The pool pump and motor is the heart of the pool and spa layout. The pump sends water to the pool filter, which clears the water of fine debris. Next it is sent to the pool heater that supplies heated water to the inlets of both the pool and the spa through a 3 port valve. The water then returns by circulating through the drain and skimmer in both the pool and spa making its way back to the pump.
Interesting pool course, you begin to realize that there are numerous considerations to inspect for while at the swimming pool, considering the proper ladder, pool equipment, cover and the equipotential grounding. Ensuring everyone is as safe as possible while at the pool
The importance of the continuing education is so very interesting in this profession as there are so many topics and items to make are clients aware of. To have access to this array of topics will only enhance our knowledge in the field
My recent inspection of an in ground pool found the overall condition to be satisfactory except for two issues noted. The bottom drain was obstructed by leaves obstructing my view of the drain cover. Uneven settling of one section of the pool deck was also noted.
During a recent inspection of an in ground pool I noted in the report that the bottom drain was covered with debris. This interfered with my view of the drain cover and recommended the debris be removed and confirm the correct cover is installed. I further noted the pool deck had uneven settling in one area causing a trip hazard.
In this photo we see a proper installation of a mesh type pool safety fence (assuming the height of the fence and latch mechanism is correct). This fence system is a common type, seen locally, and is very effective at preventing young children from entering the pool unnoticed. The fence in this picture has a gate for entry. This gate should be self-closing, open away from the pool area and the latch release mechanism should be a minimum of 54" above the surface on the exterior side of the fence.
I selected the article titled “Pool Drain Hazards Inspection” for this essay. This article discusses the potential entrapment risks created by the pool/spa drainage system and the some ways to eliminate or reduce the potential risk. One of the simplest ways to prevent entrapment from pool suction forces is ensuring the pool/spa drain cover is installed properly, is not damaged in any way, and is the proper type designed to prevent/reduce this hazard. Entrapment from pool/spa suction is a very real and serious risk and can result in severe injury and even death.
this picture is of a crack in the pool. its important to locate any cracks or potential leaks in the pool during the inspection. closely look at the floor and walls of the pool as well as all the tile work for any cracks.
pool drain hazards inspection. the article explains the dangers of pool drains. its important to inspect the pool for proper drain covers to prevent people from being stuck at the bottom of the pool due to suction at the main drain.
Here we have a pool pump that is not equipotentially bonded. All pool electrical components must be bonded with 8 AWG wire, this provides a path for electrical current and prevents those swimming in the pool or around the pool area from suffering electric shock.
Here we have a graphic of a typical in ground pool skimmer. The pool water level should be high enough to adequately enter the skimmer. The skimmer weir must be intact and functional. The skimmer basket should be in place and there should be no cracks around the basket or diverter plate area.
This photo shows the chipped or broken edge of a pool’s coping. There is evidence of cracks in the concrete decking near the skimmer cover. But you can also see that the pool gunite surface is showing signs of edge with its blotchy appearance. Would recommend further review by a licensed pool technician to further evaluate the pool gunite condition for possible replacement. Also to repair the coping which is also in need of repair.
Safety Guidelines for Home Pools
It is staggering on the number of children deaths, or near deaths, happen in the US every year. Nearly 300 children under the age of 5 drown in pools while 2,000 are treated in emergency rooms every year. States where pools are abundant like California and Florida, drowning was the leading cause of accidental death for under 5 children. Most of the time this is found under the supervision of an adult. This stats only confirm the importance of implementing child safety devices. Need to make sure there is a high enough fence or wall that is not able to easily be climbed or gone under, with self-latching and closing doors. Also, safety devices can be attached to doors leading to the pool or alerts when the water is splashed with movement. Or simply covering the pool to ensure that the pool is entered by young ones when you have your back turned.
The attached photo shows the winterized mechanical equipment of an above-ground pool scheduled for an operational inspection. I deferred the inspection since only a very few of its components could be justifiably inspected for serviceable condition. Both inlet and outlet connections had been disconnected, and covered with plastic bags. The filtering chamber was likewise covered with plastic.
For my research assignment, I read “Pool Drain Hazards Inspection”
by Nick Gromicko. The article addressed several particular known hazards associated with high volume/high pressure pool drains without safety covers. Although pool deaths from drowning often make the news, injury and death can just as easily occur as a result of hazardous drain conditions. This places the inspection of a pool drain one of the most important pieces of a thorough, competent pool inspection.
This is a picture of a pool that is built below grade and the pool doesn’t have a barrier around the pool to protect anyone from entering the pool area. This is a safety violation as per the residential building code and should be addressed immediately.
10 Easy was to save energy in your home: Home owners can easily reduce energy in their home by making some simple adjustments that won’t effect their life style. You can easily save approximately $250 to $400 just by turning down your thermostat while you’re not home. There are many more ideas for savings without or little effort.
Each year many people especially children die due to submersion in residential swimming pools. California, Arizona and Florida states in which home swimming pools are very popular and used during much of the year issued rules to prevent accidents. A successful pool barrier prevents a child from gaining access to the pool except when supervising adults are present.
Most homes that are 10 years or older dont have thick enough insulation to save much money. The R-11 and R-15 insulation that was commonly used back then cant hold a candle to the thick R-30 insulation used today. You may not save 25 percent of your energy costs when you upgrade you insulation, but you will see major savings that will only grow each year.
A nicely landscaped pool with a spa attached. Pool safey is important. The most commom cause of dead for children under 5 is drowning at a pool. Pool alarm, self closing gates and pool covers are an excellent ideas to keep children safe.