Swimming pools are a huge part of life in many parts of the country and provide hours of fun for everyone. However, they can also be dangerous if not properly fenced and maintained. Having a pool and not having adequate safety measures in place can lead to tragic accidents, which is why it is important to get your pool inspected on a regular basis to ensure that you are fully compliant with local regulations and your pool fence is safe for children and pets.
A professional inspector will look at the general area around the swimming pool, looking for any potential hazards and issues that need to be addressed. This may include the presence of a ladder, step or handrail that is in need of repair, any unsafe walkways near the pool or spa and whether or not the area is fenced. Local regulations often include requirements such as proper fencing, outward-opening gates that close and self-latch, alarms on any doors leading toward the pool, or safety glass for windows within a specific perimeter of the swimming pool.
Most inspectors will also test the water in your pool to see if it is safe for swimming. They will check the water’s free chlorine level and its pH to make sure that the chemical levels are within the required range. They will also check the pool drains to ensure that they are fitted with a proper anti-entrapment device and that they meet specific regulations.
Inspectors will also examine the condition of the pool’s decking, the coping and the structure of the pool itself. They will be looking for cracking, fading and discoloration of the pool surface as well as checking that the decking is in good condition and that there are no loose or broken tiles around the edges of the pool.
They will also look at the electrical system for the pool safety inspection, making sure that there are no exposed wiring, and ensuring that any current wiring is bonded. They will also check that the pump, filter and heater are all in good working order. They will also evaluate any diving and jumping boards, slides and other play equipment for safety risks.
If you have a shared pool or public pool, the inspector will also ensure that the pool is in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and any other accessibility regulations that are relevant to the situation. They will determine if the pool has any accessible lifts or other systems for people with disabilities and ensure that these are in working order. They will also check that the life rings and shepherd hooks are kept near the pool, ready for use if an emergency should occur.