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Many homeowners expect that a swimming pool in the backyard will increase the value of their home, but that may not be the case.
Real estate experts note that swimming pools may not raise the value of your home. At least, not enough to cover the amount you spent on an increased insurance policy or regular maintenance. If you already have a pool and you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, you may actually want to be concerned about your pool negatively affecting your selling price. If you already have a pool and you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, you may actually want to be concerned about your pool negatively affecting your selling price.
To ensure that this won’t happen, get a swimming pool inspection. That way, you know that your pool is safe, clean, and functional. No buyer can convince you otherwise and get away with a lower buying price because of it!
Read on to find out what occurs during a swimming pool inspection and why you need to get one before you sell your house!
Swimming pools are supposed to promote relaxation and fun. However, they can also pose some serious safety risks if they’re not properly maintained.
During a swimming pool inspection, the inspector will check to make sure that all exposed electrical wires are at a safe distance from the pool. They will also check to see that no outlets have been installed too close to the water.
Inspectors will make sure that your backyard is secured from outside pets and children who could get injured if left unattended by the pool. They do so by making sure that your fences and latches are in workable condition and comply with local laws.
Inspectors will also gauge whether or not your decking or concrete is still in good condition. Over time, these materials can become warn and slick, making them slippery and dangerous when wet. A swimming pool inspector can tell you if it’s time to redo this area.
Finally, a swimming pool inspector will check things like the safety railings leading into the pool to make sure that they’re still secure.
Maintaining the cleanliness of a pool is probably the most frequent chore you’ve had to tackle as a pool owner. It’s up to you to know how to rebalance the pH levels and chlorine levels. The CDC recommends specific levels of both to ensure that harmful bacteria are neutralized without in turn harming the people who go for a swim.
A swimming pool inspector won’t test the chemical levels in your water. However, they may be able to explain why you seem to have an algae problem in spite of your rigorous cleaning and rebalancing schedule.
During a swimming pool inspection, the inspector will look to see if you have any serious issues with runoff. This could come from either your gutters and drains or from the positioning of your pool.
An excess of untreated rainwater can alter the chemical levels in your pool water. Runoff water can also bring with it a myriad of organic materials that can tamper with these chemical levels and breed harmful bacteria.
While regular home inspectors may not know the in’s and out’s of swimming pool equipment, inspectors that specialize in swimming pool inspections do.
During your inspection, the inspector will make sure that your pumps and filters are in good, working condition. When pumps and filters break down, water is not circulating properly and is at risk of becoming stagnant. Additionally, it is not going through the filtration process, which may also contribute to a buildup of not-so-pleasant stuff on the walls and floor of your pool.
If you have other pool accessories like a cover, a diving board, or a pool heater, your inspector may check these things, as well. They can also test any remote or automated functions you use to keep your pool clean to make sure that they’re truly doing their job.
Swimming pool inspectors will leave you with a report of items that are in need of repair or pose a safety threat. While they cannot perform the proper repairs, they can refer you to contractors that will.
When you’re selling a home with a swimming pool, your buyer will almost definitely have the pool inspected. You don’t want to be caught off guard with a list of things that are wrong with the pool. If the buyer catches things that you don’t, they will bring that information into the bargaining process for a lower buying price.
If you know what the issues are in advance, you can decide what you’re willing to spend money on. Chances are, you’ll be able to find contractors and replacement equipment at a low enough price that you won’t be losing money if you decide to go forward with the necessary maintenance. Once everything is in good shape, your buyer will get a clean bill of inspection on their end and won’t have as much leverage to settle on a lower buying price!
When you’re putting your house on the market, you want your swimming pool to be a selling point, not a major liability or renovation project for the next homeowner. Getting a swimming pool inspection is the only way to make sure that everything is up to par and completely safe.
If you’re a homeowner in the greater Toronto area and you have a pool that needs inspecting, contact us to discuss rates and set an appointment. We’re happy to bundle your swimming pool fee with the rest of your home inspection, which means that you can take care of everything at a reduced cost and with less hassle!