The Assessment
What Does an Advanced Pool Inspection Cover?
Swimming pools and attached spas represent one of the most mechanically complex and costly amenities on a residential property. Our advanced pool inspection provides a thorough visual and functional evaluation of the pool shell, interior surface, coping, decking, filtration equipment, heaters, automation controls, and safety barriers.
In the South Carolina Lowcountry, expansive coastal soils, high water tables, and year-round humidity place heavy strain on pool structures and mechanical pads. Shifting ground can crack concrete decking and coping joints, while salt air and chemical imbalances accelerate corrosion across heat pumps, multi-port valves, and electrical bonding connections.
Whether booked as a standalone evaluation for $350 or bundled with your primary home inspection for $250 (attached spa evaluation included at no extra charge), your report documents visible surface defects, active mechanical failures, and potential leak indicators so you can make an informed decision before closing.
Why You Need It
Avoid Costly Post-Closing Surprises
Uncover Surface & Equipment Wear
Resurfacing plaster or replacing failing variable-speed pumps, salt cells, and heat pumps can easily run into thousands of dollars if missed during due diligence.
Verify Electrical Bonding & Safety
We visually inspect bonding wires, GFCI devices, junction boxes, perimeter fencing, self-latching gates, and anti-entrapment drain covers to help protect your family.
Spot Early Leak Indicators
We check for telltale signs of water loss—including air in the pump basket, return bubbles, shell cracks, and saturated soil—so you know when to request specialized leak detection.
Inspection Checklist
What We Inspect
Our field evaluation tests accessible pool and attached spa systems under normal operating conditions, documenting structural surfaces, circulation hardware, electrical safety, and barrier features.
Pool Shell & Surfaces
- Plaster, pebble, fiberglass, or vinyl interior surfaces
- Structural cracks, delamination, and surface blistering
- Chemical staining, surface etching, and calcium scaling
- Attached spa shells, spillways, and seating surfaces
- Entry steps, swim-outs, ladders, and handrail anchors
Coping, Tile & Decking
- Perimeter coping stones, mortar joints, and sealants
- Waterline tile adhesion, grout integrity, and efflorescence
- Pool deck slabs, pavers, expansion joints, and trip hazards
- Deck drainage slope, channel drains, and surrounding soil
- Signs of subgrade erosion or soil saturation near the shell
Circulation & Filtration
- Primary and booster pumps, motors, and strainer baskets
- Sand, cartridge, and DE filter tanks and pressure gauges
- Multi-port, diverter, and check valve operation
- Skimmer throats, weirs, baskets, and return jet flow
- Visible above-ground piping, unions, and active leaks
Heaters & Automation
- Electric heat pumps and gas pool heaters (when safe)
- Exterior heater cabinets, scale buildup, and corrosion
- Automated control panels, digital timers, and actuators
- Saltwater chlorinator cells and chemical feeder housings
- Spa blowers, air switches, and spillover valve switching
Electrical & Bonding
- Visible copper bonding wires and lug connections
- Equipment pad sub-panels, disconnects, and conduits
- GFCI protection on pump breakers and poolside outlets
- Underwater pool and spa light fixtures and junction boxes
- Identification of unbonded metal handrails or ladders
Safety & Leak Indicators
- Perimeter safety fencing, barrier heights, and clearances
- Self-closing, self-latching access gates and hardware
- Visible anti-entrapment main drain covers
- Air accumulation in pump baskets or bubbles at returns
- Bundle with a Home Inspection and save $100
Field Workflow
What to Expect on Inspection Day
Schedule & Prep
Book as a $250 add-on to your home inspection or a $350 standalone service via our Online Scheduler. Ensure the pool is filled to normal operating level, covers are removed, and power/gas utilities are active.
System & Shell Evaluation
We cycle pumps, filters, valves, lights, automation controls, and heaters (when safe to operate), while inspecting the interior surface, coping, decking, electrical bonding, and safety barriers.
Same-Day Reporting
You receive a clear, photo-documented report that same evening detailing surface wear, equipment defects, safety concerns, and recommendations for any specialist follow-up or leak testing.
Client Advisory & Scope
Understanding Your Pool Evaluation
An advanced pool inspection is a thorough visual and functional assessment designed to evaluate current equipment operation and visible structural surfaces. To protect property components, the inspection is non-invasive: we do not disassemble pumps, filters, heaters, or sealed electrical enclosures, nor do we remove safety covers or winterization equipment.
For safety reasons, inspectors do not operate gas heaters with visible defects, systems shut down or winterized by the owner, or water features requiring manual priming. Additionally, while we document visual leak indicators—such as air in the pump basket, shell cracks, or saturated soil—pressure-testing underground plumbing and dye testing require a dedicated leak detection specialist.
Looking for complete property protection? Pair your pool evaluation with our full home inspection, CL-100 wood infestation report, or sewer scope inspection for total confidence at the closing table.
Non-Invasive Visual & Functional Testing
We operate accessible pumps, valves, filters, lights, and safe heaters without disassembling mechanical housings or testing underground piping.
Pre-Inspection Readiness
For a complete evaluation, the pool must be uncovered, filled to normal operating level, and have active electrical and gas utilities at the time of inspection.
Certified Master Inspector Oversight
Every evaluation is backed by Carolina Premier’s rigorous reporting standards, flagging electrical bonding, structural, or leak concerns for specialist follow-up.