Expert Level Pool Inspections
Print Friendly Edit

427 Dale Rd., Martinez, Ca (2:00 PM - July 4, 2025)

Google Maps

Front Of House Pool Spa

Equipment Pad

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

Safety Fencing Condition: Good $0

Safety Fence #1 Safety Fence #2
Style Location
Wooden Side of home
Safety Fencing Notes
Safety Fencing Additional Notes

Pool Surface Condition: Like New - Well Cared For $0

Surface #1 Surface #2
Estimated Gallons Surface Type
10K - 15K Gallons Plaster
Dimensions Damaged Estimated Surface Age
10' by 28' 0-10% 12-48 Months
Pool Surface Notes
Pool Surface Additional Notes

Without issue.

Tile Condition: Like New - Waterline / One Issue Coping$1500

Tile #1 Tile #2
Water Line Tile Linear Footage Tile Water Level Tile Linear Footage
Less than 110 Linear Feet Ideal 85
Tile Type Calcium Build-Up Loose or missing tile?
Ceramic, Natural / Stone N/A or none No missing tiles or N/A
Mastic Repair
1500
Additional Mastic Repairs
Additional Tile Notes

Tiles in excellent condition, likely redone during plaster stage. Coping nearly perfect with intact mastic, except minor issues in one or two spots. Concern around skimmer: hollow sound, concrete movement, and cracks in skimmer top suggest potential compromise. Coping/skimmer repair estimated at $500–$1,500, likely $1,500 in peak season, $500+ in off-season

Water Quality Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $275

Water Picture #1 Water Picture #2
pH Level Free Chlorine Total Chlorine Cyanuric Alkalinity Calcium
7.6 - 8.0 (High) 10 - 20 (High) 10 - 20 (High) 100 - 120 (Slightly High) 100 - 140 (High) 400 - 650 (Slightly High)
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?
A phosphate treatment ($85) will help reduce dissolved organics (100-1000ppb) by coagulating organics for 7-10 days allowing collection to occur on the filter. A filter cleaning is required after treatment., An enzyme treatment would reduce dissolved organics additionally through enzyme breakdown and oxidization ($65), Filter Cleaning and Filter Treatment 1 - 10 days after treatments would help reduce and eliminate algae and organic debris ($125) No No - Calcium Hardness, Cynuric Acid, and Other Factors Show Signs of No Water Loss Present
Additional Water Quality Notes

The pool water quality shows high calcium hardness and cyanuric acid (CYA) levels. Comparing tap water to pool water indicates no current water loss, with a recommendation to recheck in 1–30 days, as these levels can be altered or maintained through treatments, dilution, or environmental factors. Upon arrival, the water level was overfilled, which is abnormal. Despite high chlorine levels, algae is present, most notably in the skimmer throat, suggesting the need for phosphate removal and enzyme treatments, along with lowering pH and alkalinity. Estimated cost for treatments: $275. Total estimated cost: $275.

Skimmer & Main Drain Circulation: Possible / Likely Issue Now or Soon $5000

Drain #1 Drain #2 Skimmer #1 Skimmer #2
Water Flow Through Skimmer Water Flow Through Main Drain Skimmer Float Valve
Possible / Likely Issue Now or Soon 1
Pool Skimmer QTY Spa Skimmer QTY Pool Main Drain QTY Spa Main Drain QTY
1 1
VGBA Compliant Drain Covers
Other
Skimmer & Main Drain Details


Skimmer & Main Drain Additional Notes

Skimmer is original, likely 30–50+ years old, in poor condition with significant wear, chlorine damage (yellowing/browning from 3-inch chlorine tablets), and abnormal buildup (possibly calcium or organic growth). Likely copper piping below skimmer connects to main drain underground, creating a single undersized 1.25-inch line to the pump (should be 2–2.5 inches), causing high pump speed and potential safety risks to skimmer and main drain access. Recommend replacing skimmer and separating main drain line for independent operation, with access for future testing/renovation. Main drain status unclear—may be capped, contributing to high chlorine use to prevent algae. Skimmer replacement estimated at $3,500–$5,000 (higher if main drain line modifications are needed). Further inspection recommended to confirm main drain functionality and flow safety. Skimmer is the most likely leak point, with replacement needed within 1–10 years, sooner if leaks develop.

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

Cleaner #1 Cleaner #2
Bottom Cleaner Brand Bottom Cleaner Model
Polaris 360
Bottom Cleaner Additional Notes

The bottom cleaner is like new, but it needs very minor modifications likely a end for its tail, but its hose may need some minor modifications, which may include adding one or two additional house swivels and or adjusting the tail sprayer on the bottom cleaner unit sorry not tail spray, but butt jet ($105 or less).

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
No No Manual Slow
Auto-Fill Additional Notes

The pool lacks an auto-fill system. A hose at the pool’s midpoint has piping beneath, likely a former manual fill port, with a fitting outside the pool wall possibly blocking it. I recommend servicing to confirm the plug’s waterproof status ($125) and potentially reestablishing the fill line, which could be converted to an auto-fill system ($500–$750). Total estimated cost: $125–$750.

Pool Light Condition: Damaged$2900

Pool Light #1 Pool Light #2
Pool Light Type Distance From Electrical
LED 50' or less
Pool Light Notes

The pool light, unusual looking bulb (does not appear to be original & may be an LED bulb likely in a 120V/12V can) has potential issues = condensation inside the light lens. Inspection of the low-voltage transformer in the art room shows no direct wiring to the light, suggesting a possible unapproved splice, potentially in an inaccessible wall junction. Pipes under the shed enter the wall, likely above 12 inches and compliant, but a readily accessible junction box is needed if the system is 120V. If it’s fully 12V, city code may not require a junction box, making it compliant. However, the absence of the pool light’s rubber sleeving prevents confirmation of a direct 12V connection, and visual access to the wiring is needed to verify. Condensation inside the light lens indicates water ingress, requiring a new 12V Pentair white LED light ($900) plus labor ($500–$1000). If a junction box or wall access is needed for a 120V setup, costs could add $500–$1000. Total estimated cost to replace the light if water is present inside the light lens: $1400–$2900.

Spa Light Condition: $0

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

Equipment Pad


Filter Condition: Older - Recommend Service $450

Filter #1 Filter #2
Filter Brand Filter Model
Pentair Cc200
Filter Notes
Filter Additional Notes

The 13-year-old pool filter shows heavy sun damage on the top and high pressure, likely requiring a new cartridge ($250) and pressure gauge ($50) due to rust and age. The high pressure may be caused by the pool’s single 1.25-inch return, though a 1-inch bottom cleaner line is present. An air leak, probably from the tank O-ring, needs service ($150). A filter rupture is possible, but I believe the O-ring is the main issue. A full filter replacement ($800 plus $650 installation) or cartridge service ($150) are potential recommendations but not currently necessary. Total estimated cost for likely repairs: $450.

Filter Pump Condition: Fair - Working Condition$50

Filter Pump #1 Filter Pump #2
Filter Pump Brand Filter Pump Model Horsepower
Jacuzzi Variable Speed 1.5 - 3.1hp
Filter Pump Condition
The bonding wire is no longer connected or secure
Filter Pump Notes
Filter Pump Additional Notes

The Jacuzzi variable speed pool pump, less than five years old and of medium quality, is working but shows stress in the plastic housing on the suction side inlet, likely from excess pressure when opening the lid. With a 2-inch intake and 1.5-inch return, it should last 1–3 years before needing wet-end service or replacement with a higher-quality Pentair SuperFlo VS pump, costing $1200 plus $650 for installation. The pump O-ring needs replacement now, costing $50.

Total estimated cost: $1900 in 1-3+ years.

Filter Pump Additional Repairs
50

Booster Pump Condition: $0

Booster Pump #1 Booster Pump #2
Booster Pump Brand Booster Pump Model Horsepower
Booster Pump Additional Notes

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: $

Waterfall Pump #1 Waterfall Pump #2
Waterfall Pump Brand Waterfall Pump Model Horsepower
Waterfall Pump Additional Notes

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: $

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

Equipment Control System


Board & Timer Condition: Recommend Low Voltage Confirmation / Attention $300

Board/Timer #1 Board/Timer #2
GFCI Compliant
300
Board & Timer Additional Notes

Electrical system review shows a GFCI breaker for the pool light but none for the pool pump. Recommend installing a Siemens 20-amp variable speed breaker for the pump, estimated at $150 for the breaker plus $150 for installation. The pool light voltage is unclear (possibly 120V or 12V). Recommend an electrician test with a meter to confirm voltage, likely costing under $150 for a service call to check and certify. If repairs are needed, costs could range from $500–$1,500, depending on the issue’s extent and access to conduits behind the wall. If 12V, the low-voltage transformer is likely in the junction box. A pool light wire may be located under the east side wall at toe level, appearing suitable for low-voltage but in an unusual location, as it’s furthest from the pool light. Two other conduits, closer to the pool light, emerge outside the shed house wall. Recommend an electrician inspect all wiring to confirm safety and, if compliant, obtain certification.

Auxiliary Timer Condition: $

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

Salt Control Systems Condition: $

Salt Control #1 Salt Control #2
Salt System Power Detect Salt Flow Detect Salt Presence Low Salt
Salt Control System Additional Notes

Valves & Fittings Condition: Poor - Recommend Updates$2500

Overall Details

The pool’s valving includes one 1.25-inch return line to the pool returns and one 1-inch line to the bottom cleaner, which is suboptimal for a return-style bottom cleaner (even though the cleaner IS functioning at approx 80-90% power). The absence of a three-way valve limits pressure customization, likely reducing the bottom cleaner’s performance. Upgrading the plumbing is recommended, including adding a check valve on the pump’s suction side, a three-way valve on the return side, and addressing potential underground copper-to-PVC connections. Estimated cost for parts and labor is $2500, or as low as $1000 for parts only. Total estimated cost: $2500.



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

PVC to small sized copper.

Condition
Poor
Notes

One single return, which is likely the main reason why algae is able to develop in this pool more easily, and why they must keep the chlorine + cya level so high. Recommend on going phosphate treatment treatments to assist with lowering chlorine.

Condition
Good
Notes

Water, quality comparison from tap water left to pool water on the right

Condition
Notes
Condition
Notes

Bonding Stake


Estimated pool repair costs based on typical seasonal construction pricing.(seasonal pricing changes $13330Est. Totals


Edit
 

Comments are closed.



Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can
take care of it!

Pool Questions ? Call Us!

Do you need some swimming pool assistance? Maybe just a few questions answered ? Well give us a call, we are only a phone call away.

Sometimes you just need a second, qualified opinion.

Office: (916) 467-8038

Mobile: (916) 905-5818

Sacramento Pool Inspections & Service

We provide Weekly Pool & Spa Service, Pool Inspections, Pool Repairs, & Pool Tile Cleaning around the Sacramento Area, CA and the surrounding communities.

Swimming Pool Inspections & Service | (916) 905-5818