ONLY EXPERTS should perform swimming pool inspections! There are zillions of people who perform swimming pool inspections. And only 100 of those are actually qualified to perform the type of inspection that is really required.
Case in point... the contract for a pool inspection company .com type of business has the following exclusions in their contract:
"The following are excluded from the scope of this pool/spa inspection.."
"Compliance with installation guidelines, manufacturers' specifications, building codes, all ordinances, regulations, etc."
If the pool was not built to code and apparatus were installed incorrectly, then the pool is a safety hazard!
"Obtaining or reviewing information from any third-parties including, but not limited to: government agencies..."
Wouldn't you want the inspector to review the original plans, engineering and if the project ever had it's "final inspection?" These records can reveal a lot about the integrity of the pool... piss poor planning = piss poor performance!
"Geotechnical, engineering, structural..."
These documents should be a part of the initial plan package. They should at least be reviewed for any glaring issues.
"Dismantling of any system, structure or component..."
Electrical panels & junction boxes need be opened and examined for hazards, corrosion and code compliance. Illegal splices are oftentimes hidden in these places. Electricity & water do not mix! Don't you want to know if rats have eaten the control wiring inside the pool heater or if it is all corroded inside?
"Come into contact with pool/spa water to examine the system, structure, or components.."
Oh, no they don't want to get wet. How are they going to examine the pool & spa lighting to determine if they are potted and properly bonded? Drain covers need to be removed to examine the sumps for compliance with the Graeme-Baker Safety Act.
"Examine accessories, such as, but not limited to: fountains, water falls, diving or jump boards, ladders, slides, steps..."
So they are going to totally ignore corroded structures and fasteners on these components, loose steps, railings and not evaluate if they are even attached to the electrical bonding grid? Don;t you want to know if waterfalls leak or their pipes are broken?
"Operating or evaluating, security systems, alarms, remote controls, radio controls, computer controls, low voltage electrical systems, antennas, electronic controls, key-operated switches..."
So they are not even going to test the pool controls, spaside remote, door alarms, automatic pool cover switch, wireless remote controls. Wouldn't you want to know if you could turn on the spa, operate the waterfall, or adjust the temperature?
"Operating or evaluating, pool/spa covers, back-flushing systems, automatic water re-fills, anti vortex drains, valves, air switches, jets, pool cleaners, aerators, skimmers, chemical injection systems, water chemistry or other conditioning devices..."
Why aren't they going to test the pool cover? You can't even use the pool if the automatic cover does not open. How are they going to even inspect the inside of the pool, if they won't even open the cover?
Skimmers, drains, spa jets, pool cleaners and chemical balancing systems are all integral components of a swimming pool. If they are not operating or are in need of repairs, wouldn't you want to know that BEFORE you made an offer on the property?
"Evaluate thermostats, heating elements and solar systems...."
I'd want to know if the heater worked or the solar system leaked... brrrrr the spa is cold.
"Evaluating child access barriers or enclosures..."
The pool is REQUIRED BY STATE LAW to be in compliance with the Child Safety Barrier Codes. It will have to be in compliance - period. Don't you want to know what needs to be done?
"Inspector is a pool/spa inspection generalist and is not acting as an expert in any trade."
Inspecting swimming pools requires the knowledge of many trades, the related standards and practices and various applicable codes. The pool inspector needs to be an EXPERT in these fields with prior experience with pool design and construction.
Why all of the exclusions?
I don't know... many of these items relate directly to the proper operation and enjoyment of the swimming pool and spa. Others are life safety issues...
...maybe it's because they really don't know what they are doing????
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist, Consultant & Construction Defect Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
Case in point... the contract for a pool inspection company .com type of business has the following exclusions in their contract:
"The following are excluded from the scope of this pool/spa inspection.."
"Compliance with installation guidelines, manufacturers' specifications, building codes, all ordinances, regulations, etc."
If the pool was not built to code and apparatus were installed incorrectly, then the pool is a safety hazard!
"Obtaining or reviewing information from any third-parties including, but not limited to: government agencies..."
Wouldn't you want the inspector to review the original plans, engineering and if the project ever had it's "final inspection?" These records can reveal a lot about the integrity of the pool... piss poor planning = piss poor performance!
"Geotechnical, engineering, structural..."
These documents should be a part of the initial plan package. They should at least be reviewed for any glaring issues.
"Dismantling of any system, structure or component..."
Electrical panels & junction boxes need be opened and examined for hazards, corrosion and code compliance. Illegal splices are oftentimes hidden in these places. Electricity & water do not mix! Don't you want to know if rats have eaten the control wiring inside the pool heater or if it is all corroded inside?
"Come into contact with pool/spa water to examine the system, structure, or components.."
Oh, no they don't want to get wet. How are they going to examine the pool & spa lighting to determine if they are potted and properly bonded? Drain covers need to be removed to examine the sumps for compliance with the Graeme-Baker Safety Act.
"Examine accessories, such as, but not limited to: fountains, water falls, diving or jump boards, ladders, slides, steps..."
So they are going to totally ignore corroded structures and fasteners on these components, loose steps, railings and not evaluate if they are even attached to the electrical bonding grid? Don;t you want to know if waterfalls leak or their pipes are broken?
"Operating or evaluating, security systems, alarms, remote controls, radio controls, computer controls, low voltage electrical systems, antennas, electronic controls, key-operated switches..."
So they are not even going to test the pool controls, spaside remote, door alarms, automatic pool cover switch, wireless remote controls. Wouldn't you want to know if you could turn on the spa, operate the waterfall, or adjust the temperature?
"Operating or evaluating, pool/spa covers, back-flushing systems, automatic water re-fills, anti vortex drains, valves, air switches, jets, pool cleaners, aerators, skimmers, chemical injection systems, water chemistry or other conditioning devices..."
Why aren't they going to test the pool cover? You can't even use the pool if the automatic cover does not open. How are they going to even inspect the inside of the pool, if they won't even open the cover?
Skimmers, drains, spa jets, pool cleaners and chemical balancing systems are all integral components of a swimming pool. If they are not operating or are in need of repairs, wouldn't you want to know that BEFORE you made an offer on the property?
"Evaluate thermostats, heating elements and solar systems...."
I'd want to know if the heater worked or the solar system leaked... brrrrr the spa is cold.
"Evaluating child access barriers or enclosures..."
The pool is REQUIRED BY STATE LAW to be in compliance with the Child Safety Barrier Codes. It will have to be in compliance - period. Don't you want to know what needs to be done?
"Inspector is a pool/spa inspection generalist and is not acting as an expert in any trade."
Inspecting swimming pools requires the knowledge of many trades, the related standards and practices and various applicable codes. The pool inspector needs to be an EXPERT in these fields with prior experience with pool design and construction.
Why all of the exclusions?
I don't know... many of these items relate directly to the proper operation and enjoyment of the swimming pool and spa. Others are life safety issues...
...maybe it's because they really don't know what they are doing????
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist, Consultant & Construction Defect Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com