*NIHI P-100 Pool Inspections -

About Course

This course is designed to equip home inspectors with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect residential swimming pools and spas. The course will cover safety standards, mechanical systems, electrical components, structural elements, and maintenance considerations, ensuring inspectors can identify potential issues and hazards.

Course Content

1. Introduction to Pool Inspections

1.1 Course Overview
1.1.1 Purpose and Goals of Pool Inspections
1.1.2 Scope of a Pool Inspection Within a Home Inspection
1.1.3 Regulatory Frameworks (Local, State, and National Regulations)
1.1.4 Liability Concerns and Common Legal Issues Related to Pool Inspections
1.2 In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools
1.2.1 Spas, Hot Tubs, and Pool Combinations
1.2.3 Key Structural Components
Introduction to Pool Inspections Quiz

2. Pool Safety Standards

2.0 Pool Safety Regulations
2.1 Understanding Applicable Codes: ASTM, ANSI, and NEC
2.1.1 Pool Barrier and Fencing Requirements
2.1.2 Diving Boards and Slides: Assessing Risk
2.2 Drowning Prevention Overview
2.2.1 Pool Covers and Alarms
2.2.2 Suction Entrapment Hazards and the VGB Act
2.3. Overview and History of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act
Pool Safety Standards Quiz

3. Structural Elements of Pools

3.0 Structural Elements of Pools
3.1 Pool Shell Types and Defects
3.2 Concrete Pool Shells
3.3 Vinyl Liner Pool Shells
3.4 Fiberglass Pool Shells
3.5 Grading and Drainage Considerations
3.5.1 Drainage System Maintenance Tips
3.5.2 How to Report Grading and Drainage Issues in Inspection Reports
3.6 Decking and Coping Systems
3.6.1 Coping for Fiberglass and Vinyl Liner Pools
3.7 Surface Safety and Tripping Hazards
3.7.1 Expansion Joints, Movement, and Cracking
3.7.2 Signs of Water Infiltration
Structural Elements of Pools Quiz

4 Pool Mechanical Systems
In this module, we will cover the various types of pool filtration systems that home inspectors should be familiar with, along with detailed inspection techniques, common problems, and maintenance considerations. A well-functioning filtration system is crucial to maintaining clean and safe water, so understanding the different types of filters and how they operate will help inspectors evaluate the system's performance and identify issues.

4.1 Water Filtration Systems
4.1.1 Sand Filters
4.1.2 Cartridge Filters
4.1.3 Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
4.1.4 Maintenance Considerations and Common Filter Problems
4.2 Pumps and Motors
4.3 Pool Plumbing Systems
4.4 Pool Valves
4.4.1. Multiport Valves
4.4.2. Slide Valves (Backwash Valves)
4.4.3. Check Valves
4.4.4. Isolation Valves (Ball, Gate, and Butterfly Valves)
Pool Mechanical Systems Quiz

5. Pool Electrical Systems

5.0 Pool Electrical Systems
5.1 National Electrical Code (NEC) for Pools
5.2 Electrical Panel, Wiring, and GFCI Requirements
5.2.1 Pool Timers, Controls, and Automation
5.3 Wiring and Conduit Requirements
5.4 Pool Lighting
5.5 Pool Heaters: An Overview for Home Inspectors
5.5.1 Inspection Techniques for Heater Installation and Connections
Pool Electrical and Heating Systems Quiz

6. Water Quality and Chemistry
Inspecting a pool’s water quality goes beyond the appearance of clear water; it requires a foundational understanding of water chemistry to assess health risks and potential impacts on the pool structure.

7. Pool Accessories and Features
Pool accessories and features enhance the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of a swimming pool. However, if not properly maintained or inspected, they can create hazards or reduce the pool’s efficiency. This section provides details on common pool accessories, potential defects, and inspection techniques to ensure safety and usability.

7.0 Pool Accessories and Features
7.1 Pool Covers and Enclosures
7.1.1 Inspection of Pool Enclosures
7.3 Pool Deck Accessories
7.2 Pool Cleaners
7.3.1 Pool Ladders and Handrails
7.3.2 Diving Boards
7.3.3 Toys and Floats
7.3.4 Deck Furniture and Accessories
Pool Accessories and Features Quiz

8. Spa and Hot Tub Inspections

9. Common Pool and Spa Inspection Defects

9.0 Common Pool and Spa Inspection Defects
9.1 Structural Defects
9.2 Mechanical and Circulation System Defects
9.3 Electrical Defects
9.4 Water Quality and Sanitation Defects
9.5 Safety Equipment and Barrier Defects
9.6 Spa-Specific Defects
9.7 Identifying Major vs. Minor Defects
Common Pool and Spa Inspection Defects Quiz

10. Pool Maintenance Considerations
Proper pool maintenance is critical for ensuring safety, longevity, and optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to safety hazards, expensive repairs, and damage to pool components. This section provides practical advice and techniques for routine care and seasonal adjustments, highlighting the implications of poor maintenance.

11. Pool Inspection Report Writing

Pool and Spa Inspection Checklists
These detailed checklists cover all critical aspects of pool and spa inspections, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and safety components. Use these checklists to ensure thorough inspections and consistent reporting.

Final Quiz

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About Course

Course Content

1. Introduction to Pool Inspections

1.1 Course Overview

1.1.1 Purpose and Goals of Pool Inspections

1.1.2 Scope of a Pool Inspection Within a Home Inspection

1.1.3 Regulatory Frameworks (Local, State, and National Regulations)

1.1.4 Liability Concerns and Common Legal Issues Related to Pool Inspections

1.2 In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools

1.2.1 Spas, Hot Tubs, and Pool Combinations

1.2.3 Key Structural Components

Introduction to Pool Inspections Quiz

2. Pool Safety Standards

2.0 Pool Safety Regulations

2.1 Understanding Applicable Codes: ASTM, ANSI, and NEC

2.1.1 Pool Barrier and Fencing Requirements

2.1.2 Diving Boards and Slides: Assessing Risk

2.2 Drowning Prevention Overview

2.2.1 Pool Covers and Alarms

2.2.2 Suction Entrapment Hazards and the VGB Act

2.3. Overview and History of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

Pool Safety Standards Quiz

3. Structural Elements of Pools

3.0 Structural Elements of Pools

3.1 Pool Shell Types and Defects

3.2 Concrete Pool Shells

3.3 Vinyl Liner Pool Shells

3.4 Fiberglass Pool Shells

3.5 Grading and Drainage Considerations

3.5.1 Drainage System Maintenance Tips

3.5.2 How to Report Grading and Drainage Issues in Inspection Reports

3.6 Decking and Coping Systems

3.6.1 Coping for Fiberglass and Vinyl Liner Pools

3.7 Surface Safety and Tripping Hazards

3.7.1 Expansion Joints, Movement, and Cracking

3.7.2 Signs of Water Infiltration

Structural Elements of Pools Quiz

4.1 Water Filtration Systems

4.1.1 Sand Filters

4.1.2 Cartridge Filters

4.1.3 Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

4.1.4 Maintenance Considerations and Common Filter Problems

4.2 Pumps and Motors

4.3 Pool Plumbing Systems

4.4 Pool Valves

4.4.1. Multiport Valves

4.4.2. Slide Valves (Backwash Valves)

4.4.3. Check Valves

4.4.4. Isolation Valves (Ball, Gate, and Butterfly Valves)

Pool Mechanical Systems Quiz

5. Pool Electrical Systems

5.0 Pool Electrical Systems

5.1 National Electrical Code (NEC) for Pools

5.2 Electrical Panel, Wiring, and GFCI Requirements

5.2.1 Pool Timers, Controls, and Automation

5.3 Wiring and Conduit Requirements

5.4 Pool Lighting

5.5 Pool Heaters: An Overview for Home Inspectors

5.5.1 Inspection Techniques for Heater Installation and Connections

Pool Electrical and Heating Systems Quiz

6. Water Quality and Chemistry Inspecting a pool’s water quality goes beyond the appearance of clear water; it requires a foundational understanding of water chemistry to assess health risks and potential impacts on the pool structure.

6.0 Water Quality and Chemistry

6.1 Importance of Water Quality

6.2 Water Testing Procedures

6.3 Reporting Water Quality Issues to Clients

Water Quality and Chemistry Quiz

7.0 Pool Accessories and Features

7.1 Pool Covers and Enclosures

7.1.1 Inspection of Pool Enclosures

7.3 Pool Deck Accessories

7.2 Pool Cleaners

7.3.1 Pool Ladders and Handrails

7.3.2 Diving Boards

7.3.3 Toys and Floats

7.3.4 Deck Furniture and Accessories

Pool Accessories and Features Quiz

8. Spa and Hot Tub Inspections

8.0 Spa and Hot Tub Inspections

8.1 Structural and Mechanical Components

8.2 Electrical and Heating Systems

6. Water Quality and Chemistry
Inspecting a pool’s water quality goes beyond the appearance of clear water; it requires a foundational understanding of water chemistry to assess health risks and potential impacts on the pool structure.

Pool and Spa Inspection Checklists
These detailed checklists cover all critical aspects of pool and spa inspections, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and safety components. Use these checklists to ensure thorough inspections and consistent reporting.