Relaxing by your pool during hot summer days is a dream for many homeowners. During the winter, the thought of warm weather and a poolside snack is often enough to persevere through the cold. However, installing and owning a pool comes with responsibilities to ensure it's as safe and enjoyable to swim in as possible.
In order to keep your pool in the best condition for years to come, you'll want to commit to regular inspections. Consider the following four reasons for having your swimming pool inspected.
When You Should Request Swimming Pool Inspection Services
There are a few particular situations when you'll want to have your pool inspected.
Buying a new home: Moving into a new home with a pool is exciting, but you don't want to get too ahead of yourself! Schedule a pool inspection when buying a home so that you can get any problems sorted out before moving in.
Installing a pool at your home: Before cannonballing into your new pool, you should have it inspected to ensure the construction went as planned and it's completely safe to swim in.
Selling your home: If you're selling your home, get a residential pool inspection so that everything is ready for the next owner. This step will help you face fewer issues down the line in the selling process.
Preventative maintenance measures: Having your pool inspected about once every year is recommended to keep your pool in good condition. This way, you can find any potential issues early and keep your pool up to code with regular swimming pool inspection services.
4 Reasons to Schedule Swimming Pool Inspections
The pool inspection process is essential for keeping your swimming pool in good condition and preventing costly breakdowns. Whether you're installing a new pool, selling your home, moving to a home with a pool or wanting to keep your current pool in the best shape for years to come, here's why swimming pool inspections are crucial.
1. Make Sure Your Pool Is Up to Code
Residential pools have a lot more requirements than you might realize. In Illinois, you don't need the same signage that's required of public pools, but your pool must be enclosed by a fence or wall that's at least 42 inches tall. You'll also likely need certain permits to build and run your pool.
The International Code Council (ICC) also outlines recommendations for swimming pools and spas. While these directives are not law, many states follow them. The following are notable regulations from the ICC's International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSA):
Swimming pools must have electrical requirements in accordance with the NFPA 70 of the International Residential Code.
The energy consumption of residential swimming pools must be controlled according to the requirements of the APSP 15.
The vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier surrounding a pool and the solid surface underneath should not exceed 4 inches.
Barrier openings should not allow the passage of a sphere that is 4 inches in diameter.
Access gates must be lockable, self-closing and have a self-latching device.
If you've never owned a pool before, you'll want to familiarize yourself with these regulations. Even after you've reviewed the laws and recommendations, it can be easy to let some of them slip under the radar, which is where pool inspection professionals come in. Having your pool inspected ensures you stay up to code so that you avoid potentially expensive fines for violations.
2. Save Money by Identifying Repair Needs Early
Pool inspections are largely a preventative measure, meaning they'll help you save money by identifying potential issues before they become more substantial. Preventative maintenance can save you money by:
Telling you when machinery needs to be replaced before it fails
Ensuring all elements are performing at their peak, so you don't lose money to inefficiency
Making adjustments to machinery and parts so that they last longer
When you don't have your pool inspected yearly — or before moving into a new home — you run the risk of paying for costly damages to your pool's machinery, architecture or extra features.
3. Keep Your Pool in Good Condition
Of course, besides making sure your pool is up to code and adheres to local regulations, you want to make sure it looks nice, too. A pool service contractor can keep your swimming pool in tip-top shape by improving its appearance and making sure it's safe for all users. To keep your pool safe and in good condition, the contractor will:
Make sure your pool is properly sanitized.
Check the pool deck for signs of necessary repair, like needing new floorboards.
Inspect diving boards and slides for signs of damage.
Assess the condition of the filters.
Ensure gate latches and locks function properly.
Get rid of bacteria and add enzymes to remove organic buildup.
Vacuum the floor to get rid of dirt and grime.
Clear up cloudy water.
Look for gaps or cracks in your tile.
4. Know What You Need
When you contact a residential pool inspection specialist, you'll know precisely the state of your pool and what it needs. You won't be subject to the guesswork that can arise when you inspect the pool yourself or have to worry about more confusing areas like electricity and plumbing. Experts with swimming pool knowledge can handle the inspection for you and tell you exactly what your pool needs and how they plan to fix any errors — your primary job will be enjoying the pool you worked hard to get!
What We Check
At Quantus Pools, we offer comprehensive pool maintenance services in the Greater Chicagoland area. Our meticulous home pool inspections include plumbing evaluations and a 14-point evaluation. Our plumbing evaluations cover elements like the main drain, cleaner returns, pool returns, spa drains, waterfalls, diving boards and slides, fountains and pool skimmers.
Our comprehensive evaluation includes the following items, when applicable:
Pump
Second pump
Filter
Heater
Cleaner
Blower
Chemical feeder
Control system
Pool exterior
Deck
Auto cover
Lights
Deck accessories
Booster 1 and 2
Schedule a Home Pool Inspection With Quantus Pools
We know thorough, professional pool inspections are essential. We service pools in the Greater Chicagoland area and have over 40 years of experience in swimming pools and other water features. Our certified team of technicians receives OEM-certified training to help you with all of your in-ground pool needs.
When it's time to enjoy your pool again, it's important to get a thorough inspection first. To schedule your residential pool inspection with us, fill out our online contact form today!