Scope of Inspection
When included with the home inspection, in-ground pools and attached spas/hot tubs are visually inspected for general condition and operation when present and accessible.
The inspection may include:
- visible pool equipment condition
- equipment grounding
- pumps and circulation
- timers and accessible controls
- manual water valves
- heaters
- visible plumbing
- decking and coping
- pool barriers and gates
- readily observable safety concerns
Equipment age and serviceability may be estimated where identification information is available.
Above-ground pools and portable hot tubs are outside the normal scope of a home inspection unless specifically agreed otherwise.
Remote-control systems, concealed low-voltage wiring, automation programming, and other specialized control functions may not be fully evaluated.
Sellers should demonstrate specialized or remote-operated equipment before closing when applicable.
Pool Heaters
Pool heaters are inspected for visible condition, accessible grounding, controls, and general response to normal operating controls when conditions permit.
A home inspection does not guarantee heating capacity, exact water temperature, or long-term performance.
Plumbing
Visible above-ground pool plumbing is inspected for leakage and general condition.
Underground pool plumbing cannot be visually inspected.
Conditions such as unexplained water loss, soil washout, settlement, or sinking deck materials may indicate underground leakage and warrant professional leak-detection evaluation.
Decking & Surfaces
Accessible pool decking, coping, and visible finish surfaces are inspected for:
- significant cracking
- settlement
- loose or damaged materials
- missing grout
- trip hazards
- other visible deterioration
Surfaces below the waterline cannot be fully evaluated during a visual home inspection.
Life Safety
Pool barriers, gates, doors, handrails, diving equipment, and other visible safety-related components are inspected where applicable.
Particular attention is given to conditions that may permit unauthorized or unsupervised access to the pool area by children or pets.
Safety concerns should be corrected promptly.
During the final walk-through, buyers should verify that pool gates, screen doors, and other applicable access points close, latch, and remain properly secured.
Conditions can change between the inspection and closing.