We would recommend re-plastering in severe cases.
4. How do I know if my pump and filter are working properly? We look to see if the water is clear and if the if the pressure showing on the filter gauge is normal for the pump size.
5. Is my pool out of level? The acceptable standard in the pool construction industry is ¼” level from end to end and side to side. Water will naturally level itself in any given vessel. We then see whether your pool is out of level, or perhaps has just a poor tile installation.
6. Are pool deck drains necessary? It is highly recommended that you have an adequate number of pool deck drains. These drains assist in draining the water either splashed from the pool, when you have washed your deck with a hose or during a rain storm. They are designed to keep as much water runoff as possible from nearing the foundation of your home. As each pool and deck is different, therefore the number and locations of these drains are different as well. To ensure that your drains are operating at their maximum potential, it is very important to remember to keep these drain covers clean of debris.
7. What is the code for pool enclosure? The current State of California’s code for pool enclosures is as follows: “The pool must be enclosed with a five foot fence around the pool. Any gates leading into the pool area must open away from the pool area and be self-closing and latching. If the house is used as part of the enclosure, you must have alarms on the doors leading out into the pool area.” We check the enclosure and give recommendations if needed.
8. Is the light safe? Most pool lights are safe. However, California building code requirements have become strict on the use of GFCI’s on the pool lights. For that reason, we check the pool and/or spa lights to see if they are safe for swimmers, and make recommendations as needed.
“We see more, so you know more”