Upon a recent swimming pool inspection in Camarillo and Ventura County, I came across a usual yet unusual situation. What was usual was a regular home inspector already checked the pool and gave the potential buyer the report. What was unusual was the fact that a licensed home inspector could miss so many problems.

Upon arriving at the home, I saw water running down the gutter in the street. The first thing that comes to mind to a pool professional is to check the multiport or backwash valve. After walking up to the pool I noticed that the water level was off by about an 1-1/2 inches which means the swimming pool had either settled or lifted. By looking around the back footer of the deck I noticed a large structural crack however the deck was recoated and the crack seemed to disappear. I walked to the adjacent side of the pool to notice the crack again. What does this tell a swimming pool professional?  To look a lot closer. Since the swimming pool plaster was white Marcite, it was hard to see but what did I find?? Two part epoxy running almost the whole length of the pool. HOW CAN A HOME INSPECTOR MISS THIS?  This swimming pool structural crack was covered up.

I must have found 10 major issues with this pool. Upon breaking out my leak detection equipment (LeakTronics), I found 2 leaks. One at the skimmer seam and one in the light conduit. It was also noted that the skimmer had been replaced and the old main drain line was never plumbed to the secondary port.

Now I’m not looking to name names or be rude but this inspector should stick to houses only, the customer naturally questioned the rest of their work. Lesson… Have a swimming pool professional check your pool!

Caltech pools