Expert Level Pool Inspections
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5150 Kovanda Ave, Carmichael, Ca (3:00 PM - June 30, 2025)

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Front Of House Pool Spa

Equipment Pad

Equipment #1 Equipment #2 Equipment #3 Equipment #4 Equipment #5

Safety Fencing Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $125

Safety Fence #1 Safety Fence #2
Style Location
Wooden Side of home
Safety Fencing Notes
The fencing needs minor repair to self close and self latch, Recommend self closing and self latching gates leading from the front of the house to the backyard. Door alarms on all access points leading into the backyard from the house to the pool
Safety Fencing Additional Notes

Pool Surface Condition: Good - Blemishes Present $450

Surface #1 Surface #2
Estimated Gallons Surface Type
20K - 25K Gallons Plaster
Dimensions Damaged Estimated Surface Age
15' by 32' 0-10% 15+ Years
Pool Surface Notes
Pool Surface Additional Notes

The pebble plaster surface is in good condition but has small, rust-colored stains, likely topical and not rebar-related. A $450 service to treat and remove these stains is recommended, which will also confirm if they are rebar-related, though this seems unlikely.

Tile Condition: Damaged - Issues Present$4000

Tile #1 Tile #2
Water Line Tile Linear Footage Tile Water Level Tile Linear Footage
Less than 150 Linear Feet Ideal 120
Tile Type Calcium Build-Up Loose or missing tile?
Ceramic, Natural / Stone N/A or none Other
Mastic Repair
Additional Mastic Repairs
Additional Tile Notes

The waterline tile in the pool, likely original to its construction, is in good condition overall, with visible gaps only around the skimmer area; The skimmer will need to be re-waterproofed with new mortar soon, but no significant tile replacement is required now; monitoring the tile is sufficient, but it is likely that the waterfall will need new mortar waterproofing soon as well so the estimated cost at $1,000 to $2,000 to do both at the same time is projected to be necessary within 1 to 10 years, potentially longer if salt is not used, as salt accelerates deterioration.

Next is the spa’s spillover into the pool that has structural issues and delaminating tile, primarily at the corners, requiring new tile work estimated at $1-2k + or more, depending on the damage extent.
Total estimated cost for the skimmer mortar waterproofing, waterfall mortar waterproofing, and spa spillover tile repair is $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the spillover repair scope.

Water Quality Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $200

Water Picture #1 Water Picture #2
pH Level Free Chlorine Total Chlorine Cyanuric Alkalinity Calcium
7.6 - 8.0 (High) 0 (Very Low) .05 (Low) 20 - 50 (Low) 100 - 140 (High) 250 - 400 (Ideal)
pH Level Details Free Chlorine Details Total Chlorine Details Cyanuric Acid Details Alkalinity Notes Calcium Notes
Algae present? Foliage found in water? Water loss present?
No
Additional Water Quality Notes

Your tap water has high pH and extremely high alkalinity. The pool water exhibits high pH, very high alkalinity, elevated calcium hardness, zero free chlorine, 0.5 ppm total chlorine, and cyanuric acid levels between 20–30 ppm. Surprisingly, no algae is visible on the pool walls or elsewhere, likely due to copper elements in the water, as evidenced by blue staining on the deep end return above the step. High copper levels in the water are not ideal, as they can cause various side effects, including water chemistry imbalances, staining of pool surfaces, and potential skin irritation. If the pool has elevated copper levels, a partial drain or a full drain is recommended, costing $100–250 or more.

If the pool was recently drained, and there is no copper in the water, do not drain the pool.

To properly rebalance this pool, recommend adding CYA and chlorine asap and likely some small treatments to likely reduce the hiding algae (seen around the skimmer throat) ($100-200 or less).

Note that chemical levels currently are not obvious signs of water loss, this can be confirmed in 1-30 days by retesting the water as well.

Skimmer & Main Drain Circulation: Recommend Safety Updates $700

Drain #1 Drain #2 Skimmer #1 Skimmer #2
Water Flow Through Skimmer Water Flow Through Main Drain Skimmer Float Valve
Recommend Safety Updates 1
Pool Skimmer QTY Spa Skimmer QTY Pool Main Drain QTY Spa Main Drain QTY
1 N/A 2 2
VGBA Compliant Drain Covers
700
Skimmer & Main Drain Details


Skimmer & Main Drain Additional Notes

The spa has two main drains, one being a specialty drain likely tied to an in-floor cleaning system with a specialty MpX cover costing around $150 to replace installed, and a smaller 8-inch cover costing about $100 to replace installed. The pool also has four main drains, one with a similar specialty MpX cover costing around $150 to replace installed, and another cover costing about $100 to replace installed x 3. Total cost for all replacements is $700

The skimmer for the pool and spa is fully intact with all parts present and nothing missing, so no replacements or repairs are needed at this time.

Bottom Cleaner Condition: Fair, minimal parts needed for tune-up ($105) $105

Cleaner #1 Cleaner #2
Bottom Cleaner Brand Bottom Cleaner Model
Polaris 280/380
Bottom Cleaner Additional Notes

Shorten the hose and likely a new tail soon, otherwise this is a like new unit that just needs some minor adjustments.

Bottom Cleaner Additional Repairs

Auto-Fill Condition: Poor ($125)$250

Autofill #1 Autofill #2
Pool Auto-Fill Spa Auto-Fill Auto-Fill Style Fill Speed
Yes No Float Slow
Auto-Fill Additional Notes

The auto-fill float for the pool and spa is very old, likely original, and due for an update. The float itself is inexpensive, costing a few dollars, but the repair, which may involve additional labor or components due to the float running continuously, is estimated at $125 to $250. Updating the float could resolve the issue, potentially preventing water loss from a leak.

Pool Light Condition: Damaged$2480

Pool Light #1 Pool Light #2
Pool Light Type Distance From Electrical
Incandescent Bulb 100'
Pool Light Notes

The pool has two incandescent lights. The west light shows significant condensation (50-75%), and the southeast light has minimal condensation (less than 10%), indicating failing or failed seals that could allow water intrusion and pose an injury risk. Updating both light cans is recommended to prevent this. Replacing the west light with an LED white Pentair light (100 feet) costs approximately $900, and the southeast light (under 50 feet) costs around $880. Installation for each light is about $350. Total estimated cost for replacing both lights, including installation, is $2,480

Spa Light Condition: Damaged$1100

Spa Light #1 Spa Light #2
Spa Light Notes
Spa Light Additional Notes

The spa has a 6-inch light with over 90% condensation inside, indicating a failed seal and the need for replacement to prevent water intrusion and potential injury. Replacing it with a white LED Pentair light (less than 50 feet) costs approximately $750, with installation around $350. Total estimated cost for replacing the spa light, including installation, is $1,100.

Equipment Pad


Filter Condition: Recommend Updates $800

Filter #1 Filter #2
Filter Brand Filter Model
Pentair Ccp420
Filter Notes
Filter Additional Notes

The filter has a failed pressure gauge, needing replacement (~$50), making it hard to assess the filter elements’ condition. Back pressure in the pump basket suggests slightly high pressure, indicating the filter needs cleaning. A service call to clean elements, move the tank, and service O-rings costs under $150. The four filter elements, likely due for replacement, cost up to $500, with a new tank O-ring at $100. The filter is sun-worn but still usable. Total estimated cost: up to $800.

Filter Pump Condition: Issues Present$625

Filter Pump #1 Filter Pump #2
Filter Pump Brand Filter Pump Model Horsepower
Hayward Tristar Vs 900 Variable Speed 1.5 - 3.1hp
Filter Pump Condition
The bonding wire is connected and secure
Filter Pump Notes
Filter Pump Additional Notes

The TriStar VSP 900 filter pump operates via automation but its motor display is blank, possibly due to a faulty display or improper wiring. Manual operation without panel programming is essential for field or service use. Replacing the display costs ~$500 if faulty; service to diagnose/rewire costs ~$125. Total estimated cost: up to $625.

Note for reference a new pump complete is approx $1200 for a Superflo Vs (comparable to this pump - if not better) or a Pentair i3 at $1900 + install.

Filter Pump Additional Repairs
625

Booster Pump Condition: Working - Without Issue$450

Booster Pump #1 Booster Pump #2
Booster Pump Brand Booster Pump Model Horsepower
Polaris Pb4sq ≤ 0.99HP
Booster Pump Additional Notes

The booster pump is operational, with past leaks that seem resolved and no current leaks observed. No immediate recommendations except to consider replacing hoses with hard plumbing to extend pump life, costing ~$450. Total estimated cost: $450.

Spa Jet Pump Condition: $

Spa Jet Pump #1 Spa Jet Pump #2
Spa Jet Brand Spa Jet Model Horsepower
Spa Jet Additional Notes

Waterfall Pump Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention)$500

Waterfall Pump #1 Waterfall Pump #2
Waterfall Pump Brand Waterfall Pump Model Horsepower
Pentair Whisperflo 1.50HP - 2.00HP
Waterfall Pump Additional Notes

For the 2010 waterfall pump with a suspected bad capacitor (replacement under $50, service under $500), if the capacitor fix doesn’t resolve the humming or if metal wear is severe (a sign of an expiring motor), a new motor may be needed, costing around $500+. Alternatively, a new variable speed motor installed could cost $1,500+ including installation. Check capacitor first, inspect seals and wear, and evaluate motor condition to decide on repair or replacement.

Auxiliary Pump A Condition: $

Auxiliary Pump A #1 Auxiliary Pump A #2
Auxiliary Pump A Brand Auxiliary Pump A Model Horsepower
Auxiliary Pump A Additional Notes

Auxiliary Pump B Condition: $

Auxiliary B #1 Auxiliary B #2
Auxiliary Pump B Brand Auxiliary Pump B Model Horsepower
Auxiliary Pump B Additional Notes

Heater Condition: Good $50

Heater #1 Heater #2
Heater Model Heater Brand
Jandy Jxi400n
Heater Additional Notes

The heater functions well. Recommend painting the gas line ($50).

Equipment Control System


Board & Timer Condition: Recommend Safety Updates$800

Board/Timer #1 Board/Timer #2
GFCI Compliant
800
Board & Timer Additional Notes

The Hayward Pro Logic board and timer for the pool and spa are in damaged working condition with a display that’s “on the fritz” and may soon expire if left exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Using the remote is most ideal with this situation, but all programming must be done on this panel, making it essential to be working properly (as the filter pump is also minus a display).

Also, the older breakers need to be updated to GFCI for safety, with an estimated cost of $300. Two additional outlets have been updated to GFCI, but one is not resetting, and the other appears to be non-functional. One or both GFCI breakers may need replacement if faulty, at approximately $50 each. Additionally, installing a water bond is recommended for an extra layer of safety, especially given the 120V overhead lighting near the pool edge, with an estimated cost of $400 installed.
Total estimated cost for updating the breakers, replacing one or two faulty GFCI breakers, and installing a water bond is $750 to $800, depending on whether one or both GFCI breakers need.

Also note that the update to this panel is a Pentiar Easy Touch Lite or IntelliCenter

Or a Pentiar i3 pump with built in phone automation.

Auxiliary Timer Condition: $

Auxiliary Timer #1 Auxiliary Timer #2
Auxiliary Timer Additional Notes

Salt Control Systems Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention)$1050

Salt Control #1 Salt Control #2
Salt System Power Detect Salt Flow Detect Salt Presence Low Salt
Yes Yes No Yes
Salt Control System Additional Notes

The salt system’s cell, over 10 years old, isn’t producing chlorine and likely needs replacement. A new salt cell costs ~$900, plus ~$150 for programming and installation. Alternatively, cleaner sanitation options like UV or ozone systems, ranging from $900 to $3,500 based on output, are viable substitutes.

Valves & Fittings Condition: Poor - Recommend Updates$250

Overall Details

The 2-inch PVC plumbing for the pool and spa is functional, but older valves and check valves need updating. Install a manual heater bypass to improve efficiency of the existing heater’s internal bypass and extend its lifespan. Replace check valves will all be recommended updates soon (1-10 years) = $1-2k. Needed now is to Paint and relabel the equipment pad ($200), then cover it with a $50 UV-protective mesh.



No, the equipment pad is not UV protected by a UV protectant paint, recommend painting this pad to ensure long PVC piping life as well as certain equipment, The equipment appears to be in direct sunlight a large portion of the day. By simply covering the equipment with a UV mesh shade ($25-55 on Amazon + Installation) you will see approx 3x equipment life and 3x less equipment breakdown. This is recommended here.
Condition
Poor
Notes

Another view of the valving.

Condition
Poor
Notes

Another view of the valving and check valves.

Condition
Damaged (Needs Attention)
Notes

The dead salt cell.

Condition
Poor
Notes

A view of the Older valving and check valves one check valve has been updated recently.

Condition
Notes

There is a diving board installed I would not consider this compliant.


Estimated pool repair costs based on typical seasonal construction pricing.(seasonal pricing changes $13935Est. Totals


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