Expert Level Pool Inspections
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120 Hill Rd, Berkeley, Ca (3:00 PM - March 7, 2026)

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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
Chain Link Around pool
Safety Fencing Notes
The fencing needs minor repair to self close and self latch, The fencing does not meet safety standards, 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

Non self latching, recommend modifications to bring up to a safer standard.

Pool Surface Condition: Older - Potential Issue Seen Under Deck $14000

Surface #1 Surface #2
Estimated Gallons Surface Type
>25K Gallons Plaster
Dimensions Damaged Estimated Surface Age
18' by 37' 10-50% 15+ Years
Pool Surface Notes
Pool Surface Additional Notes

The surface appears to be in fair condition overall, normal wear for its age, but the surface seems to have a potential water loss location (this could also be related to the pool being over filled ? Slightly). Under the deck there is water loss occurring in the south / south east corner of the pool seen under the decking.

IF the surface has expired, which signs are pointing to that; water loss, lower cal hardness / cya levels = Therefore the surface is due to be updated - re surfacing only is 12-16K+. Expect additional costs when resurfacing to update optional, but recommended; light niche, main drain, adding returns ($5-15k+) which is highly recommended to improve all aspects of maintaining this swimming pool.

The wear seen is nominal and normally I would classify at least another 1-5 years of life remaining: likely, but with the other factors present: Resurfacing I feel is needed

Tile Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention)$3000

Tile #1 Tile #2
Water Line Tile Linear Footage Tile Water Level Tile Linear Footage
Less than 150 Linear Feet N/A 105
Tile Type Calcium Build-Up Loose or missing tile?
Ceramic, Natural / Stone N/A or none 1500
Mastic Repair
1500
Additional Mastic Repairs
Additional Tile Notes

The waterline tile has two areas of main concern, one near the skimmer throat, and one near the east side middle. I feel both are related to decking shifting vs pool shell. At the east side tile issue, there are some stress / cracking marks below the area (where the tile is missing) but nothing substantial. This could be a new issue and developing, if so continue to monitor and confirm if a gap begins to form. In the mean time recommend attention to water proof these areas via professional mortars addition / potential flexible material (not necessarily preferred).

To update these two affected areas expect a cost of $500-1500+ depending on depth of issue especially at the skimmer throat area).

Water Quality Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention) $200

Water Picture #1 Water Picture #2
pH Level Free Chlorine Total Chlorine Cyanuric Alkalinity Calcium
6.8 - 7.2 (Ideal) 0 (Very Low) .05 (Low) 0 - 20 (Very Low) 45 - 70 (Ideal) 100 - 250 (Low)
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 Yes - More than 50% of Pool is new Water
Additional Water Quality Notes

Ideal water chemistry overall, but due for minor attention at this time; ph and chlor adjustments asap and do not wait more than 3 days from now to treat.

Treatments including adding CYA will cost approx $200+

Also recommend adding a Phosphate Removal Device

Skimmer & Main Drain Circulation: Recommend Updates $600

Drain #1 Drain #2 Skimmer #1 Skimmer #2
Water Flow Through Skimmer Water Flow Through Main Drain Skimmer Float Valve
Recommend Updates 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
100
Skimmer & Main Drain Details


Skimmer & Main Drain Additional Notes

A very old skimmer, due to be updated at time of resurfacing ($1500+) in the mean time, recommend updating the basket to weighted, float, float o ring, weir door, lid, etc ($500+)

The main drain cover should be updated at least with a new compliant cover ($100+) and at time of re plaster updated complete ($500+)

Bottom Cleaner Condition: Due for Service Soon $200

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

Newer, working, without major issue, recommend minor tightening / tune up and maybe some hose mods, but overall unit is working, likes to get stuck in the entry step corner. New tail / tires / service ($200+ in the next 6-12 months)

Bottom Cleaner Additional Repairs
200

Auto-Fill Condition: $0

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

Could not turn on.

Pool Light Condition: Damaged$700

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

Older light can likely 8” - proprietary can (niche), recommend updating at time of re surfacing ($1500+) in the mean time it is likely this light can - A new similar can is $300+ install $400 ($700).

Spa Light Condition: $0

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

Equipment Pad


Filter Condition: Due for Service - Not Leaking $650

Filter #1 Filter #2
Filter Brand Filter Model
Waterway Cartridge 325/425
Filter Notes
Filter Additional Notes

This filter is due for service as the pressure is slightly high ($150) also recommend checking the element life to see if updating is needed ($500). Otherwise without major issue seen. Newer.

Filter Pump Condition: Older - Poor / Damaged$2800

Filter Pump #1 Filter Pump #2
Filter Pump Brand Filter Pump Model Horsepower
Pentair IntelliFlo 2010 Variable Speed 1.5 - 3.1hp
Filter Pump Condition
Filter Pump Notes
Filter Pump Additional Notes

This pump is expiring soon, decomposing metal motor base. Recommend a like pump (Superflo Vs or i3 3hp - $1600-2800+ install).

Filter Pump Additional Repairs
2800

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: Damaged (Needs Attention) $5000

Heater #1 Heater #2
Heater Model Heater Brand
Rheem N/g 266k Btu
Heater Additional Notes

The heater is a natural gas unit in distressed/aged condition.
Likely causes of distress: undersized gas supply line (insufficient gas pressure/flow) and/or inadequate water flow during operation.
The heater itself needs replacement due to age and condition.
Recommend first testing and upgrading the gas line/supply before installing a new heater to avoid repeating issues.
Replacement options:
• New natural gas heater (266,000–333,000 BTU): ~$5,000 installed.
• Heat pump (now mandated in California for new installations): Consider this for efficiency and compliance; may require electrical supply upgrade (panel, wiring, etc.).
Cost summary (this section only)
• New gas heater installed: ~$5,000
• Heat pump alternative: Cost TBD (higher upfront, potential electrical upgrade needed)
• Gas line testing/upgrade: Not estimated (priority before heater replacement)

Equipment Control System


Board & Timer Condition: Damaged (Needs Attention)$950

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

Equipment Panel
The equipment panel consists of four boxes mounted to a piece of plywood.
Two timers are present (slightly older but appear functional).
There is a very old shut-off fuse box (purpose unclear, recently serviced but not GFCI-related).
A fourth box appears to be an unused fuse system.
None of the setup provides GFCI protection.
Recommend upgrading the entire panel for safety: remove plywood mounting, install a more substantial and durable setup, replace with a new dual-timer box with GFCI-rated breakers (Siemens or equivalent).
This upgrade includes GFCI protection for all pool equipment (filter pump has its own built-in timer but still benefits from panel-level GFCI).
Estimated cost:
• GFCI breakers: ~$300
• New dual-timer box: ~$350
• Electrician labor/install: ~$300
• Total installed: ~$750–$950
Cost summary (this section only)
• Full equipment panel upgrade to GFCI dual-timer setup: ~$750–$950

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)$800

Overall Details

Recommend covering this from UV / painting / labeling ($300+).



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

Older poor quality Valving. Recommend updating ($200+). This is for bottom cleaner return control.

Condition
Poor
Notes

All return plumbing is outside the pool wall, hanging, recommend better strapping ($300+).

Condition
Damaged (Needs Attention)
Notes

HEAVILY chlorinated OR heavy iron from overhead trees (present).

Condition
Poor
Notes

Older light switch

Condition
Notes

Estimated pool repair costs based on typical seasonal construction pricing.(seasonal pricing changes $29025Est. Totals


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