What do the written notes actually look like?
Plain language plus photos. An example of the style, from no particular property: "Water clear; chlorine low and stabilizer high; expect higher chlorine use until diluted. Filter pressure about 8 PSI over its clean baseline; cartridge due for cleaning. Heater fired and held temperature. Small weep at the pump union, worth monitoring; photo attached." Every note is specific to the pool in front of us.
Is this a certified home inspection?
No. This is a visual pool and spa service inspection, not a certified real estate inspection, structural inspection, code inspection, or laboratory analysis. Many buyers use it alongside a standard home inspection, since general inspectors often exclude pool equipment.
Can you do this before we close on the house?
Usually, yes, with access arranged through your agent or the seller. Mention your closing timeline when you reach out. Condition checks are generally easier to schedule than full service visits.
We just bought a house with a pool nobody maintained. Is this the right first step?
Often, yes. The check tells you what shape the pool is actually in and what order to address things, before you spend money on any of it.
Can you run the equipment during the visit?
Where it is safe and accessible, yes. Pumps, filters, heaters, salt systems, valves, and controls are operated or observed, and anything that will not start or respond gets documented with photos.
Do property managers use this for onboarding?
Yes. A dated baseline with photos makes the first service conversation concrete: what equipment is there, what condition it is in, and what the first month should address.
