Owning a home with a swimming pool is the dream of practically every Floridian. So house hunters who put a pool on their must-have list can easily be dazzled when they find what seems to be their dream property, complete with an inviting pool. Although experienced homebuyers know that looks can be deceiving when it comes to the condition of a house, they may not be so savvy regarding the potential for problems lurking beneath the placid blue water of that pool – especially if they would be first-time pool owners!
You may assume that hidden issues with the pool would be uncovered during the home inspection, which is scheduled after you and the property’s seller sign the purchase agreement and the house goes into escrow. Unfortunately, this assumption is incorrect – and what you don’t know may wind up costing you! Being an informed homebuyer when buying a house with a pool can save you money and a good amount of disillusionment.
Don’t Assume the Home Inspector will Perform a Thorough Inspection of the Pool
According to an eye-opening article by real estate writer Lisa Kaplan Gordon in Realtor.com, home inspectors will turn on pool pumps and heaters to make sure they’re working. However, inspectors won’t automatically evaluate cracks in the pool or check for leaks. For the most part, they evaluate a pool based upon visual observation.
Considering the expense of repairing a leak – or other problems that may be hiding – why isn’t a more extensive pool inspection a matter of course? Lance Anderson – president of Anderson Manufacturing and industry-recognized leak detection expert – has an answer.
“Many pool inspections are done by inspectors that come from the home inspection side of things, and they may not want to address leaks because they have no idea how to go about finding — or even talking about — the problem if one is detected. Some might just do a bucket test to determine whether the pool is leaking or not, but then avoid talking about location. Inspectors have different levels of expertise depending on their background.”
Common Issues in Swimming Pools
A pool could have more issues than meet the eyes of the home inspector. Here are some of the most common – which you should become knowledgeable about, especially if this will be your first pool!
Structural damage – Concrete and fiberglass pools can develop cracks that cause leaking. Cracks typically occur around lights and returns.
Plumbing – Underground leaks can be caused by corrosion or movements in the ground, damaging your home’s underground plumbing or possibly puncturing the floor of the pool.
Broken pipes – These can include the following:
- Return pipes: When the pool and the pool return pipes settle in the ground at different rates, this often causes a leak where the return meets the pool wall. This type is a very common leak location.
- Main drain: This is one of the hardest factors for finding leaks in pools, and is very difficult to inspect without proper training or equipment. Main drains can leak around the fixture itself, as well as through the suction pipe that connects to them. Additionally, the main drain can develop leaks in the hydrostatic relief.
- Skimmer pipe: Concrete pool skimmers are usually encased in concrete on all sides, making the connection point that much harder to access without high-tech equipment and trained ears. This is why it’s so important to hire a professional leak detection company
- Equalizer line: Leaks in equalizer pipes are one of the most likely suspects with older swimming pools. The equalizer line in the pool is a non-pressurized pipe that connects from the main drain to the underside of the skimmer.
- Loose or broken fittings: While breaks, cracks or collapses in the pipe can happen anywhere, they are most likely to be where joint connections have been made. This is a common situation in both pools and spas.
Why Swimming Pool Issues Need to Be Identified and Repaired Before Closing Day
Time is not on your side when it comes to uncovering pool issues when buying a house. After you close on the house, you’ve lost any leverage you may have had with the seller to pay or adjust the purchase price for repairs. Hiring a professional pool inspector who will run pressure tests for plumbing leaks, scrutinize pumps, filters, decking surfaces and safety covers – among other checks – is a worthwhile investment that could save you money in expensive repairs down the road, as well as provide peace of mind.
Beth Sterner – founder of Community Real Estate of the Carolinas – offers the following advice for homebuyers arranging a pool inspection.
“When a pool service professional inspects the pool they should test the overall operating condition of the equipment and make sure it is in good working order. Usually this is mainly a visual inspection, just understand that you and the inspector do not have the right to take apart the equipment. If something is questionable, it is the seller’s responsibility to hire someone to further evaluate the cause of the issue and repair if they agree to do so. You will need to discuss any finding with the pool inspector and with your Realtor in the event any modifications need to be made to your offer to purchase the home.”
The Take-Home Message
It’s a fact of life that “buyer beware” should always be foremost in mind whenever making any major purchase. Knowledge is power, and knowing the importance of having your future pool inspected by a swimming pool professional will help you and your family enjoy years of trouble-free fun in your slice of Central Florida paradise! Our blog post – “Buying a House with a Pool? What You Can’t Count on a Home Inspector to Do!” – covers this topic in additional detail.
Don’t leave this important part of your home inspection to chance! Certified Leak Detection uses technology and techniques we have developed over 20 years in business. In addition to quick detection of pool leaks, we provide industry-leading leak detection for spas and hot tubs, as well as fountains. Serving areas throughout Central Florida – including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Springs – our team is ready to answer your call.
Contact us for quick, reliable service!