What do pool inspectors check?

Pool inspectors check safety barriers and fencing, gate functionality, drain covers, alarm systems, pump and filter equipment, water quality, structural condition, electrical safety (GFCI), deck condition, and required signage. The specific items depend on inspection type and local requirements.

How long does a pool inspection take?

A thorough residential pool inspection takes 45-90 minutes. Simple pools without spas or additional features take 45-60 minutes, while complex pools with multiple water features, spas, or commercial-grade equipment may take 90 minutes or longer.

Do pool inspectors go in the water?

Pool inspectors typically do not enter the water. They assess visible components from the deck, use long-handled tools to check drains, and may use underwater cameras for detailed structure inspection. Water quality is tested using samples taken from the pool surface.

Can a pool fail inspection?

Yes, pools can fail inspection if they don't meet safety requirements. Common failure reasons include non-compliant drain covers, fence height violations, non-functional gates or alarms, missing safety equipment, or structural issues. Most issues can be corrected and re-inspected.

What Does a Pool Inspector Look For? [2025 Complete Checklist]

Whether you're preparing for an inspection or simply curious about what professionals look for, understanding the pool inspection process helps you maintain a safe, compliant pool.

This guide walks through every element a pool inspector examines, why each matters, and how to prepare.

Pool Inspection Overview

Professional pool inspections cover multiple categories:

Category	Focus Areas
Safety Features	Barriers, gates, drains, alarms
Structure	Shell, coping, tile, decking
Equipment	Pump, filter, heater, automation
Water Quality	Chemistry, clarity, sanitation
Electrical	GFCI, bonding, lighting
Surroundings	Deck, fencing, access

Inspection duration: 45-90 minutes depending on complexity

What you receive: Written report with findings, photos, and compliance status

Safety Features Inspection

Safety features are the highest priority items in any pool inspection.

Barrier Assessment

Inspectors verify pool barriers meet requirements:

Fencing:

Height minimum (60 inches in California)
Gap compliance (under 4 inches)
Structural integrity
No climbable features nearby

Gates:

Self-closing function from any position
Self-latching mechanism engagement
Latch height (54+ inches)
Proper swing direction (away from pool)

Drain Safety

Critical for preventing entrapment:

Check Point	What Inspectors Verify
Main drains	ASTM F1346 compliance
Drain covers	Secure attachment, no damage
Multiple drains	Dual drain systems
SVRS	Safety vacuum release (if applicable)
Skimmers	Proper covers and weirs

Alarm Systems

If alarms are present or required:

Alarm Type	Inspection Points
Pool surface	Activation, volume, reset
Door alarms	Function, deactivation height
Gate alarms	Trigger, audibility
Window alarms	Operation, coverage

Pool Structure Assessment

Structural inspection identifies current condition and potential problems:

Shell Inspection

Element	What Inspectors Look For
Surface	Cracks, stains, roughness
Plaster/finish	Deterioration, delamination
Tile line	Missing, loose, or cracked tiles
Coping	Damage, separation, movement
Expansion joints	Condition, proper sealing

Water Line

Calcium deposits
Staining patterns
Algae growth
Surface deterioration

In-Pool Features

Feature	Inspection Points
Steps/ladders	Secure mounting, condition
Handrails	Stability, corrosion
Lights	Sealed, functional, safe voltage
Diving boards	Mounting, surface, compliance
Water features	Operation, safety

Equipment & Systems Check

Pool equipment inspection verifies operational status:

Pump Assessment

Component	What's Checked
Motor	Sound, vibration, heat
Impeller	Flow rate, debris
Seals	Leaks, wear
Basket	Condition, cleanliness
Mounting	Secure, level

Filter System

Filter Type	Inspection Points
Sand	Pressure, laterals, bed condition
Cartridge	Element condition, pressure
DE	Grids, pressure, manifold
All types	Multiport valve, gauges, backwash

Heater (if present)

Component	What's Verified
Gas heater	Ignition, flame, venting, leaks
Heat pump	Compressor, refrigerant, airflow
Solar	Panels, valves, controller
All types	Safety controls, thermostat

Automation & Controls

Timer function
Controller operation
Valve actuators
Remote systems

Water Quality Testing

Basic water testing is standard in comprehensive inspections:

Chemical Parameters

Test	Ideal Range	Why It Matters
pH	7.2 - 7.8	Sanitizer effectiveness
Free chlorine	1 - 3 ppm	Disinfection level
Combined chlorine	< 0.5 ppm	Indicates contamination
Alkalinity	80 - 120 ppm	pH stability
Calcium hardness	200 - 400 ppm	Surface protection
Cyanuric acid	30 - 50 ppm	Chlorine protection

Visual Assessment

Water clarity (drain visibility)
Color (should be clear blue)
Surface debris
Algae presence

Deck & Surroundings

The pool area beyond the water is also evaluated:

Deck Condition

Element	Inspection Points
Surface	Cracks, heaving, trip hazards
Texture	Slip resistance
Drainage	Proper slope, no ponding
Coping interface	Separation, movement

Safety Elements

Item	What's Checked
Depth markers	Present, visible, accurate
No diving signs	Posted at shallow areas
Safety equipment	Ring buoy, reaching pole
CPR signage	Posted, current

Access & Surroundings

Pathways clear
Landscaping trimmed
Furniture secured
Lighting adequate

Electrical Safety

Electrical inspection is critical for safety:

GFCI Protection

Location	Requirement
Pool equipment	All outlets GFCI
Outdoor outlets	Within 20 feet of pool
Underwater lights	GFCI protected circuit

Testing method: Inspector presses test button, verifies trip and reset

Bonding Verification

All metal components must be bonded:

Equipment
Ladders and rails
Light fixtures
Reinforcing steel

Lighting Safety

Item	What's Verified
Pool lights	Proper voltage, sealed
Deck lights	Safe distance, GFCI
Equipment area	Adequate lighting

What Inspectors Document

Professional inspectors create detailed records:

Written Report Contents

Property identification

- Address, date, client info

Inspection scope

- What was and wasn't inspected

- Limitations noted

Findings by category

- Compliant items

- Non-compliant items

- Areas of concern

Photo documentation

- Overview images

- Detail shots of issues

- Equipment labels/data

Recommendations

- Required repairs

- Suggested improvements

- Priority levels

Compliance status

- Overall determination

- Specific code references

Documentation Standards

Clear, objective language
Specific measurements
Code references where applicable
Dated and signed

How to Prepare for Inspection

Help your inspection go smoothly:

Before the Inspector Arrives

Access:

Unlock gates
Clear paths to equipment
Provide keys if needed
Ensure power is on

Pool area:

Remove covers
Clear debris
Have water level normal
Empty skimmer baskets

Equipment:

Turn system on 30 minutes before
Make sure everything is running
Have manuals available
Note any known issues

Documentation:

Previous inspection reports
Permit records
Equipment warranties
Recent repairs

During the Inspection

Be available for questions
Point out known issues
Don't operate equipment for inspector
Take notes on findings

After the Inspection

Review report thoroughly
Ask questions about findings
Get repair estimates if needed
Schedule re-inspection if required

Understanding Your Inspection Results

Inspection reports typically categorize findings as:

Category	Meaning	Action Required
Compliant	Meets requirements	None
Non-compliant	Doesn't meet code	Repair required
Concern	Not code but noteworthy	Monitor/consider repair
Recommendation	Suggested improvement	Optional

Preparing for a pool inspection? PoolVerify's digital platform guides inspectors through every checkpoint, ensuring nothing is missed and you receive a comprehensive, professional report.

Learn More About PoolVerify →

Knowing what inspectors look for helps you maintain a safe pool year-round—not just when inspection time comes.