Expert Level Pool Inspections
Print Friendly Edit

103 Brae Ct., Fairfield, Ca (1:00 PM - July 30, 2025)

Google Maps

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
Wrought Iron Side of home
Safety Fencing Notes
Safety Fencing Additional Notes

There are two gates, the west and East gate the Westgate does self close and south latch the east gate does not, recommend minor attention to the east gate for safety ($125+).

Pool Surface Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $17000

Surface #1 Surface #2
Estimated Gallons Surface Type
>25K Gallons Paint over Plaster
Dimensions Damaged Estimated Surface Age
16' by 35' 10-50% 15+ Years
Pool Surface Notes
Pool Surface Additional Notes

It appears to be a painted surface over a very old Plaster, and it is likely that both will need to be removed at the Plaster stage, this will require additional work and therefore a small additional cost ($1-2k+) on top of the cost to re Plaster a pool of this size approx 650 Sqft. 12-15k+

Tile Condition: Older - Due for Service$7450

Tile #1 Tile #2
Water Line Tile Linear Footage Tile Water Level Tile Linear Footage
Less than 150 Linear Feet N/A 120
Tile Type Calcium Build-Up Loose or missing tile?
Ceramic 950 3500
Mastic Repair
3000
Additional Mastic Repairs
Additional Tile Notes

The waterline tile is all present surprisingly due to its age, which is likely older than 30 years still no major issues seen even the mortar is in relatively good condition with minimal wear present.

There is a calcium buildup that is present that can be removed if desired $950+

There are some gaps slowly forming where the coping meets the concrete where plants and whatnot are growing through that has previously been resealed with mastic, this can be resealed again for approximately 2 to 3K

Last is the skimmer throat that appears to be overdue for waterproofing ($1-2k+) and it may be wise to do the waterproofing service at the re-Plaster stage which will allow you to completely replace the skimmer, which would be my recommendation ($2-3500+) vs doing any type of repair to it.

Water Quality Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $375

Water Picture #1 Water Picture #2
pH Level Free Chlorine Total Chlorine Cyanuric Alkalinity Calcium
7.2 - 7.6 (Slightly High) 0 (Very Low) 1 (Low) 0 - 20 (Very Low) 45 - 70 (Ideal) 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?
Increasing chlorine, adjusting chemicals to proper levels, and doing enzyme and phosphate treatments along with 2 separate filter cleanings, one before treatments and one after will help reduce or eliminate algae ($375) No Yes - More than 50% of Pool is new Water
Additional Water Quality Notes

The water quality is indicating that the calcium hardness and CYA levels are comparable to tapwater indicating the pool may have been recently filled or water loss may be present, given the fact that the surface of Plaster and paint is the waterproof barrier and it is missing = This is to be expected. Plus, the filter is leaking during operation - another point of water loss.

To properly balance, the water expect a cost of $100-375 if desiring long-term use in its current condition.

Skimmer & Main Drain Circulation: Older - Issues Present $300

Drain #1 Drain #2 Skimmer #1 Skimmer #2
Water Flow Through Skimmer Water Flow Through Main Drain Skimmer Float Valve
Older - Issues Present 1
Pool Skimmer QTY Spa Skimmer QTY Pool Main Drain QTY Spa Main Drain QTY
1 N/A 1 N/A
VGBA Compliant Drain Covers
Skimmer & Main Drain Details


Skimmer & Main Drain Additional Notes

The main drain cover itself is due to be updated for safety ($100+) at a Time of plaster recommend updating to a VGBA compliant cover (1k+)

The skimmer has significant chlorine wear present, and while in relatively fair condition overall due to the abuse and the undersized skimmer ports, and obvious resealing issuesit would likely be wise to update vs keep.

Still all parts are present except for a weir door recommend adding a weird door , a new float O-ring , and weight weighted basket ($300) to prolong the life of this skimmer.

Bottom Cleaner Condition: Damaged, unit is in distressed shape and will need more than $250 in repair items currently, consider replacement options ($405-655+). $650

Cleaner #1 Cleaner #2
Bottom Cleaner Brand Bottom Cleaner Model
Pentair Legend
Bottom Cleaner Additional Notes

The unit is older and likely due for some updates on parts, which will include the new tires and even likely a new hose ($205-350+) but this was difficult to confirm due to The Pool equipment not being able to fully start up.

It may be wise to consider a new unit due to this unit’s age and condition.

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 Manual Slow
Auto-Fill Additional Notes

The manual fill appeared to have a small leak that can likely be fixed. Relatively easily ($10) but may require more work to resolve ($250).

Pool Light Condition: Damaged$1150

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

This is an older Swim quip light with a specialty size that will require replacement with a specific light ($700+) and likely $450 installation.

To avoid having to use this old, one specific light, recommend updating the light canister at time of re- Plaster ($1k+).

Spa Light Condition: $0

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

Equipment Pad


Filter Condition: Likely Nearing Replacement Status $1850

Filter #1 Filter #2
Filter Brand Filter Model
Hayward S310T - 98gpm max
Filter Notes
Filter Additional Notes

The filter, is a low cost plastic shell sand filter, that while very efficient and is a low cost to maintain is showing signs of multiple issues, to the point, I would feel confident in classifying this as likely a complete replacement if not now in the next five years or less.

Recommend a higher quality shell, especially if there is no UV protection, like the TA-100d Pentiar - which is comparable to this filter, but higher quality fiberglass shell at approx $1k cost + install $850.

Still, this unit would likely require new sand, new connections, new multiport, all costing $1k or more.

Filter Pump Condition: Poor / Damaged - Leaking / Vibrating - Difficult to Prime $1850

Filter Pump #1 Filter Pump #2
Filter Pump Brand Filter Pump Model Horsepower
Pentair Whisperflo 1.50HP - 2.00HP
Filter Pump Condition
The bonding wire is connected and secure
Filter Pump Notes
Filter Pump Additional Notes

The filter pump does turn on and function, however, it is unable to fully prime when I first arrived even with a half full skimmer basket, but after filling the pool for 30 minutes I was able to get the filter pump to prime = it leaking from its return, and the pump itself sounding in poor / bearings nearing failure condition, I would anticipate this Pump to last another 1-24 months before repairs / replacement would be required = repairs ($500-1k) just in plumbing / shaft seal / etc. vs a new variable speed at $1k Superflo Vs + install $850+

Filter Pump Additional Repairs
1850

Booster Pump Condition: Working - Older Bearings - Nearing Expiration$1650

Booster Pump #1 Booster Pump #2
Booster Pump Brand Booster Pump Model Horsepower
Polaris Pb4-Sq ≤ 0.99HP
Booster Pump Additional Notes

Working poorly, vibrating, leaning at suction connection = nearing expiration ($1650 new installed with hard plumbing vs soft)

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 Safety Updates$950

Board/Timer #1 Board/Timer #2
GFCI Compliant
950
Board & Timer Additional Notes

The timer / board appears to be in relatively fair condition. Its breakers are due to be updated to GFCI compliant ($300 parts + 350 electrician labor) + water bond ($300) for safety. Currently the breakers do not test / reset themselves indicating there may be a fault or no power present.

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: Damaged (Needs Attention)$5000

Overall Details

The pool equipment pad appears to be updated with new plastic plumbing and equipment in the past 10-25 years, with copper Plumbing still present. I was not able to get the filter pump to fully prime correctly, and this may likely be due to an issue on the suction side of the pump related to plumbing if that is the case, it could require opening this area to the skimmer (15 feet) and lay new pipe and install a new skimmer - that new skimmer cost is separate in tile section- but this plumbing update should run 4-6k+ depending on issues seen and will likely be required in the next 1-30 years depending on quality of piping.

Still, what is seen is Older sun beaten Plumbing that should be updated asap to allow this pool to actually circulate / prevent damage and help this pump not expire itself due to lack of water flow.

Note that even when I put the filter into recirculation mode, the pump still did not fully prime until later in the inspection after filling for almost an hour.

I would estimate a cost of 2 to 4K Just in re-plumbing work on top of concrete now and resealing the connections present, which would include possible jackhammering open concrete around the plumbing connections only and confirming if they are correct or need to be updated.



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
Damaged (Needs Attention)
Notes

Water / leaks present.

Condition
Notes
Condition
Notes
Condition
Notes
Condition
Damaged (Needs Attention)
Notes

The diving board (bowing) is likely past its life expectancy, and due to the depth and angle of the pool decking and bottom it would be wise to remove completely for safety ($1k+) vs repair.


Estimated pool repair costs based on typical seasonal construction pricing.(seasonal pricing changes $38600Est. 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