"How to Inspect Swimming Pools" Online Video Course

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

In the attached image, we see a pool with a very low water level. Initially, we could not determine the cause, and so we recommended further evaluation by a pool and spa company. After the specialist diagnosis, we were informed that this was caused by a leak at the main drain.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pool Alarm Types: Surface wave sensor, sub-surface disturbance sensor, wristband, and others are available. While pool alarms are valuable safety features; inspectors should recommend to their clients that they be used alongside other strategies such as fencing, door and window alarms.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

When it comes to underwater pool luminaire think safety first, just as all pool devices such as electric motors the pool lights must also be grounded and the steel structures of the pool must be bonded, lighting systems udes in pools must use 12-volt lighting systems and must be insttaled by a licrnsed electrician.

Research & Writing Assignment:

10 Ways to save money and energy in your home.

  1. Better ways to heat and cool your house
  2. Use tankless water heaters.
  3. Use LED lights.
  4. Insulate and seal your house
  5. Use 1.6 GPF toilets.
  6. Use all appliances and electronics responsibly.
  7. When possible use daylighting as an alternative to electric.
  8. In Florida us storm ratyed windows.
  9. Cook your meals in a smart efficient manner.
  10. Do your household laundry onces per week and lower your hot water settings to warm.

Research & Writing Assignment:

When testing the A/C system of a home the ambient air test is performed by using thermometers on the air handler of Heat pump in cool mode to determine if the difference in temperatures of the supply and return air are between 14 degrees and 22 degrees which indicates that the unit is cooling as intended.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Polybutylene plastic plumbing supply lines (PB) are installed in the subject house. Polybutylene has been used in this area for many years, but has had a higher than normal failure rate, and is no longer being widely used. Copper and Brass fittings used in later years have apparently reduced the failure rate. This subject house has copper fittings. For further details contact the Consumer Plumbing Recovery center at 1-800-392-7591 or the web at http://www.pbpipe.com

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The plaster is stained in several areas. This can be caused by poor chemical maintenance, foreign items that have stained the plaster, or rust from structural steel in the pool wall. We recommend further evaluation by a licensed pool contractor.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The plaster is stained in several areas. This can be caused by poor chemical maintenance, foreign items that have stained the plaster, or rust from structural steel in the pool wall. We recommend further evaluation by a licensed pool contractor.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The skimmer is a very important part of the pool or spas water flow. The skimmers primary function is to help pull impurities off the skimline of the pool or spas surface. The skimmer also removes larger debri like leaves and dirt.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pool and spa plumbing layout

Most pools and spas have the same main components to control the water flow. The main drain, the skimmer, the return, the filter, and the pump and motor. If you understand the water flow it will make it easier for you to inspect the pool and or spa. The spa will always have a heater included in the water flow. All pools are not heated so they do not require the heating component. The primary function of these components is to move the water through a filtration to keep the water clean and make sure the chemicals are balanced in the pool or spa.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The pool pump and associated mechanical devices should be bonded to the ground. This prevents any short or electricity flowing through water. Electricity always take the path of least resistance and will shock someone touching water if the pump or device is not hooked up to send the current to the ground.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Equipotential bonding is the process by which bonds or grounds all the mechanical devices together to prevent shocks. This bonding is designed to allow electricity in a short to travel to the earth and not electrocute anyone near a water source.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Noted, electrical outlet adjacent to pool pump/filter is not GFCI protected. This is a safety hazard. In order to prevent accidental electrocution all electrical outlets should be GFCI protected. Recommend qualified electrician be contacted to further asses and make repairs as needed.

Research & Writing Assignment:

When installing spa/pool lighting the will be below the surface of the water it is important to ensure the electrical power supply is GFCI protected. The junction box must be a minimum of 4" from the pool deck. This fixture needs to be grounded with a No. 8 insulated copper wire and be installed a minimum of 18" from the surface of the water line.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Fireplace observation essay: I observed gaps in the fireplace that could allow flames to exit the fireplace into the chimney walls. This is a fire hazard. I recommend sealing the gaps or holes with fireplace rated sealant or mortar and to contact a licensed chimney contractor for further evaluations.

Research & Writing Assignment:

When I inspected pool drains, I first serve the entire pool for safety hazards. Pool drains covers must be present and in correct working order to prevent entrapment. Two drains are required and at least 3 feet apart and The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved covers are installed to help prevent injuries from the drain suction. No one should enter the pool if any drain cover is damaged or missing.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is an example of a newly installed pool filter at a model home. Just because an item is new does not mean that is was built and/or installed correctly. It is important to not assume work is completed correctly and safely.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Living in Florida, a state with many pools, it is imperative that a home inspector be very familiar with the safety guidelines for pools. Many of the inspections hear are for retired couples and we need to stress the importance of child safety barriers around the pool, even if no children will be living in the house. Grandchildren or other children may visit your pool. Possibly without their knowledge.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

These drain covers are extremely important in preventing the risk of entrapment and preventing people from drowning. When inspecting a pool the inspector should always make sure these covers are installed over all suction outlets in order to prevent these types of injuries from occurring.

Research & Writing Assignment:

These drain covers are extremely important in preventing the risk of entrapment and preventing people from drowning. When inspecting a pool the inspector should always make sure these covers are installed over all suction outlets in order to prevent these types of injuries from occurring.