"How to Inspect Swimming Pools" Online Video Course

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read an article on pool alarms and learned how necessary but not infallible they can be. I also learned of the several different types of alarms that are available on the market. There are surface wave sensors, sub-surface disturbance sensors, and wristband alarms that go off when they get wet. Consumer product safety testing revealed, though, that the sub-surface pool alarms generally performed better. The others were more likely to emit false alarms.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

upon entering the pool area, we checked the gate and it opened outward and self closed. We inspected all the tile work around pool and showed no cracked, loose or missing tiles. The decking was properly sloped and showed a few surfce cracks, noted in the full report.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The pool skimmer is located at the side of the pool, flush with the pool deck. It is covered with a lid with a hole to ventilate the opening. Inside the skimmer is the submerged basket which collect surface debris through the opening to the pool water on the pool wall. The opening to the pool has the Weir, which is a plastic wall which opens and closes when the pumb is on on or off. The suction of the pump pulls the Weir open to allow debris to inter and the suction pull it into the basket.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The RayPak brand pool heater in the photo is a 400,000 BTU gas-fired natural-draft unit. The gas valve and burners are fed by the natural gas supply common to the dwelling. The gas supply should heve been piped with black iron pipe all the way to the gas valve, for safety reasons, and so a sediment trap could be installed in the gas line before the gas valve. Replacement of the pipe is recommended.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Thousands of injuries and deaths are caused by human contact with active pool drains every year. The significant localized suction created by the pool pump’s evacuation of water for filtering and recirculation causes incidents ranging from hair, limb, and body entrapment to critical evisceration of children and adults. Fortunately, this problem is now being addressed and remedied with a range of new products that can replace the existing pool drain cover(s); and drains can be improved to include multiple drains, or a grated drain trench, to reduce or eliminate the localized suction pressure danger.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

In this photo there is an evident crack in the coping as well as some missing tiles. It is recommended to have a professional look over the defect and make sure there are no leaks. Furthermore the defect should be repaired before further use. The damage is a hazard as well.

Research & Writing Assignment:

In the article Pool Drain Hazards Inspection
by Nick Gromicko,

The pool drain is a serious hazard I learned more about. It is so Important in an inspection to make sure the drain is properly covered. It can kill if it is not. Drains have 350 pounds of pressure and can easily hold a child down to drown. The best way to avoid a serious drain hazard is to make sure they are covered and that the cover is not cracked or removed. And if you are to have a pool installed don’t have the drain at the bottom of the pool. Gutters and overflows can be used to provide water to the pump without the need for a drain.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I just put this in here to get thru the course so I could use it to teach fromAnd Meeker Industries, Inc. Permission to enter my attic. By doing so I agree to Hold Harmless Michael John Meeker and Meeker Industries, Inc. from ALL DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT. Michael John Meeker and Meeker Industries, Inc. Will not be held responsible in ANY manner and I also agree Not TO Publish and negative statements or reviews on all online sites due to such an accident. I further understand that damage to stored Items, ceilings, air conditioning and heating duct work, electrical, plumbing, low voltage wiring, alarm systems, home automation or any other component mentioned or not due MAY OCCURE. I the above named and undersigned assume ALL RESPONSIBILITY for all Damages that MAY OCCURE.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

And Meeker Industries, Inc. Permission to enter my attic. By doing so I agree to Hold Harmless Michael John Meeker and Meeker Industries, Inc. from ALL DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT. Michael John Meeker and Meeker Industries, Inc. Will not be held responsible in ANY manner and I also agree Not TO Publish and negative statements or reviews on all online sites due to such an accident. I further understand that damage to stored Items, ceilings, air conditioning and heating duct work, electrical, plumbing, low voltage wiring, alarm systems, home automation or any other component mentioned or not due MAY OCCURE. I the above named and undersigned assume ALL RESPONSIBILITY for all Damages that MAY OCCURE.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Pump mounting Dificiency. Pump should be sitting on a concrete slab and bolted directly to slab with approved bolts/fasteners rated at 130 lbs of uplift. Filter housing and other equipment should be same. The pump mounting will control damage to said equipment and prevent possibility of hurricane damage.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

As seen in photo bonding is not completed for all of the systems. This is a deficiency that needs correction prior to any use, if not corrected this causes a very dangerous system. Refer to licensed pool contractor for repair.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Grounding has become disconnected from pool pump. This poses a serious safety concern due to the loose electrical current. Without that grounding wire, an electrical current that has escaped its path could move into and electrify the pool water, injuring any occupants.

Research & Writing Assignment:

As seen in the Underwater Lighting for Pools diagram the in pool light is to be placed in a perticular place and height. First it should be in the deep end to help swimmers with depth perception and a minimum of 18 below water levels.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pool drain safety. Pool drains can create 350 pounds of pressure is normal for a pool drain, and public pools are even more powerful. The possibility of someone becoming entrapt and drowned is great. New drains have been mandated by regulations since 2012. Proper drain covers and maintenance is a major key to pool safety.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The proper construction of a pool includes a multitude of buidling steps. A pool should be constructed with a rebar frame, which is then filled with concrete. The space behind the pool is filled with dirt with sand/clean fill at the top. The interior is then filled in with brown coat, a thin plaster lining, then the pool tiles.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The photo shows a drain cover thats loose, floating and unsecure. Additionally, large crack begins from drain cover area and extends outward. Potential for possible leakage to below pool area. Recommendation: Have a qualified pool contractor evaluate and determine best course of action.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pool safety is a necessary requirement when a household has small children. The use of safety barriers with a closeable and lockable gate helps to deter dangers. Pool alarms help to notify parents if children enter the water without their knowledge. All electrical components need to be bonded and grounded to ensure that no electrical current can cause a electrocution.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

In the photo above, the safety gate on the pool fencing does not close. -Although the gate has the proper latch and self-closing mechanism the pavers on the ground do not allow for the proper 2" minimum clearance between the bottom of the fence and the grade. This results in the gate opening but dragging on the pavers and not closing on its’ own.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pool drain covers are required by law in all states. Drain suction can exceed 350 pounds of pressure. This presents a serious risk of injury or death to children and adults alike. All drain covers must be of the approved type, secured properly and undamaged. Approved drain covers prevent body, limb, hair, and mechanical (jewelry) entrapment in addition to preventing evisceration from sitting upon the drain.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Barriers to swimming pool.

I just read this article, I thought it was very important and detailed, especially with regard to measures to take to protect the safety of children and also adults when we use the pool areas as family reunion areas.