Pool inspections: Safety Guidelines
Our responsibility in all inspections is to observe and report on deficiencies of a home and we should take great care in our duty. Proper mechanical operation of a pool is important; however safety is just as important if not more important. A safety issue could result in injury or dead of a child. We should have a broad working knowledge of the components, train our eyes to see and report findings that might save a child’s life. The lack of proper fencing or alarm could be much more significant than a leaking connection.
This pool lacked self closures on the gate and alarm for back door leading to the pool.
Swimmers may contract bacterial infections even in a properly balanced and maintained pool. Using chlorine or another disinfect is very effective against most, but not all bacteria. Failure to disinfect the pool greatly increases the risk to the swimmer which can result to illness and even death.
Some bacteria, protozoa, which causes diarrhea are highly resistant to chlorine and can survive up to 10 days in a pool.
Swimmers should shower with soap before and after swimming.
If the swimmer is experiencing or recently experienced diarrhea, they should not enter the swimming pool.
Babies should be diapered away from the pool and thoroughly washed before returning to the pool.
At the first sign of fecal matter in the pool, the pool should be treated.
this spa has rope lighting and exterior pot lights mounted to a bench 18 inch from the spa, there is also Christmas tree lights hung horizontally and vertically a couple of feet from spa, The lighting is plugged into working GFCI receptacles. this would have to be marked in my report as a possible hazard and a licensed electrician should be called or lights to close to spa should simply be removed. Also noted in report the GFCI breaker with 240 volts is 4 feet from tub mounted on house beside entrance to home, again noted and a licensed electrician should be consulted and maybe have moved.
There are three main types of filters used on swimming pools, they are sand filters diatomaceous earth filters and cartridge filters. The sand and diatomaceous earth filters have to be backwashed while the cartridge filter does not get backwashed. Some citys have banned the practice of running diatomaceous earth backwash lines directly to city sewer systems because of its potential to cause sewer back ups if powder clogs up. Once Diatomaceous filter has been backwashed it has to be re-charged, in report I would mark down maybe have a pool company out to have a look at pools current system and how it works.
The picture I’m providing shows two Pool Vessels and a Tanning Ledge vessel that I provided Inspection and Project management services for the Property Owners. It was interesting dealing with a pre cast pool vessel in the past my involvement building pools were limited to gunite constructed pools.
I’m currently taking the ‘‘How to Inspect Pools and Spas’’ Coarse to be prepared to take the Tennessee State License. I’ve learned quite a bit about different construction practices used in this part of our country, I’m originalty from the west coast.
The image I chose to take a picture of is basically the heart of the swimming pool system, the pumb, as well as the different plumbing pipes, veins as I learned they are called. As you can see this system has a filter, which has a gauge mounted on top. It does appear that this is all schedule 40 PVC as it should be. You can also see all the different valves and such. The pressure relief valve is also installed in the plumbing system as it should be. I did not get all the pump info, or the BTU’s of the heater, however I know to do that when performing a pool inspection.
Ive decided to research swimming pool barriers and the importance of having them. In the US alone, they estimate that approximately 250 children annually lose their life due to drowning. In the warmer states, such as California, Florida and others, where swimming pools are open the majority of the year, drowning is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age. I’ll be honest, I knew of swimming pool barriers, however I didn’t really take them serious. After my research on this topic, I will definitely have a better understanding of the importance of the swimming pool barrier, which will greatly help when I’m explaining my findings to my clients.
The systems for a pool were inspected. There were no leaks from the pump and no visible rust on the motor. The motor sounded serviceable. The pool heater appeared to the heating the pool to the proper temperature. The system has not been serviced recently. We recommended evaluation by pool professional for servicing.
I researched the common structure of in ground pools. It is important to note any issues with damage or bubbling to the lining or cracks in the plaster. Also, any damage or loose tiles need to be repaired. Along with all other inspection items, pools should be serviced and maintained often to ensure proper function.
During my last ride along inspection guidance by one of my mentors we stopped by my home for lunch. We broke out the extension ladder, and set it up at the back of my home using the 4-to-1 rule for safety. Once we were up on the roof we could see the recent repairs that had been made to the roof after a tree branch had fallen through two years prior. I had already been inside of the attic space by usage of the interior drop down ladder located in the hallway near the bathroom on the inside of the home. The inside of the attic area below the repaired section did not show any signs of moisture intrusion, but a walk upon the roof was necessary. The repair of the roof was adequately done, but the usage of a tar sealant is showing signs of wear. It would be recommended to have this roof replaced as there is some signs of the shingles deteriorating naturally as we found small shingle particles in the gutter system.
Article chosen: Pool Water Pathogens - by Nick Gromicko
Mr. Gromicko’s article focuses on the possible sickness outbreaks that are associated with swimming pools due to viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The waste from the infected swimmer can directly contaminate the water in the pool or spa with sufficient pathogens to cause infections in the other swimmers who come in contact with the infected waste. Feces is a particular danger that Nick points to in this article due to the Ecoli outbreaks and the fact that the pathogens they contain are typically present in enormous numbers, approaching a million per gram of feces. A single fecal release in a pool could contaminate millions of gallons of water, according to the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health" (Gromicko, 2017).
When inspecting pools and spas, pay close attention to the main drain and the safety grate. A simple Google search will yield story after story of children being disemboweled by sitting on the main drain and skimmers. While the suction may feel like a fun game to a child, the danger is real. Even if both skimmer and main drain are covered by grates/locks, remind parents of the danger.
Pools can be enjoyable only if certain safety is applied. Barriers are an important aspect. Children are often victims of pool drownings due to inadequate barriers preventing them from falling into pools. A pool needs to have a barrier 48 inches tall with a self closing and self locking gate. A pool cover designed for the weight of a person can also be used. Adequate non slip surfaces can help prevent kids from falling into a pool. Special alarms installed around barriers can help alert an adult of someone around the pool. These are very important measures a pool owner can take to help ensure the safety of children around a pool
Young child can get over a pool barrier if the barrier is too low, or if the barrier has handholds or footholds for a child to use for climbing. The guidelines recommend that the top of a pool barrier be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Eliminating handholds and footholds, and minimizing the size of openings in a barriers construction, can prevent children from climbing pool barriers. A gate must be self closing and with a self locking to help prevent a child from entering a pool area.
I read the pool article on safety guidelines for home pools. Very good information to pass on to your clients especially if they have small children. We don’t have many pools in the Portland area however if they did an alarm is a very good thing to have. Children want to play in the backyard and if the pool is available they will go right for it. I did not know that drowning was the leading cause of death around the home for children under the age of 5 years old. This is very important and if we can save one child it will be worth it.
I read the pool article on safety guidelines for home pools. Very good information to pass on to your clients especially if they have small children. We don’t have many pools in the Portland area however if they did an alarm is a very good thing to have. Children want to play in the backyard and if the pool is available they will go right for it. I did not know that drowning was the leading cause of death around the home for children under the age of 5 years old. This is very important and if we can save one child it will be worth it.
This electrically powered water heater is located in the garage and has a capacity of 50 US gallons. All plumbing fittings and water shutoff valves look to be in good working condition and are free of any signs of damage. The TPR valve is present and appears to be in good condition with no visible signs of leaks or damage. The TPR valve should be piped to discharge at a point above the floor drain. The unit is securely strapped to the wall and elevated off the floor of the garage. The electrical line to the unit appears to be free of any damage and in proper working order.
Asbestos fibers have been found to lead to an increase risk of lung cancer. Although not common in household products today, asbestos can be found in an number of areas in homes built before the late 1970’s including, but not limited to, paint, insulation, joint compound, and floor tiles.
The only way to tell if asbestos is present is to have a sample sent to a lab and analyzed by a specialist.
If you think asbestos may be present in your home, dont panic, the best thing to do is leave it alone. If you must have it removed, be sure to have an approved general asbestos contractor take a look and determine the best method for removal.
