From breaking ground to final sign-off, making pool inspections easier and more efficient is crucial for safety and compliance, especially for commercial contractors who must comply with a variety of regulations. Traditional in-person inspections can be time-consuming, which can disrupt tight project timelines.
Finishing a project with a pool or spa requires a thorough inspection, which is a non-negotiable step. For contractors, a streamlined process can mean the difference between on-time completion and costly delays. That’s why virtual inspections are a game-changer in how to handle pool checks. They save time and offer a modern solution to getting approvals for swimming pools faster and more efficiently, all while meeting safety standards.
Traditional Pool Inspection Process Workflow
Before virtual inspections became an option, the traditional approach was the only way to get a pool or spa approved. This traditional method is a multi-step process that often involves back-and-forth communication, scheduling challenges, and inspectors who must physically verify details.
This approach to pool inspections generally follows these steps:
- Scheduling Inspections: Contractors submit the necessary documents to request an inspection.
- On-Site Evaluations: Inspectors come to the site to check safety features and confirm compliance with regulations.
- Documentation: Findings from the inspection are noted for review.
However, thanks to advances in technology, virtual inspections are now an option. This innovative method lets contractors perform assessments remotely through video calls and other digital tools, speeding up the entire inspection process.
Here are the key perks of virtual inspections:
- Fewer on-site visits are needed, saving valuable time.
- More accurate documentation thanks to digital record-keeping.
- Improved transparency, offering real-time feedback from inspectors.
These benefits fit perfectly with the fast-paced world of construction and help keep timelines on track, making virtual inspections a must-have tool for contractors.
Public vs. Residential: Nuances of Swimming Pool Inspections
A comprehensive swimming pool inspection involves a detailed review of the pool’s structure, equipment, and safety features. While the fundamental principles of a pool inspection are similar for both residential and public settings, the scale, complexity, and regulatory requirements differ significantly. It’s important for contractors to understand these differences in inspection requirements because they can significantly impact project execution and compliance.
Residential Swimming Pool Inspections
Typically part of a home sale, a residential pool inspection focuses on the overall condition and safety of the pool for a single-family home. The inspection checks for the basic functionality of the pump, filter, and heater, as well as the integrity of the pool surface and surrounding deck. The primary goal is to identify any pre-existing issues that may pose a risk or lead to unexpected repair costs for the new homeowner.
Public Swimming Pool Inspections
A public swimming pool inspection is a far more rigorous process. These inspections, which can also include a spa inspection, are governed by strict public health and safety codes. The focus is on ensuring the facility can handle heavy use while maintaining sanitary conditions and a secure environment for a large number of people. This requires a deeper look into a wider range of elements, from water chemistry and circulation systems to specific ADA compliance features.
The following table provides a quick look at the key differences and similarities in the inspection process:
| Feature | Residential Swimming Pool Inspection | Public Swimming Pool Inspection |
| Primary Goal | Assess the condition for a homeowner’s personal use and safety. | Verify compliance with all public health, safety, and accessibility codes. |
Scope | Focus on functional components, visible structure, and basic safety. | Deep dive into water quality, chemical systems, electrical bonding, and public accessibility features. |
Regulations | Adheres to local building codes, often less stringent. | Must meet federal, state, and local health department regulations. |
Complexity | Generally straightforward. | More complex due to larger equipment, higher usage, and extensive regulations. |
Common Issues | Cracks, equipment malfunction, small leaks, and basic safety hazards. | Improper chemical levels, non-compliant safety features, inadequate circulation, and accessibility issues. |
Inspection Items | Pump, filter, heater, lights, surface, deck, fencing. | Everything on the residential list, plus commercial-grade heaters, multi-pump systems, advanced filtration, ADA lifts, and code-specific signage. |
Common Failure Points to Address Before Inspection
Contractors often overlook key safety components during spa inspections, which can expose the public to risks and liability issues.
Frequently missed items include:
- Outdated or mismatched suction outlet covers and missing documentation for VGB compliance.
- Gaps in the bonding grid or missing bonding connections at ladders, rails, and metallic components.
- Signage and depth markers that are missing or noncompliant, especially on public pools.
- Water chemistry that is out of range, and unclear recordkeeping for public facilities.
- Emergency shut-off switches must be easily accessible and functional so that quick responses can happen in an emergency.
Preparing for an inspection by addressing these common failure points upfront can save you from a failed inspection. By proactively checking these details, you not only make the process more efficient but also protect your client and the public.
How Virtual Inspections Streamline the Pool Approval Process
Virtual inspection lets an inspector review code items over secure live video, with geotagged photos and recorded clips attached to the permit record. Contractors can document findings as they go, which helps guarantee that safety standards are met and lowers the chance of losing important paperwork.
Here are a few ways that virtual inspection speeds up approvals:
- Same-day scheduling reduces idle crew time. Many departments accept virtual inspections for repeat scopes or straightforward verifications, which helps you clear holds without mobilizing an inspector to the site.
- Live video with geotagged photos captures conditions while crews are present, so corrections happen the same day without re-trip fees. Inspected’s platform manages scheduling, documentation, and cloud archives for permit records.
- Health department coordination for public pools benefits from a clean, organized record set. Posting chemistry logs, equipment spec sheets, and drain cover documentation in advance cuts back and forth before the final.
One of the biggest benefits of virtual inspections is how they can improve documentation and compliance, especially in light of recent regulations like those in the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. With digital platforms, contractors can document findings as they go, which helps guarantee that safety standards are met and lowers the chance of losing important paperwork.
Inspected provides swimming pool inspection services that align with ISPSC code checks, plan review, and phase-by-phase documentation through a single platform, which helps projects stay on track across rough, pre-plaster, and final stages.
Swimming Pool Inspection Services FAQs
1) What Is Checked During a Pool Inspection?
A pool inspection covers multiple areas, including the pool’s structure (surface, tiles, coping), the circulation and filtration system (pump, filter, pipes), the electrical system (lights, bonding), and safety features (fencing, gates). For public pools, water chemistry and specific accessibility features are also reviewed.
2) How Often Are Public Pools Inspected?
Health departments conduct routine inspections during operation, plus follow-ups for violations and pre-opening checks after construction or remodels. Frequency varies by jurisdiction.
3) What Fails a Pool Inspection Most Often?
For construction: barrier noncompliance, bonding gaps, incorrect or expired drain covers. For public operations: water chemistry outside allowed ranges, missing safety equipment, and poor clarity.
4) Can Virtual Inspection Be Used for Pool Projects?
Yes, many departments support virtual pool inspections for select scopes through video calls, which helps projects pass hold points faster if site conditions are ready and documentation is uploaded.
5) What Documentation Should I Upload Before the Final on a Public Pool?
Approved plans, equipment cut sheets, VGB drain cover model and lifespan, water quality logs, staff certifications where required, signage schedule, and any variance approvals.
6) How Can Contractors Stay Updated on the Latest Safety Regulations During Inspections?
Contractors should regularly check for updates from the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and keep an eye on any relevant local laws. Staying informed will help maintain compliance and ensure safety throughout pool inspections.
The Future of Your Swimming Pool Project
Whether you manage hotel pools, multifamily pools, or health club spas, virtual inspections add speed and clean documentation, streamlining the process for your business.
Contact us today to learn how our pool inspection services can help you manage projects efficiently.