It's time for Professional Pool Inspections

[Revel L. Thom]

If home inspectors can choose to sub-out to pest control companies during inspections, why not sub out to qualified pool professionals at the same time? Or at least advise homeowners to get the right help for their pool. Some home inspectors include pool inspections on their checklist but do they actually conduct a detailed inspection or just a quick 'once over'.
Are they inspecting the salt generators, the time clocks and their independant motors, the effiecency of the pool motor, the correct size filter, the heater and its burner tray(gas), coping and tile settlement, cracked risers behind tiles, leaks in the pool, signs of epoxy putty in the skimmer and around the jets, functionality of the main drain and verifying it's suction or lack thereof, safety lines installed for main drains, vacuum safety locks for pool cleaners, lights and their transformers, old 110 volt lights still hooked up to old deck boxes beneath new 1" pavers or spraydeck, "jandy" valves sucking air, code compliant drain covers, cut or capped pipes that spell uncompletion or elimination of hydraulic lines- usually a quick out for home sellers, automation systems and their actuators, infinity troughs and auto fills, child barriers and fences with their self closing gates and 52 inch high latches.

Just a few of many items on the checklist that would probably add 3 hrs to your already 3 hr inspection.
Do you really have the time is the question?

If there is a pool at the residence it should be mandatory that the new owner have it inspected by a licensed swimming pool contractor(not just a cpo class license).

MMM!

[Ted Allen]

A typical pool inspection takes about 1 hour and yes I am certified. I did not sub out WDIIR's either.

[Revel L. Thom]

It is not possible to correctly 'inspect' a pool and it's hydraulics in 1 hour, unless the pool is 1 week old. But then again everyone's definition of pool inspection can be different. Surely there are guidelines per trade for inspectors to go by! I'd like to see the swimming pool checklist.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Then I guess we should "sub-out" electrical inspections. In fact, we probably can't "thouroughly" inspect the plumbing system either, so we'll need a plumber. Hell, while we're at it, let's bring out a structural engineer. . .

There are more than just "guidelines" and checklists. There is actual training involved to become qualified. If the inspector has not received proper training, they shouldn't be inspecting pools and spas.

Sorry Revel. You'll have to get your business some other way. I won't be sending it to you.

[Blaine Wiley]

Originally Posted by jpope

Sorry Revel. You'll have to get your business some other way. I won't be sending it to you.

Nor will I. A pool inspection is a visual and operational check of the pool and it's equipment, just like the home inspection.

Some inspectors will be more invasive and technical than others on the pool, which is no different than on the house.

[Donald R. Peterson]

Originally Posted by tallen

A typical pool inspection takes about 1 hour and yes I am certified. I did not sub out WDIIR's either.

Who are the certification agencies for pools?

[Revel L. Thom]

Don't be rediculous Jeffrey, 'm not asking for your business, I'm asking that you guys take a different approach when inspecting pools. I don't need your business Jeffrey, kinda tough when you're in California and I'm in Florida don't you think. You say you inspect pools but I don't think you can give the homeowner their money'sworth by doing a onceover. There's more to a pool than just looking at it. Wake up and smell the coffee!

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by jpope

Then I guess we should "sub-out" electrical inspections. In fact, we probably can't "thouroughly" inspect the plumbing system either, so we'll need a plumber. Hell, while we're at it, let's bring out a structural engineer. . .

I am certain I can give my client their "money's worth," as I have been doing for several years.

Your line of thinking suggests that all systems should only be inspected by "specialists" rather than "generalists," to which I disagree.

[jgroves]

Originally Posted by Revel L. Thom

Don't be rediculous Jeffrey, 'm not asking for your business, I'm asking that you guys take a different approach when inspecting pools. I don't need your business Jeffrey, kinda tough when you're in California and I'm in Florida don't you think. You say you inspect pools but I don't think you can give the homeowner their money'sworth by doing a onceover. There's more to a pool than just looking at it. Wake up and smell the coffee!

Sir, according to your profile, today is your first day on this BB, but please remember one thing. It is open to all, with the exception of the members only section, and you are a guest in our house. Please treat us with the respect due our BB. The service you are proposing goes far beyond the non invasive, 'generalist' inspection into a detailed, very technical one. That is generally NOT what we do, nor can the average homeowner afford to hire an electrician, a plumber, a roofer, a structual engineer, hvac, ad naseum. The homeowner is just looking for a basic knowledge of the overall condition of their new home.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by jpope

I am certain I can give my client their "money's worth," as I have been doing for several years.

Your line of thinking suggests that all systems should only be inspected by "specialists" rather than "generalists," to which I disagree.

Jeff, how can you argue with this specialist? He has maintained the Holiday Inn Pools now for 2 years after graduating as a Sanitary Engineer.
Must be part of the NACHI Exam statistics. ha. ha.

Marcel

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I'm assuming he is a pool contractor. With that I am reminded of a recent builder (general contractor) who insisted that we are not qualified to inspect homes that he has built.

To the contractors who feel they build the perfect homes/pools/bridges/whatever, I say "thank you."

Thank you for keeping me in business. . .

[jgroves]

Originally Posted by jpope

I'm assuming he is a pool contractor. With that I am reminded of a recent builder (general contractor) who insisted that we are not qualified to inspect homes that he has built.

To the contractors who feel they build the perfect homes/pools/bridges/whatever, I say "thank you."

Thank you for keeping me in business. . .

Those guys usually don't like even having to have the code inspectors do their thing, much less have any of us come out.

[Scott Keiper]

I'm in Florida and he isn't getting my business either. I had an A/C contractor tell me the same thing. It is is my agreement and I also let my clients know verbally that the inspection is visual and not intrusive.

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by dpeterson

Who are the certification agencies for pools?

Don,

This may vary from state to state. I only know about Texas, you live in another country
http://www.nspf.org/

CPO and CPI certification is the way to go IMHO