Purchasing a home with a swimming pool requires a little extra due diligence. When touring the home, observe if the seller has maintained the pool well. Is the pool currently cloudy, dirty or filled with debris? Do you see a hose in the pool with the last two feet bleached out? Is there a 4” thick bathtub ring in the skimmer? Are there pollen lines going down the tile? If so, this could be warning signs of how the pool has been maintained in the past and a warning sign. A swimming pool that has not been properly maintained over time, can accelerate equipment failure and pool shell breakdown. It is your best interest to ask the current homeowner to provide you with details and records concerning the pool’s history. Sadly, there is no guarantee they will be totally forthcoming on any issues they may have had, so don’t just stop there.
Below are a few ways you can minimize your risk of purchasing a home with a pool.
One: Visit the local pool stores. Most pool stores keep records of the swimming pool owner’s they assist. If they are willing to share this information with you, it could provide you with a wealth of knowledge on the pool’s history. If you do not find a local store which has been servicing this pool, don’t be alarmed. Perhaps they have had a pool service providing all of the care to the pool.
Two: If the homeowner has provided you with the name of a pool servicing company earlier when you first inquired about how the pool has been maintained, ask the homeowner to provide you with their contact information. Explain you would also like to speak with them about the pool’s history.
Three: For a small fee, an experienced leak detection company can check your pool in its entirety and greatly reduce your risk of buying a home with a leaking pool. Most homes are not purchased without hiring a professional home inspection. Although this is great for the home, their pool knowledge is usually limited and rarely does it include a pool leak detection.
We have mentioned above some warning signs, but there is not always visible evidence of a leak. An ongoing leak can result in quite an expense. Don’t take the risk. Leak Wizard has a combined 50 years experience in the swimming pool industry. We know pools and we know how to find leaks. Give us a call today.