Pool inspection: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pool inspection is

A pool inspection reviews a pool's structure, surface, equipment, plumbing, barriers and safety features, noting leaks, wear and hazards. Buyers often order one before buying a home with a pool, and owners use it to plan repairs and check that safety barriers still work as they should.

Signs you need it

  • You are buying a home with a pool, and you have no records of the equipment age or the last repair
  • The water level drops faster than evaporation explains, or you see wet spots around the deck or equipment
  • The pool surface has cracks, delamination, loose tile or rough plaster, or the liner is torn or faded
  • The pump, the filter or the heater runs poorly, makes unusual noise or has leaks at the fittings
  • Your fence, gate or cover no longer latches or closes, or the barrier is damaged

What the pro does

  • The inspector reviews the pool type, the age and the records for the shell, the surface and the equipment
  • They inspect the walls, the floor, the steps, the coping and the tile for cracks, delamination or loose areas
  • They test the pump, the filter, the heater, the skimmer and the return lines for function and leaks
  • They check the plumbing and the suction and return fittings, including the drain covers and the safety features
  • They examine the barriers, the gates, the latches, the cover and the alarms against the rules that apply
  • They write a report with photos that lists the leaks, the wear and the hazards, and the repairs each needs

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Pool type and size, such as in-ground, above-ground, concrete, fiberglass or vinyl liner
  • Equipment count and age, including the pump, filter, heater and any automation
  • Access to the equipment pad, the crawl space or the underground plumbing
  • Whether a leak test or pressure test is included or priced separately
  • Barrier and safety feature check, including fences, gates, covers and alarms
  • Water chemistry and surface testing included or excluded
  • Follow-up visit needed after the owner makes the repairs

What a written quote should spell out

  • Pool type, size and equipment list with the ages noted
  • Scope of the inspection, including the shell, surface, plumbing and equipment
  • Leak test included or excluded, and the method used
  • Barrier and safety features checked, with the rules named that apply to them
  • Report format, photos and the delivery date
  • Follow-up visit terms and whether the report includes repair estimates

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you test the pool for leaks, and what method will you use?
  • How old is the surface and the shell, and what signs of wear did you see?
  • Do the barriers, gates and latches meet the rules that apply to this property?
  • Does the drain cover and the suction system meet current safety requirements?
  • Which equipment needs replacing soon, and which is in good working order?
  • Are you licensed or certified, and can I check that with the state board?
  • Will you tell me which repairs need a licensed pool contractor?

Red flags

  • They say the pool is sound without running any leak test or checking the equipment
  • They do not look at the barriers, the gates or the drain covers
  • They recommend a surface replacement without showing photos of the defects
  • They are paid by a pool company and do not disclose it

What you can do yourself

You can walk the deck and the fence line, check that gates latch and close, note any cracks, stains and wet spots, and keep a log of the water levels over a few days. Do not drain the pool to inspect the shell, do not open the pump or the heater electrical connections, and do not repair the plumbing or the drain cover yourself. Call a licensed pool contractor or inspector for those checks.

Licenses and permits

Pool inspection is often done by a licensed home inspector or a certified pool professional, and repairs to electrical or plumbing parts are often limited to licensed trades. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department for the pool barrier and inspection rules that apply to your property.

Pool inspection questions

Does a pool inspection test for leaks?

It can, with a leak test that the inspector runs and explains. Ask which method is used, since a visual check alone can miss a small leak in the shell or the plumbing.

Why do pool barriers matter in an inspection?

Barriers, gates and latches keep children and pets out of the water. An inspector checks that they close, latch and are in good repair, and notes any gap or damage.

Should I inspect a pool before buying a house?

Yes. A pool can carry costly repairs, such as a surface failure or a pump problem. Ask the inspector to report the condition of the shell, the surface and the equipment before you commit.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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