It takes a lot of nerve

[Robert Sole]

I just received an interesting phone call. A lady called to ask if I knew someone who could do a swimming pool inspection. She said that the home she was buying had a pool and she needed it inspected.

Thinking I might be able to turn the call into a home inspection, I asked if she needed the home inspected. She said that she had it inspected but that the home inspector did not inspect the pool. He simply told her that she should have it inspected. I informed her that if she had had me do the home inspection, I would have done a courtesy visual inspection of the pool at the same time.

It is hard to charge enough to only inspect the pool so I referred her to a pool company. Still, I thought it takes some nerve to call another inspector when you have already had the home inspected.

[David A. Andersen]

At least she called and gave you the opportunity!

Go inspect the thing!

[wsiegel]

What does a courtesy visual inspection of the pool cover??

[Robert Sole]

I check the pool for safety items and general operation. I also check the screen structure, deck and so on. It is pretty much a complete inspection except that I do not check chemicals, timer operation, etc.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rsole

It is hard to charge enough to only inspect the pool so I referred her to a pool company.

Sure, I'd be glad to inspect your pool. My charge is ____ . I have an opening Friday afternoon, will that work for you?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I charge $125 for a stand-alone pool inspection. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes. . .

[relliott]

Originally Posted by jpope

I charge $125 for a stand-alone pool inspection. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes. . .

What do you check Jeff?

[Philip J. Cavalcante]

when i get calls like that i charge accordingly and let them make the call whether they want to pay for my services. Pool's r easy money

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Originally Posted by dandersen

At least she called and gave you the opportunity!

Go inspect the thing!

Exactly, if you can competently inspect pools you should take it on.
I recently received a call from a lady asking if I can do a mold/IR inspection. After further conversation I found out that she has hired a home inspector to inspect the house at the same time. No big deal, I did my inspection the home inspector did his thing and everyone involved was happy.
You have to remember that some clients look to specialists for their inspection requirements. Personally, I will not do pool inspections, I always refer them to a specialist.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rsole

I just received an interesting phone call. A lady called to ask if I knew someone who could do a swimming pool inspection. She said that the home she was buying had a pool and she needed it inspected.

Thinking I might be able to turn the call into a home inspection, I asked if she needed the home inspected. She said that she had it inspected but that the home inspector did not inspect the pool. He simply told her that she should have it inspected. I informed her that if she had had me do the home inspection, I would have done a courtesy visual inspection of the pool at the same time.

It is hard to charge enough to only inspect the pool so I referred her to a pool company. Still, I thought it takes some nerve to call another inspector when you have already had the home inspected.

Happens quite often down here. Most of my competition doesn't do pool/spa inspections, so if they get chosen for the home inspection, I often go out and do the pool inspection.

If I do the pool and spa inspection alone, its $299. If I do it with a home inspection, it's $199.

It's a lucrative "ancillary service" for me.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

How do you guys get trained for pool inspections???

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

How do you guys get trained for pool inspections???

Own one for a couple of years is one way.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

How do you guys get trained for pool inspections???

I used to build and maintain them back in Texas several decades ago and have always had a pool and spa. I still own 33% interest in a pool construction company.

[Frank Magdefrau]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

How do you guys get trained for pool inspections???

I took the http://www.home-inspect.com/courses/virtual/poolspa.asp course.

My inspections take at least an hour or more.

By the time I check all the fencing, electrical, pumps, controls, pool depths, and other related areas there is just no way I can do that in 20 min or less. But you know them California guys can "fly" right by.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by relliott

What do you check Jeff?

All accessible components and related safety systems.

I don't do leak tests of the pool body, nor do I inspect underground piping.