Gunite, Coping and Blowers oh my!!

Whether you are buying a home with a swimming pool or already have a swimming pool of your own, summer is here, and it’s time to get your swimming pool inspection! This will ensure your pool is in tip-top shape so you can have some worry free summer time fun!

What is involved in a swimming pool inspection?

Making sure that the pool meets California safety regulations of course, but also the physical condition of the swimming pool, surrounding area, water condition, and accessory equipment too. Its your peace of mind. As your certified professional Home and Swimming Pool Inspector, Coastal Property Inspections is here to help you! So your peeps, your pups, and your pals, can play and stay safe all summer long!

Circulation, Filtration and Disinfection.., wait, what..?

Did you know that a typical efficiently functioning swimming pool, fully circulates itself 2-3 times per day? This is called turnover, and it is part of the delicate precision of keeping your pool healthy and happy. No-more slinging bucket fulls of sanitizing chemicals into the deep-end, to clear up that green murky algae laden mess, lets avoid that path completely, you really don’t want that, it’s not good for anybody.

I have/want a swimming pool.. Now what-where to start..?

To understand a swimming pool or spa, you must follow the path of the water. Water from the pool or spa (not both at the same time) enters the equipment system through a main drain on the floor, through a surface skimmer at the surface level on the side of the pool, or through a combination of both main drain and skimmer. It travels to a three-port valve (if there is no spa, there will be no such valve) and into the pump, which is driven by the attached motor. From the pump, the water travels through a filter, and up to solar panels (if so equipped), to the sanitizer, then back to the heater, and back through three-port valves continuing to the pool or spa return lines back into the pool and spa (remember, not at the same time). Round and round we go, viola!!

Swimming Pool Inspection

What are some of the items that will be inspected by a certified swimming pool inspector?

Swimming Pool surface (gunite)and bottom drains
Deck surround, coping, tile, walkways, ladders, and stairs
Diving boards, deck rails, and slides
Fencing, gates, and latches
Lights, switches, bonding, and electrical
Equipment; pump, filter, heater (incl. Solar if equipped), blower and plumbing lines
Sanitation system (Chlorine, Saltwater, UV, or Ozone)
California (Bill 442/Oct 2017) seven drowning prevention safety features provided as an informational assessment.

Do you need this? YES!

How long does a swimming pool inspection take?
A typical pool inspection will take about 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on size and accessibility.

How much will the swimming pool inspection cost?
A standard swimming pool inspection as a stand-alone inspection will cost between $200-$250

A Swimming Pool Inspection as a part of a scheduled Home Inspection will cost between $100 and $150.

What else?

Every swimming pool inspection performed by Coastal Property Inspections includes a fully detailed swimming pool inspection report, and it's sent to you within 24 hours! We will also provide you with a customized swimming pool maintenance plan to help you maintain your swimming pool.

If you are considering a swimming pool inspection, give us a call. The peace of mind for you and your family is well worth it. Any questions or comments, please contact us or leave a comment below. We are Coastal Property Inspections and we're here to help..!

For more information on Coastal Property Inspections, please click here.

Call Chris Knappett, Certified InterNACHI Professional Home Inspector, Pool Inspector, Certified Drone Roof Inspector and Infrared Thermal Imaging Specialist. 949-396-9595

15 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko

Posted by: Your Orange County Home Inspector, Chris Knappett

The following items are 15 must-have tools for homeowners, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful. Here are the 15 Must-Have Tools for Homeowners!

1. Plunger

A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers — one for the sink and one for the toilet.

2. Combination Wrench Set

One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

3. Slip-Joint Pliers

Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

4. Adjustable Wrench

This is another one of the 15 must-have tools for homeowners!Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

Caulking gun

5. Caulking Gun

Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

6. Flashlight

None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

7. Tape Measure

Measuring house projects requires a tape measure — not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

8. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

9. Torpedo Level
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle — not merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice and one of the 15 must-have tools for homeowners.

12. Screwdriver Set
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are Wire cutter sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.

13. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails.The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14. Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty and dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary face masks will not stop.

15. Duct Tape

This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.

Thank you to the InterNACHI Gromicko’s for this post on 15 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners!

For more home inspection information, visit www.CoastalPropertyInspections, your Orange County Home Inspector!

To Book your Orange County Home call 949-401-8996 or BOOK ONLINE

Swimming Pool Inspections