Average Pool Inspection Cost

If you own a swimming pool, you know how maintaining it can be a major task. With so many delicate elements to balance, from the right filtering to the perfect combination of chemicals, things can be overwhelming.

To help you ensure your pool is in good condition, I highly recommend hiring an expert to look at it. An expert will ensure you’re on the right track and advise on any adjustments you’ll need to make. A yearly pool inspection is also a good way to ensure safety and compliance.

Also, if you’re buying a new house with a pool, getting a pool inspection to see what condition it’s in is an absolute must.

But how much does the average pool inspection cost?

Well, I’m here to break that down for you. Let’s dive in! 

Main Takeaways

• A pool inspection can cost anywhere between $125 to $250 on average but can range from $85 to $500.
• Some of the factors that affect the cost of a pool inspection include the size of the pool, special features, age of the pool and equipment, and location and accessibility.
• I highly recommend pool inspections for safety, preventative maintenance, property compliance, insurance requirements, reassurance, energy efficiency, and longevity.
• Pool inspectors look at water quality, safety features, structural integrity, pool equipment, deck and surroundings, drainage and grading, and regulatory compliance.

How Much Does a Pool Inspection Cost?

The cost of a pool inspection depends on a few different factors. But on average, a pool inspection will set you back between $125 and $250, with this figure generally ranging from $85 to $500. The actual cost will highly depend on your local pool inspection rates.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Pool Inspection

Here’s a quick look at what decides the cost of the pool inspection:

• Size: Bigger, more complicated pools need longer inspections, which also means higher costs.
• Geographic location: As with most other things, the cost of a pool inspection will depend on supply and demand. So, if you live in an area with many pool inspection companies and only a few pools, you can expect a more competitive price.
• Special features: If you have features like waterfalls or intricate lighting systems, the extra time taken to inspect those might drive up costs.
• Age: The age and complexity of pool equipment, such as pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems, is likely to affect the cost of inspection.
• External features: Along with the pool, external safety features might need an inspection, such as the fences, gates, alarms, and safety covers, which can affect the overall cost.
• Location and accessibility: Where you’re located can drive up pool costs. For example, if the pool inspection company has to drive far to get to you, expect higher fees. Similarly, if your pool is in a hard-to-access location, the inspector may charge more for this inconvenience.
• Time of the year: Season can affect demand and, therefore, cost. Increased demand during the beginning and end of pool season can affect pool inspection rates.
• The inspector’s expertise: The professional’s qualifications and experience also have a say in the cost.

Do You Need a Pool Inspection?

Pool inspections are not always legally required, and this will depend on your local jurisdiction. But even if they are not required in your area, I highly recommend getting one every couple of years for several reasons.

Safety

A pool inspection helps identify possible gaps in safety features, ensuring that your pool is a safe environment for you and your family. For instance, if a child at a summer barbecue is shoved into your pool as a prank, are there systems in place to reduce a life-threatening hazard?

Preventative Maintenance

A stitch in time saves nine, after all. Inspections can catch early signs of equipment wear or pool damage—this allows you to tackle problems before they balloon into expensive repairs.

Property Compliance

If the pool is newly installed or you plan to sell your property, regulations in some regions might require a pool inspection to ensure the pool meets safety standards.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance companies could request a pool inspection to verify that the pool is in good condition and meets safety guidelines before providing coverage.

Reassurance

It’s nice having an expert sign off on the fact that you’re doing everything right with running your pool. A thoroughly inspected pool can offer peace of mind, which is priceless.

Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking for an experienced opinion on improving energy efficiency, inspections can assess and identify ways to cut back on operating costs and environmental impact.

Longevity

Regular inspections can stretch the lifespan of your pool and equipment by addressing issues early on and mandating proper maintenance by keeping you on your toes.

In short, pool inspections are a quality check mechanism. Whether the pool is new or old, has come with a property you purchased, or simply hasn’t been inspected in a while, having an experienced eye look over your pool will give you valuable insights into its condition and workings.

What Do Pool Inspections Look For?

Think of a pool inspection as a medical check-up of your pool. Here are the key areas that pool inspections usually focus on:

Water Quality

The inspector will, most likely, first test pool water to check its chemistry and to see if it’s properly balanced, which is the primary step to pool upkeep and safety.

Local Safety Requirements

Inspectors will check for safety features, such as pool fencing, safety covers, gates, alarms, self-closing latches, and more (depending on what is required in your location). These safety features are incredibly vital in helping prevent access and hazards to keep you and your family safe.

Structural Integrity

The inspector will examine the pool’s major and minor structural components (such as the walls, floor, steps, and coping) to identify any signs of damage (cracks, deterioration) that could compromise the pool’s safety.

Pool Equipment

Pool equipment like pumps, filters, and heaters will also be evaluated to see if they’re in good shape. The inspector will keep an eye out for leaks, poor water circulation, and other signs of damage. This also means assessing the pool’s plumbing and electrical systems.

Deck and Surroundings

The inspector will look at the pool deck and surrounding area for issues such as slippery surfaces, uneven paving, or improper construction.

Drainage

The drainage system is crucial to the pool’s functioning. You can expect the inspection to include an evaluation of the drainage around the pool to confirm proper water runoff that prevents flooding or erosion.

Regulatory Compliance

Finally, the inspector will, of course, also verify paperwork with you on whether the pool adheres to local building codes, safety regulations, zoning requirements, etc.

Once the inspection is complete, they will provide you with a detailed report with findings, essential safety recommendations, optional suggestions on improving the pool, and any necessary repairs or improvements that will be useful to improve pool safety and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do house inspectors check swimming pools?

Not always. House inspections are entirely different since they focus on the structure of the house, its foundation, roofing, tiling, plumbing, zoning, electricity lines, etc. It is completely different from inspecting a pool for safety and regulation compliance. That said, depending on the type of service you choose, some inspectors might also be additionally qualified to inspect the pool as well. This depends on the inspector, so get in touch and confirm if it’s possible beforehand. However, with that said, it is always better to get a thorough and specialized evaluation of the pool and its equipment from someone with specific expertise.

How often do you need a pool inspection?

I strongly recommend having the pool inspected at least once a year as a general safety practice, possibly at the beginning or middle of pool season when it is most often in use. In addition, pools might need an inspection if they’re newly built, if you’re buying or selling the property containing the pool, or after extremely severe weather events (such as major hurricanes). Older pools (25-30+ years) should be inspected twice a year just to be on the safe side.

And That’s a Wrap on Pool Inspection Costs

As you have figured out by now, I’m very much in favor of proper pool inspections. As third-party, objective evaluations of the pool and surrounding area, they can be dead useful in highlighting possible problems, saving you more money in the long run! In my opinion, for the price, it’s an excellent investment that extends the life of your pool and pool equipment and is an essential step toward securing pool safety for friends and family.

Do you have any other questions about pool inspections and pool inspection costs? Let me know; I’ll be happy to answer them!