Buying a home with a pool? Read this info about pool inspections first.

Homes are selling left and right in Georgia right now, particularly in metro Atlanta, which is great for people who are looking to sell their homes quickly and at a profit. But as a homebuyer, it’s not quite as simple. You’ll likely need to make an offer fast, and that sometimes that means you'll feel pressured to skip in-depth inspections on all the things you would normally look at before making such a big purchase. 

But if you’re looking at a home with a pool, there are plenty of good reasons to slow your roll. If you’re getting ready to sign that dotted line, here are a few things to check before buying a home with a pool.

Our Guide to Pool Inspections for Home Buyers

Pools are a God-send during the long, hot summer months around Atlanta. There is no better respite from a long work week than a relaxing swim in your own backyard, and no activity more fulfilling than a festive get-together with friends and family pool-side. That’s why many people when house hunting decide to try to find a home with an in-ground pool already in place. This is a great choice for people who aren’t interested in the investment, work, or potentially disruptive construction that it would take to install your own pool. But before closing on a home with a pool, it’s important to do your due diligence and understand the condition of the pool, including its structure and equipment. 

Just like you would have a home inspector look at your roof, foundation, and other critical components of a home you’re about to buy, you need a professional pool inspector to ensure you’re getting the best deal and not about to strap yourself to a money pit. 

What will a pool inspector do? 

It’s key that you get a dedicated pool inspector, even if your regular home inspector covers the pool in their inspection. This is because they may not be trained in all of the ins and outs of in-ground pools and the infrastructure that supports them. Once you’ve secured an Atlanta pool inspection company to come look at your potential new oasis, there are a few things you should make sure they do for you. 

Inspect all features of the pool structure

Depending on the age of the home in question and when the pool was installed, there will likely be some natural wear and tear. While homeowners may replace a pool lining or reseal a deck in order to make it more appealing to potential buyers, there are many other areas to check for serious issues like settling, cracking, chipping, and unevenness. These include: 

• The interior finish/plaster, whether it be pebble, marcite, quartz aggregate, or another material
• Tiles along the edge of the pool, along with the grout or mortar in between
• The coping or deck material that surrounds the pool, and any sealant or stains
• Anything that can be eroded or damaged by a saltwater, such as railings or surfaces

Ensure pool meets local standards for safety, code

Whether you’re looking at a pool in a rural area with lots of space around or are considering a home in a subdivision with limited backyard room, local regulations still apply to the pool and its accessories. While safety rules vary from state to state and city to city, the inspector you hire will know the details and be able to tell you if the pool is up to code. Even if the pool breaks no municipal laws, your inspector may point out safety hazards that you can address with the seller. 

Assess the condition of pool equipment

Pool equipment includes items like the pump, filter, and heater, if there is one. Look for any weird noises or mechanical issues when the system is running. An inspector should take note of if any underwater lights are in working order or if the water circulates as it should. 

Inspect any other accessories, like spas, automatic pool covers, and diving boards

Some pools come equipped with spas that use jets, or automatic items like pool covers that open and close with the pursh of a button. Any remote controls should be tested, and diving boards, water features, slides, etc. will need to be examined by your inspector. 

Appraise the infrastructure and location, including plumbing and electrical

This item is more for your information going forward than anything. A pool inspector can look at the wiring and plumbing to see if any fixes are needed, and should be able to tell if runoff will be a problem. They may point out a tree that could cause debris issues or if the ground has the potential to settle. 

Benefits of Pool Inspections When Buying a Home 

The biggest benefit of getting a pool inspection is to save yourself money. A pool inspection can cost several hundred dollars, but that amount pales in comparison to what you would have to pay if you bought a home with a pool that had major undisclosed or undiscovered issues. Pool inspections can also help you negotiate a better price for the home if you know what you’re doing. If you alert the homeowner of any upgrades or fixes you’ll need to make on the pool so that it functions properly and safely, they may fix the issues themselves or knock the price down to accommodate you fixing it yourself. 

The next biggest benefit of hiring an Atlanta pool inspector is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you aren’t buying a liability. Even if you have to sink a few thousand dollars in repairs before you get to use the pool, it’s always better to know everything up front so you don’t get surprised later on. 

Pinnacle Pool Services’ Pool Inspectors are Ready to Help! 

If after you have your pool inspected, you decide to go forward with the purchase, it’s important to keep in mind that you may need to contact your pool inspector in the future. You’ll probably want to get your pool inspected every year in addition to regular maintenance and repairs. This will help keep you from being surprised by extensive issues or major repairs, and keeping your pool in good shape will continue to ensure your pool is contributing positively to your home value. For a highly-reviewed Atlanta pool service company that can not only inspect your new pool but also carry forward with pool maintenance, repairs, and other pool services, give us a call at Pinnacle Pool Services today! 770-945-6360