A pool inspection costs $140 on average, but it ranges from $125 to $250, depending on the type and size of your pool and location.
There’s nothing like lounging by the pool or cannonballing on a hot summer day. Getting a pool inspection is essential before buying or selling a home with a huge water feature like this. The average cost of a pool inspection is $140, but it ranges between $125 and $250, depending on the size of the swimming pool and where you live. From fixing small pool issues before they grow out of control to identifying areas of concern, pool inspections help solve problems sooner and save money in the long run.
Pools bring a lot of joy to your home, and they’re great entertainment for kids, adults, and even the family dog. But if you’re thinking about buying a home with a pool, you certainly don’t want to inherit someone else’s problem because the homeowner made pool care mistakes.
Here’s when you should consider getting a pool inspection:
When buying a home
When selling a home (to get ahead of any potential issues)
If you’re concerned about your pool’s condition
For homeowners with an existing pool, look for cracks or surface damage and check the equipment like the lighting, liner, and heater to make sure everything is secure and properly working.
What’s covered in a pool inspection can vary depending on the local safety regulations where you live. Here’s what the average pool inspector will check for during an inspection:
Your pool inspector will start with the basics by checking the:
Pool size
Pool depth
Type of pool materials used in construction (poured cement, fiberglass, or vinyl)
Pool age and manufacturer
The pool inspector will then make sure that:
There are no cracks in the surface
Railings, ladders, and diving boards are secure
Filter casings are working and properly installed
Water levels are also tested, and the pool inspector will make sure your pool has proper levels of:
Chlorine
Calcium
pH
Alkalinity
Monitoring these levels is important, so the water doesn’t put anyone in danger or harm the pool equipment.
If there’s a problem with the filter or water pressure, your inspector will recommend an additional round of tests by a leak detection specialist.
During the pool equipment check, the inspector will make sure:
The main drain is up to code
All motors and pumps are working
The timer system is properly wired and in good condition
The heater and light fixtures are free of condensation
The wires are properly grounded
Proper safety controls and GFIs are in place
All electrical codes have been followed
After the inspection, you’ll know if you need to hire a local pool repair company to get things in tip-top shape. Your pro can walk you through what it will take to get your pool running smoothly.
After checking out your pool, your pool inspector will examine the fencing and safety equipment and ensure everything is up to code in your area.
Some states require pool fencing, while others do not. For example, Alaska and Delaware don’t have any requirements, while Florida does require pool fencing. When needed, fencing should have a self-latching gate that opens outward.
Your pool inspector will look at required and optional safety equipment to ensure it functions properly, including:
Pool and spa covers
Safety drain covers
Lights
Alarms
Electrical wiring and GFCI protection
Finally, your pool inspector will review additional features like fountains, waterfalls, hot tubs, slides, and rescue equipment. If you have a hot tub, they’ll check for proper installation according to local code.
They’ll confirm that the diving boards and slides are in working order, your rescue equipment is in good condition, and gutters and downspouts drain away from the pool area.
A pool inspector will help identify potential hazards and necessary repairs, and advise you of options to rectify any problems. Afterward, the inspector will give you a full written report, usually within a day or two of the inspection, or send a copy via email.
The inspection report will include:
Detailed feedback on each pool component and a rating of its condition
Problem areas that need to be repaired
Information about the equipment and when it may need to be replaced
Pool inspection costs can vary widely depending on several factors. Here are a few factors to remember that will affect the price you pay for a pool inspection.
Many inspectors will base the rate of their inspection on the size by square foot and depth of your pool. Basically, the bigger and deeper the pool, the higher the cost will be.
If your pool comes equipped with special features like a hot tub, diving board, slide, or waterfall, there is more for the inspector to check and, therefore, a higher inspection price tag.
In hot weather states like Florida or California, there’s more competition and lower prices for pool inspection services. In colder states, where pools are less common, expect to pay more for your inspection. The same applies if your inspector has to travel to a rural area.
| State | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| California | $150–$325 |
| Florida | $85–$250 |
| Minnesota | $110–$800 |
| New York | $150–$1,075 |
Different types of pools likely need different kinds of materials in their construction, whether you have an inground, semi-inground, above-ground, or indoor pool. This may affect the price of your pool inspection.
Swimming pools add extra fun to your yard, but without enough DIY cleaning or upkeep from a pool maintenance professional, you could need costly repairs. Repair costs can end up being more expensive than the cost of a pool inspection. On average, repairing a swimming pool costs $675, but depending on the issue, repairs range between $240 and $1,125.
| Pool Repairs | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pump replacement | $500–$2,800 |
| Heater replacement | $160–$770 |
| Lighting replacement | $625 per light |
| Filter replacement | $30–$2,000 |
| Liner | $100–$250 |
| Leak detection | $100–$1,000 |
| Resurfacing | $1,000–$30,000 |
Pump: The pump is the heart of your swimming pool and circulates water to keep your pool clean. Pool pump replacement costs vary depending on the type of pump you have, ranging from $500 to $2,800.
Heater: If you suspect a temperature issue, the cost of pool heater repairs averages $460 and ranges from $160 to $770, depending on the type of heater.
Lighting: If your lights are burned out, it could be a sign of an electrical problem, and it’s best to get them replaced as soon as possible. Pool light replacement costs average $625 per light, or $20 to $100 to swap out the inner light bulbs.
Filter: Damaged or worn-out filters can lead to dirt and algae buildup in your pool. Depending on the type you need, pool filters cost between $30 and $2,000.
Liner: The cost of pool liner repairs depends on the size and type of liner and the type of repair. For instance, fixing bulges and wrinkles can cost between $100 and $250, while repairing sun-damaged liners costs around $2 per linear foot.
Leaks: Finding a pool leak is like finding a needle in a haystack—it’s best to leave it to the professionals is best. The average cost of pool leak detection is $300, but it ranges from $100 to $1,000, depending on the pool’s size and components.
Resurfacing: Resurfacing your pool will give it a fresh, new look. However, the costs to resurface a pool vary widely depending on its size and the type of finish you want. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000.
In addition to regular pool inspections, consider other services to keep your pool splish-splash-worthy whenever you feel the urge to get your feet wet. Here are some other repair and maintenance costs to factor in:
| Pool Inspection Add-On | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pool cleaning | $80–$150 per month |
| Water delivery | $500–$1,700 |
| Hiring a pool electrician | $50–$100 per hour |
| Pool closing and opening | $150–$300 each |
Pool Cleaning: A professional pool cleaning includes skimming, vacuuming, cleaning baskets, changing filters, and testing and adjusting your water’s chemical levels. Pool cleaning costs $80 to $150 per month, or $960 to $1,800 annually.
Water Delivery: Whether you just built a new pool or opened one after the winter, you’ll need a water supply to fill it. Topping off your pool after reopening costs about $0.004 per gallon. Water delivery for a 17,000-gallon pool costs between $500 and $1,700.
Electrical Components: Electricity is essential to running your pool’s heater, pumps, and lights. The cost of pool electricity is about $300 per year. It could be a safety issue if you suspect problems with your pool’s power. Hire a pool electrician to check it out for about $50 to $100 per hour.
When your swimming season starts or ends, it costs $150 to $300 to open or close your pool. Each process involves specific steps:
Closing a pool for the winter: Lowering the water level, shocking, cleaning, and covering it
Opening a pool for the winter: Removing the cover, shocking, starting the pump and heater, and topping up water levels
Before hiring a pool inspector, read online reviews to see what past customers have to say. Ask the inspector if they’re trained, certified, and insured. Not all states require a pool inspector to be certified, so check your local laws. Even if the state doesn’t require licensing, inquire about any courses or training they’ve taken. This will tell you a lot about their capabilities as an inspector.
While it’s a good idea to monitor your swimming pool for issues, such as loose pool railings and poor water quality, you can miss other problems that only a qualified pool inspector can identify.
When it comes to conducting a pool inspection, hire an experienced pool inspector. In the meantime, you can do some DIY pool maintenance like changing filters or skimming leaves and debris from the surface.
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If you frequently use your swimming pool, an annual inspection is ideal. For pools over 20 years old, get an inspection twice a year. If you have a new pool, are selling your house, or your property went through a severe weather event, schedule a pool inspection as soon as possible.
Home inspectors only check swimming pools if they have expertise in that area. During a standard home inspection, they focus on the house’s structure, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and other components. If they examine your pool, they’ll check the pump and heater. If you want a thorough pool inspection, hire a pool inspection specialist.
The best time to schedule an annual pool inspection is early or late spring, before the busy summer season. Your inspector can identify urgent issues so you can address them before using the pool. If your region is warm year-round, schedule an inspection before you start swimming regularly.
