I read an article about pool alarms. There are 3 types of alarms; surface wave sensors, sub-surface sensors that activate by wave pressures, and a wristband sensor for children to wear that detects when the wristband becomes wet. These can help save children and pets lives too. Door alarms arent always placed on doggy doors so a pool alarm may be a better choice for pets as well as children.
This is a picture of a pool door alarm from a recent inspection. This alarm was on the slider door leading to the pool and it was inoperable at time of inspection. It looks like the doors sensor is missing. Regardless of why it wasnt working, it was still called out.
Inspection of pool electrical system
Pump was not bond. The is a defect and in need of correction
A licensed electrical professional should be consulted for evaluation and repair.
“Equipoitential Bonding” is bonding that joins all metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will result in electrical continuity between components to ensure the the electrical potential will be the same without.
Internachi inspection ton article; safety guidelines for home pools
Each year thousands of near death or drownings to young children occur at the pool. 69% of these occupancies are from children not expected to be in or near the pool. The speed that an incident can occur is of special concern. The best way to prevent an incident is to build and maintain protective barriers that prevent children acce ss to the pool. But there is no substitute for diligent parental supervision.
I just made a visual inspection of the pool my home, I found this fala that in my opinion is structural, since this crack goes from the pool to where the tiles finish, there is also a difference in this area, I would definitely recommend the ispection by an expert.
Pool area inspection noted proper electrical protections were in place including Ground Fault Circuit Interruption where needed, including bonding of pool electrical and metal equipment. Pool gate opens out, has self closing hinge hardware is proper height with self latching hardware.
Studying the pool inspection course I was surprised by all the detail required for a pool inspection. As always confused by references to other states including California? Does WA state have similar rules or rules based on laws from California?
Vertical cracking was noted at the interior pool wall. This can cause leaching of pool water, continued deterioration of the finished surface and subsequent damage over time. This is an expensive repair that the client should be advised of at the time of the inspection.Further evaluation and repairs are strongly urged.
Every Portable Fire Extinguisher will not work with any fire. Several different types can only be used for certain types of fires (except ABC). The inspector can check extinguishers for multiple defects including pins that have been pulled, low pressure (previous discharge), dents, phyiscal damage etc. Inspectors are not responsible for testing extinguishers.
According to How to Inspect Swimming Pools Video Course, equipotential bonding to include metal posts, Ground Fault Circuit Interruption on the pool lighting, child safety barriers with outward swinging gates self latching hardware, anti-suction drain covers, routine cleaning and chemical/PH maintenance are among the most important safety factors for swimming pools.
The photo above shows the pool pump, small debris strainer, filter, and some above grade PVC piping. The pump is not properly set on, or bolted to a concrete pad. The pump appears to be working at time of inspection, and some leaking at seal of filter was observed. Recommend evaluation and repair.
Cockroaches are a heady species, sometimes incessant pest, able to withstand being without air for up to 45 min and surviving, known to carry and spread disease, and having thousands of offspring per year. Some ways to deter them are leaving lights on, boric acid, and limiting food and water sources.
The pool renovation was observed with deficiencies in the new barrier fence, e.g. inadequate height, baluster spacing and ground clearances larger than four inches, climbable railings, etc. These conditions are hazardous and pose risk to child safety. A qualified general contractor is recommended for prompt corrective repair/replacement as needed.
This is the pump with the strainer pot attached. This unit has been drained but not cleaned. I couldn’t tell if there were any leaks in the system until the pool is filled and the system cleaned before use. Since the pool had been drained for quite a while, the gaskets and O-rings have a higher chance of failing. These should be replaced and the strainer pot and filter cleaned before use.
An aged above ground pool. The pool steps will need to be cleaned of alge. One side of the steps where fastened to the deck has a fastener the is not secured and the other side has a fastener that is completely missing. The pool steps need to be securely fastened to the deck.
In taking this one of the most useful items to have is the checklist to use as a reminder. No matter how experienced one is there is so much to remember is a small area without the checklist to use as a memory jogger it could be easy to overlook an item.
The in-ground pool has two detachable ladders. One ladder has a missing rung. The distance between the two remaining steps exceeds the maximum of 12 inches. This can make exiting the pool very difficult and unsafe. It is recommended the ladder be repaired or replaced.
Pool Alarms. This article discusses the use of pool alarms as part of a safety strategy to thwart accidental drowning by children. It covered the three types of alarms: surface wave sensor, sub-surface disturbance sensor, and wristband. I have a pool with an automatic safety cover so a surface wave sensor that mounts to the side of the pool would not be as useful because the pool is covered when not in use. A sub-surface disturbance sensor that is mounted on the wall below the waterline would be a better choice because it can stay in the pool and can be activated to detect wave-induced pressure changes during the times the pool cover is left open during the day such as when the rope for the retraction system snaps. A wristband that must be put on the child everyday, all day seems to be a pain even though the cause is good in being able to keep an electronic “eye” on the child.
Pictured here is the pool’s surface skimmer and skimmer basket. The surface skimmer is designed to use suction to collect surface debris from the pool. Typical debris collected by the skimmer is leaves, oils, lotions, etc. The removable skimmer basket holds the debris until it is emptied. Skimmer baskets should be emptied daily. This particular skimmer basket was overfull and in need of being emptied. The implication of an overfull skimmer basket is reduced ability of the surface skimmer to collect and hold debris.
I chose the diagram of an underwater light fixture for a pool. The diagram shows that the top of the light fixture should be at least 18" below the surface of the pool water. The wiring from the fixture is routed through rigid nonmetallic conduit to a junction box that is a minimum of 4" above grade. In the junction box, the fixture wires are spliced with GFCI protected supply wires.