https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=471
Pool Skimmer Picture from gallery
It is important to check that the pool skimmer has sufficient ventilation to ensure the suction levels do not drop. Surface debris can easily block the hole on the top of the skimmer which can reduce the efficiency dramatically.
This image of a swimming pool shows that there appears to be dirt and/or fungus of some type on the walls. Regular maintenance has not been performed. Having a checklist and being on a routine schedule of upkeep and maintenance will avoid such problems before they turn into much larger ones such as this.
D.E. filters are the most efficient type of pool filter available to pool owners. It can trap particles down to 3 - 5 microns; well below what the naked eye can see. DE filters, like most pool filters, use a pressure gauge to indicate the need for backwashing; when it reads 8 - 10 lbs. higher than the clean, or start-up pressure. After backwashing a D.E. filter, the dirty filter powder is discharged, and a new application of D.E. filter powder is added to the filter, by pouring it into the skimmer.
For this essay I had to use an image from nachi images as I don’t have access to any pools. In this image it appears that it is a sealed fixture. One thing that I had forgotten about was the lights should be 18" below the deck surface. I have never liked the idea of lights and pool, but if everything is wired properly and connected to GFI then there is nothing to worry about.
The article I chose to read was"pool drain hazards inspection". The biggest thing that I am taking away from the article is the importance of anti entanglement drain covers. I never knew so many people drown and or be one disembowled from some as simple as a broken drain cover. As a new inspector I will have to make sure to never miss any broken drain covers.
This is a two-loop pump unit, one loop heats the concrete floor and the other side heats the hot tub located outside. The unit is fired with a 90% efficient natural gas boiler. This system requires more complicated filtering system and mechanical check valves to and from the hot tub.
From the article “pool alarms” 350 children under the age of 5 drown in private swimming pools every year and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act passed in 2007 to help reduce the number of needless deaths. there are many different alarms and I look forward to learning about each one.
The pool has what looks like a yellow algae stain on the floor. Also, some black algae in the grout of the tiles, and some light chipping in tiles from the pool previously being to acidic. These issues are cosmetic, for as you can see the water is clear and water level is acceptable, the water inlet are also visible. You can see pool cleaning equipment in picture which is a strong indicator of regular schedule maintenance.
All electrical outlets within 20 ft. of the inside wall of a pool must be GFCI protected.This outlet is not GFCI protected, therefore this would be a safety hazard to anyone using the pool.This should be noted in the report.
Between 1965 and 1973, aluminum single strand wiring was used frequently for electrical branch wiring.Aluminum has many qualities that make it less desirable than copper for electrical wiring.Any instance of single strand aluminum wiring observed by the home inspector must be reported in the inspection report.
Pool and spa inspection checklist starts with the visible area, making sure the water is clear, area is clean and free of any clutter. Following that, make sure the pool and spa safety rules are clearly visible and pool equipment is stored properly and easily accessible / properly maintained. Check and ensure all ladder / handrails / steps and all manners to enter and exit the swimming area secure and free of algae. Check water level, skimmer, check main drain cover, check for water inlet jets, and any visible inspection of any fixtures. Lastly, inspect pool pump, piping for any visible cracks or leaks.
This is a photo of a very dirty DE filter. It was pulled from a local pool and my mentor advised the client that there may be a history of poor maintenance on this pool. The client asked for disclosure and it turned out that the homeowner hadn’t had the pool serviced ever.
I read the article on “Anti-Scald Valves” and I was actually unaware how fast scalding could occur. I knew it was fast, but the actual numbers of water that is 160 F or greater can cause scalding in 0.5 seconds, is exceptionally quick. I will definitely recommend anti-scald valves to all home buyers, but especially those with small children, who may play in the bathroom (as children all do).
I came across an empty pool during an inspection. The pool shell is made of concrete and about 5 feet deep; obviously under repair. The owner was present and in our conversation he said he drained it (without seeking advice from a pool company) and its been empty for a couple of weeks. Without knowing the thickness of the concrete walls and how much hydrostatic pressure they could withstand I advised my client the dangers of emptying a pool and the possibility of the walls being damage or collapsing due to the pressure of the earth and the likelihood of the walls not being designed like a retaining wall of this height would be.
I read the article on Acid Rain and Inspectors: Buildings at Risk. It stated the pH level of lake water tends to re-stabilize and maintain equilibrium but it did not say anything about pool water. So I wonder what, if any, the impact acid rain has on pool water and the impact it may or could have on the pool equipment itself.
Inspection of the pool area reviewed deficiencies in the security of the pool area. The exit doors to the pool areas do not have safety alarms as required. The fence gates were not self closing and self laching. These deficiencies are a major safety concern and require immediate correction .
A review of the article about mold air testing. Air mold testing is a important tool in the overall mold inspection but is not itself a determining factor alone. Air testing can help find long spore chains that wold indicate mold growth near by.
Further investigation is required to confirm the results.
The photo provided of pool area that had several issues with palm tree planted too close to pool shell area and deck at the same location not sloped properly away from pool ledge. The pool equipment did was not properly GFCI protected. That is just a start.
This course is very helpful in many ways. The calculations on pool size is very good information. I would like to see a video instruction of a basic pool and spa inspection. The check list for inspection is great also.
