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A Deep Dive Into When & Why Regular Swimming Pool Inspections Should be Done to Maintain Safety

Chad Maag • December 15, 2023

As a pool contractor, I spend a lot of time creating gorgeous outdoor living spaces for my clients – complete with a sparkling pool, lighting, and landscaping. Many people don’t realize that the job of a pool company doesn’t end when the pool installation is complete. While you might be aware that regular maintenance needs to be done, you might not have considered the need for regular swimming pool inspections.

In this article, I’ll go over the following information about pool inspections:

Why you need pool inspections
Routine pool inspection schedules
Special circumstances

I want you to be able to use your pool year after year without a hitch, so let’s get started on the important information you need to do.

Why You Need Pool Inspections

As you use your pool and add chemicals (if you’re doing that yourself), you will naturally take a look at parts of the pool. If you notice something obvious, like a hole in the liner or a leaking pump, it’s likely you’d call us right away for a repair.

Many times, however, damage to the pool isn’t apparent. Problems can crop up with the circulation systems, the electrical components, or even the safety features. Inspecting the pool for signs that any of these systems might need repair or replacement is a vital part of catching issues quickly. The longer an issue is allowed to fester, the more likely it is that a larger, more expensive repair might become necessary. In some cases, there could be a safety hazard involved.

I recommend regular pool inspections as well as extra inspections when extraordinary circumstances occur. These will often catch problems in their early stages and can prevent the need for emergency service or loss of use.

Routine Pool Inspection Schedules

There are certain times when you should plan on having your swimming pool inspected. This will vary depending on exactly what equipment you have. I or one of my team can advise you based on your specific circumstances.

In general, though, a thorough inspection should be done at the following times:

Before opening the pool at the beginning of the season. After sitting unused for the long winter season, the equipment’s functionality, the water quality, and the overall structural integrity of the pool should be checked. We want to be sure the pool is in top condition before you begin swimming or inviting others to swim.
Monthly inspections throughout the season. During the times the pool is getting heavy use, a monthly inspection should take place. This involves checking the water chemistry and filtration systems. We’ll also take a look at the pool surroundings to look for signs of leaks and other issues. This can and should be done at the same time as your regular monthly maintenance.
When closing the pool. Proper winterizing is vital to ensure the pool is as protected as possible from harsh winter weather. My team can check the water levels and make sure the pipes are drained correctly. This will make it easier to open the pool next summer.
After the winter season wanes. Having your pool inspected after the last freeze gives us time to address any issues that might have cropped up over the winter season. This can prevent delays to opening your pool once the weather fully warms up.

Special Circumstances

In addition to routine pool inspections, there are a few other times I recommend an extra inspection:

After a heavy storm. In Ohio, we can get some severe weather conditions. If there’s a particularly severe storm, it’s a good idea to have everything checked over to ensure the pool isn’t damaged. If it has become damaged, you will have time to work on getting the repairs done prior to the next swimming season to minimize downtime.
Before purchasing a home with a pool. If you’re house-hunting and considering homes with pools, be sure to include a thorough inspection of the pool when you have the regular home inspection done. It can save you from nasty surprises later!
Before putting your house on the market. In the same respect, having a pool inspection completed can set potential buyers at ease. In addition, it gives you a chance to fix any issues that could potentially impede the sale of your home. WIN Home Inspection has some good information on what’s included in a pool inspection when you’re buying or selling a home.

Conclusion

Having your pool inspected regularly allows you to avoid major pool repairs by catching issues early. It can also keep your family safer and even avoid pitfalls when buying or selling a home. Knowing when to have your swimming pool inspected is important and something that should be discussed with your pool contractor.