Student Discussion: How to Inspect Pools and Spas Course

Inspection Education Topics Student Discussions
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To successfully complete this course, you must write two short essays. On this slide are instructions for the first essay, which involves taking an inspection image and performing an inspection. The second essay is described on the next page.  

 In relation to this inspection and writing assignment: 

  1. Perform an inspection related directly to the systems and components covered in this course. If you don't have access to a pool, no problem. Inspect some plumbing components of your house. Or inspect the electrical components, like GFCI receptacles. Or, instead of a pool heater, inspect your own water heater tank. Instead of a pool barrier, inspect your friend's fence. Inspect something similar to the components or systems that were covered in this course.
  2. Take an image of that system or component. It can either be in good condition or have a defect. 
  3. Make observations and take notes. 
  4. Write and submit a short essay describing your inspection image and upload the inspection image with the essay. 

For more examples, you could inspect a water valve, a water pipe, or you could even download a picture of a pool system from the Internet. When inspecting, take inspection images while performing the inspection. Observe. Take notes. Then prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay. 

This inspection and writing assignment in this course is similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, taking inspection images, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.

Your essay must the following criteria: 

  • It must be written in English. 
  • It must be at least 80 words in length. 
  • It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.  
  • It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected. 
  • It must be submitted with an inspection photo. 

You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay”. You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, it will reviewed and marked by staff.   

Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.

 

As discussed in the CE, the pool equipment should be inspected for leaks, safety concerns, other deficiencies, and in proper working order. In this picture, I can inspect the pool pump for leaks and listen for proper sound, the filter for leaks and proper pressure indicating the need for backwash cleaning, and the piping and valves for leaks, cracks, physical damage, etc. I can also ensure that the power leading to this equipment is properly installed, GFCI protected and in good working order.
3122

A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:

View Question

To successfully complete this course, you must write two short essays. On this slide are instructions for the first essay, which involves taking an inspection image and performing an inspection. The second essay is described on the next page.  

 In relation to this inspection and writing assignment: 

  1. Perform an inspection related directly to the systems and components covered in this course. If you don't have access to a pool, no problem. Inspect some plumbing components of your house. Or inspect the electrical components, like GFCI receptacles. Or, instead of a pool heater, inspect your own water heater tank. Instead of a pool barrier, inspect your friend's fence. Inspect something similar to the components or systems that were covered in this course.
  2. Take an image of that system or component. It can either be in good condition or have a defect. 
  3. Make observations and take notes. 
  4. Write and submit a short essay describing your inspection image and upload the inspection image with the essay. 

For more examples, you could inspect a water valve, a water pipe, or you could even download a picture of a pool system from the Internet. When inspecting, take inspection images while performing the inspection. Observe. Take notes. Then prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay. 

This inspection and writing assignment in this course is similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, taking inspection images, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.

Your essay must the following criteria: 

  • It must be written in English. 
  • It must be at least 80 words in length. 
  • It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.  
  • It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected. 
  • It must be submitted with an inspection photo. 

You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay”. You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, it will reviewed and marked by staff.   

Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.

 

Inspection of pool equipment: Located inside of a covered enclosure. Recommend a front weather proof covering as rain and sprinkler allow water to enter area. Did not observe any leaks at valves, pump and pipe connections. All valves were open. 3 way valves installed. Motor had copper bonded grounded wire. 12 volt system to pool light. Paper filter medium with a pressure relief valve. PSI gauge was high, 15 lbs. at time of inspection. Recommend clean the filter as this is a high pressure and indicates that the filter is dirty. Pool timer is mechanical and was working at time of inspection. Single light, below water level, mounted on pool wall facing South towards the pump house. Light element replaced with a multi-colored LED light. Sub panel has breaker for GFI protected receptacle mounted outside of pump house facing the pool with protective cover and GFI functioning when tested, breaker for pool light and double breaker for pool pump. Piping is schedule 40 pvc, standard and appeared in good condition. PVC will breakdown, over time, if left in the sun, recommend to cover and/or paint the piping to protect from UV rays. Pool pump basket was free of debris. Recommend to clean out any debris and dirt accumulated within the enclosure. The roof of the enclosure is showing wear and signs of leaking and recommend to repair and/or replace the roofing material. Pool pump was on during the inspection and did not have any unusual sounds and turbulence. The pressure of the water out to the pool seemed adequate. Also noted a pool drain line with a pvc valve that was in the closed position, for draining the pool. Recommend asking the homeowner where it drains to and if it is working. It is not part of the inspection standards to open and close valves. The pool inspection is to identify any conditions that may be a safety issue, recommendations of repairs and to keep a watch on identified components as to wear or end of their useful life.