Expert Level Pool Inspections
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4416 Kenneth Ave, Fair Oaks, Ca ( - )

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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
Wrought Iron Side of home, Around pool
Safety Fencing Notes
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

Pool Surface Condition: Poor / Near Damaged / Wear / Blemishes Present $0

Surface #1 Surface #2
Estimated Gallons Surface Type
>25K Gallons Pebble Surface
Dimensions Damaged Estimated Surface Age
16' by 40' 10-50% 7-15 Years
Pool Surface Notes
Pool Surface Additional Notes

Pool Surface
The plaster surface shows wear throughout the pool, with pits and heavy wear markings visible on more than 50% of the area. This indicates the plaster is toward the end of its life cycle — likely in the last 3-10 years or less, depending on future maintenance and water quality.
The cost to replaster a pool of this size would likely run between $13,000 and $16,000+

At the time of replastering, consider these improvements:
• Update the main drain to a VGBA-compliant channel drain!! (and potentially add a second one) for smoother bottom cleaner operation and up to an additional 150 GPM of flow. This upgrade would cost $2,000–$3,000 but would pay for itself over the life of the pool in energy saving and chemical management.
• Add a strip of additional in-floor returns, which can be installed easily during the remodel for about $3,000+. This would improve heating efficiency by approximately 60%.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Full replaster: $13,000–$16,000
• Main drain to VGBA channel drain upgrade (+ optional second drain): $2,000–$3,000
• Additional in-floor returns: ~$3,000

Tile Condition: Fair / Damaged - Issues Present$1500

Tile #1 Tile #2
Water Line Tile Linear Footage Tile Water Level Tile Linear Footage
Less than 150 Linear Feet High 140
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

Tile (Waterline)
The waterline tile is in relatively good condition overall.
Heavy iron and/or chlorine buildup is present at the waterline.
The tiles, especially at the edges of the skimmer throats, have gaps and will need to be resealed with mortar. Both skimmers show some issues, with the northwest skimmer having the most noticeable problems.
The skimmer areas will likely need attention, estimated at $1,500 to address.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Skimmer throat mortar repair and related tile work: ~$1,500

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) 2 - 5 (Ideal) 2 - 5 (Ideal) 50 - 100 (Ideal) 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?
Yes, Light Algae was found In Shade or Corners of Pool No Yes - More than 50% of Pool is new Water
Additional Water Quality Notes

Water Quality
Water quality shows low calcium hardness and low cyanuric acid (CYA), typical of new water or ongoing water loss. The auto fill was running upon arrival, which supports possible water loss if left on for extended periods.
Chlorine is very high (over 20 ppm), which is not ideal for the equipment or surface. The skimmer and pump baskets are very brown, indicating prolonged high chlorine exposure.
There also appears to be a hidden layer of algae (likely the reason for the high chlorine levels), visible ever so slightly on the surface. This will likely require specialty treatments ($100+) once chlorine drops to 1–5 ppm, as the current high level is masking it.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Minor adjustments (increase CYA and calcium hardness): <$100
• Specialty algae treatments: $100+ (once chlorine is lowered)

Skimmer & Main Drain Circulation: Recommend updates $850

Drain #1 Drain #2 Skimmer #1 Skimmer #2
Water Flow Through Skimmer Water Flow Through Main Drain Skimmer Float Valve
Recommend updates 2
Pool Skimmer QTY Spa Skimmer QTY Pool Main Drain QTY Spa Main Drain QTY
2 N/A 1 N/A
VGBA Compliant Drain Covers
100
Skimmer & Main Drain Details


Skimmer & Main Drain Additional Notes

Skimmer
Both skimmers show signs of heavy chlorine abuse (and possibly high iron). One skimmer even had a chlorine cookie stuck in its suction port, which is not ideal and accelerates plastic degradation.
Currently, the skimmers are functional but clearly worn. At the time of next replastering, consider updating both skimmers to allow for larger (ideally 2-inch) piping and better flow. Cost per skimmer for this upgrade during plastering: $3,000–$5,000 (not required, but recommended for improved performance).
In the meantime, update the following components on both skimmers for better function and to reduce further damage:
• Float, float O-ring, weir door, new lid, and weighted basket.
Total cost for both skimmers: $500–$750 installed (or less than $300 for parts only).
Main Drains
The main drain cover is older than 10 years and due for update for safety.
Replacement cost: ~$100 installed.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Skimmer component updates (both): $500–$750 installed
• Main drain cover replacement: ~$100
• Skimmer full upgrade during replaster (per skimmer, optional): $3,000–$5,000

Bottom Cleaner Condition: Good $25

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

Bottom Cleaner
The bottom cleaner is relatively new and well cared for. It has four swivels and shows signs of recent upgrades.
It is in good working condition overall. The only recommendation is a new tail in the next six months, which should cost $10–$20.
No other immediate recommendations or upgrades are needed.
Cost summary (this section only)
• New tail (in next 6 months): $10–$25

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

Upon arrival I found the auto fill was turned on at approximately 5 to 10%, and therefore that is the likely explanation as to why the pool is so full it is up to the maximum of this pool, still it is very difficult to turn it off 100% therefore recommend service to this valve ($125-250+)

Pool Light Condition: Damaged$1600

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

Pool Lights
There are two older pool lights, likely original and over 30 years old. They appear to be smaller 8-inch swim clip style lights, mounted in smaller niches.
Both lights show clear condensation inside the lenses and are hanging off the niche, indicating seal failure and age-related deterioration.
Replacement options include comparable 8-inch lights ($400–$800) or a universal pool light from Amazon (~$300).
At the next replastering stage, consider updating the niches as well if they are the smaller 8-inch style. Updating the niches during replaster would likely cost around $1,000.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Replacement of both lights: $600–$1,600 (depending on model)
• Niche updates at replaster (if needed): ~$1,000

Spa Light Condition: $0

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

Equipment Pad


Filter Condition: Other $1150

Filter #1 Filter #2
Filter Brand Filter Model
Sta-Rite S8M120
Filter Notes
Filter Additional Notes

Filter
When running the pump at full speed, the filter is showing 25 psi. This indicates the element inside is due for service soon.
Service cost is around $200. Worst case, the element will need replacement at that time (~$800 through the manufacturer).
The tank O-ring is also likely due for service or replacement ($100 or less for OEM). The pressure gauge should be updated to a liquid-filled version ($50).
All of this should be done in the next 1–6 months. We will know more about the element condition once the filter is opened and serviced.
Cost summary (this section only)
• Filter service: ~$200
• Element replacement (if needed): ~$800
• Tank O-ring service/replacement: ~$100 or less
• Liquid-filled pressure gauge: ~$50
• Total potential: ~$1,150 (if element replacement is required)

Filter Pump Condition: Good - Working$300

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

Filter Pump
The filter pump is likely original on the front end (wet end) with a recently updated rear motor and/or display.
It is in good working condition overall with no major issues.
The only recommended upgrades are:
• New pump lid and basket: less than $100
• Small leak on the return fitting: easily resolved with ~$200 in service and/or parts
Cost summary (this section only)
• Pump lid and basket: <$100
• Return fitting leak repair: ~$200

Filter Pump Additional Repairs
300

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: Poor$1800

Waterfall Pump #1 Waterfall Pump #2
Waterfall Pump Brand Waterfall Pump Model Horsepower
Dyna Glas 1.50HP - 2.00HP
Waterfall Pump Additional Notes

Waterfall Pump
The waterfall pump has a very worn motor. It likely has less than 1 to 24 months of remaining life if used frequently (it may last longer with infrequent use).
This is an older pump, likely over 25 years old and mostly original.
Possible short-term updates include a new pump lid and motor for $500–$1,000.
However, a better long-term decision would be to replace it with a new variable-speed pump such as the Pentair SuperFlo VS (~$1,200 for the pump + installation).
Cost summary (this section only)
• New lid + motor: $500–$1,000
• New variable-speed pump (SuperFlo VS) + install: ~$1,800 (recommended long-term)

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$750

Board/Timer #1 Board/Timer #2
GFCI Compliant
750
Board & Timer Additional Notes

Board and Timer
The board and timer are nicely labeled, which is helpful.
It would be wise to update all the breakers to GFCI, including a new plug breaker, for added safety.
Estimated cost: ~$400 for parts + ~$350 for electrician installation.
Cost summary (this section only)
• GFCI breaker upgrade + installation: ~$750

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)$1500

Overall Details

Equipment Pad
The equipment pad has direct sun exposure from morning to late afternoon.
It should be covered with 95% UV-blocking mesh (available on Amazon for less than $50) to protect the plumbing and valves.
It would also be nice to repaint and re-label the pad for better protection and identification (~$300).
All of this (UV mesh, painting, labeling, and any related plumbing modifications) could likely be done as a combined package for $1,200 to $1,500.
Cost summary (this section only)
• UV mesh: <$50
• Repaint and re-label: ~$300
• Combined package (UV mesh, paint, label, and plumbing mods): $1,200–$1,500



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

This should be removed ($200+).

Grey valve = This controls flow from the returns to the pool to the bottom cleaner. It has recently been serviced with the actuator being removed. It could be replaced, but likely will just be Manuel from moving forward and overall, it is likely due for service ($100+ new guts / screws)

Condition
Damaged (Needs Attention)
Notes

Water losses present at the inch and a half connection. It is likely an old connection that has failed. Will need to be repaired if the waterfall pump is to be used ($300+).

Condition
Poor
Notes

This is an old likely ozone attachment connection point. Ideally this would be better sealed or more ideally may be removed. They generally shouldn’t be anything on the suction side ($300) this fitting could potentially even be reused on the return site, especially for an in-line chlorinator, as it is a precious item.

Condition
Poor
Notes

Sub panel no GFCI

Condition
Notes

Appears to be the bonding wire likely rated for an above ground slide.


Estimated pool repair costs based on typical seasonal construction pricing.(seasonal pricing changes $10050Est. Totals


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