The pool’s plaster is in fair to damaged condition, with white circle markings throughout, likely caused by high pH and exacerbated by salt conditions. These markings may develop into pits, as seen on the top steps, entry steps, and deep-end steps. Repairing the step areas with A+B epoxy costs $100; it won’t color-match but will extend surface life. Two rust stains, one in the mid-end and one on the south deep-end wall, require attention during the replaster stage, costing $1,000 each to open, clean, and service to prevent recurrence. Replastering the pool in the near future will cost $10,000-$12,000.
Pricing Overview:
Step area epoxy repair: $100
Rust stain servicing (2 stains): $2,000 ($1,000 each)
Pool replastering: $10,000-$12,000

The waterfall rock is no longer watertight and requires new mortar or waterproofing to ensure safety and functionality, with an estimated cost of $1,000-$2,000. Loose, potentially loose, cracked, or missing mortar sections around the rock and on the jumping rock at the east end need repair and refilling for safety, costing approximately $1,000. Some cracked concrete sections near the rock waterfall border are not currently loose but should be noted as a potential issue in 5-20 years; repairing them now to prevent injury would cost about $1,000.
Pricing Overview:
Waterfall rock waterproofing/mortar update: $1,000-$2,000
Mortar repair for rock and jumping rock: $1,000
Cracked concrete repair near waterfall: $1,000

There is also a very light calcium buildup present that doesn’t necessarily need to be done right away and potentially could be removed with a simple pumice stone for less than $100 and approximately 8 to 20 hours of labor or paying somebody approximately $600 to glass bead clean the tile.

The pool’s water quality issues include high chlorine levels from recent servicing, but very high pH and alkalinity need minor treatment costing $20. Black algae is prolific around the wall fitting return, plastic areas like the equalizer, and across the shallow, mid, and deep ends, likely due to prolonged low chlorine levels and lawn dirt water entering during high rain seasons. Immediate treatment is critical to avoid the need for draining, acid washing, and refilling. One treatment cycle (2-3 treatments, two filter cleanings) costs $375, but 2-3 cycles ($750-$1,125) may be needed. Alternatively, draining and acid washing could be more cost-effective at $300 (draining) + $300 (acid washing) = $600 total. A low-cost method involves scrubbing affected areas with a 3-inch chlorine tablet multiple times, but organic matter remains, requiring a $85 phosphate treatment, filter cleaning (cost not specified), and eventual filter element replacement ($400-$600).
Pricing Overview:
Minor pH and alkalinity treatment: $20
Black algae treatment (one cycle, 2-3 treatments, two filter cleanings): $375
Black algae treatment (2-3 cycles): $750-$1,125
Drain and acid wash: $600 ($300 draining + $300 acid washing)
Low-cost chlorine tablet scrubbing + phosphate treatment: $85 + filter cleaning (cost unspecified)
Filter element replacement: $400-$600

Note that water loss is seen on the pool equipment pad and therefore one senses resolved. Recommend recheck in 1 to 30 days to confirm water chemistry results and if water loss is in fact present.

The pool’s main drain covers, three in total, are due for replacement due to age and condition, costing $100 each installed ($300 total). They may not be VGB-compliant as they appear closer than 3 feet apart, so updating during the next replaster stage is recommended. The skimmer requires updates to its float, float O-ring, weir door, and basket to ensure proper main drain suction, along with a likely new skimmer lid soon, totaling approximately $500.
Pricing Overview:
Main drain cover replacement (3 covers, installed): $300
Skimmer updates (float, O-ring, weir door, basket, lid): $500

The pool’s bottom cleaner is a plug-in robotic style, in fair condition, likely 1-3 years old. The tracks are also in fair shape but will eventually need updating, costing less than $100. Treating the cleaner for black algae before, during, or after pool treatments is recommended, at a cost of $10.
Pricing Overview:
Bottom cleaner track update: Less than $100
Black algae treatment for bottom cleaner: $10

Could not access canister. Lid is tight stuck.

The pool light, likely a color-changing halogen if original, shows water inside the lens bottom and condensation, posing a safety risk. Replacing it with an LED pool light is recommended for energy efficiency and longevity. Below are the cost breakdowns for each LED pool light option, separating the light can cost from the installation cost:
Pricing Overview:
White LED pool light: $900 (light can) + $300-$500 (installation) = $1,200-$1,400 total
Color-changing LED pool light: $1,200 (light can) + $300-$500 (installation) = $1,500-$1,700 total
Non-lethal 12V color-changing LED pool light: $1,300 (light can) + $300 (transformer) + $300-$500 (installation) = $1,900-$2,100 total

Filter: Likely same age as filter pump, over 10 years old, largest cartridge version. Tank O-ring leaking, possibly due to deformed band, a known issue. Recommendations: Service filter to clean elements and address O-ring, estimated cost $150. Check elements during service; replacement elements cost approximately $700 if needed. Replace band if contributing to leak, estimated cost $300. Total estimated cost: $1150.

Hayward Northstar Filter Pump: Over ten years old, in poor to damaged condition. Audible sound from fan or motor, indicating wear. Estimated lifespan: one to three years, likely less due to noises. Recommendations: Remotor with variable speed motor, estimated cost one thousand two hundred fifty dollars. Reattach conduit to elbow, estimated cost ten dollars. Total estimated cost: one thousand two hundred sixty dollars.

Timer Panel and Breakers: One older-style digital timer, one 20-amp breaker for filter pump, one 15-amp breaker possibly for pool lights, and two switches likely for pool lights. Recommendations: Update breakers to GFCI for safety, estimated cost $300. Update switches to smart switches, estimated cost $50. Add water bond for safety, estimated cost $300. Total estimated cost: $650.

Without a salt cell currently installed, the panel can be removed for less than $300. Replacing the salt cell system could cost $800 for just the cell or up to $2,100 for a new cell, controller, and installation.
Pricing Overview:
Panel removal (no salt cell): Under $300
New salt cell only: $800
New salt cell + controller + installation: Up to $2,100

Valving: Mostly original, except one newer valve for bottom cleaner. Blue glue used on main valve suction side and filter pump return, less than ideal, recommend replacement when air leaks develop (none currently). Leaks observed from previous salt cell repairs. Recommendations: Add check valve to plumbing line, estimated cost $400. Update two older valves, estimated cost $500 each ($1000 total). Additional plumbing and fittings, estimated cost $200. Total estimated cost: $1600.