Many homeowners have a pool or spa on their properties. Because of the inherent hazards of pools and spas, ASHI has this important notice:
The American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI) does not verify the qualifications of inspectors who use these Standards and has no authority or control over the quality of inspections undertaken or performed using these Standards. These Standards are general in nature and are not intended to in any way discourage or limit additional or more detailed inspections. ASHI disclaims all liability for any and all personal and bodily injuries and damages, including but not limited to incidental and consequential damages, which may occur as a result of inspections performed using these Standards. No warranty, expressed or implied, is intended or offered by ASHI in the use of these Standards. ASHI assumes no risk and makes and implies no representations of any kind to inspectors, consumers, or others.
Many ASHI inspectors follow the Auxiliary Standards while performing swimming pool or spa inspections. Read the complete ASHI Standard of Practice including the Auxiliary Standards of Professional Practice for Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Inspections.
Pool and Spa Inspections
ASHI inspectors who choose to offer pool and spa inspections using this standard will inspect components including:
- the visible parts of interior finish materials,
- the visible parts of decks, steps inside the swimming pool/spa shell, and coping,
- the visible parts of pumps, motors, blowers, skimmer, filters, drains, heaters, automatic safety controls, gauges, visible piping and valves, conduit,
- cross connections in the water supply system,
- external bonding of the pump motors, blowers, heaters and other components that are required to be bonded,
- operation of readily accessible lights, ground fault circuit interrupters, electrical components, and timer assemblies that are related to the pool or spa,
- the visible parts of permanently installed handrails and ladders,
- for the presence of safety barriers and alarms,
- for the presence of entrapment prevention components,
- vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls that are likely to adversely affect the swimming pool or spa;
Sometimes, an inspector will recommend a follow up inspection from a technical specialist for further evaluation.
Maintenance
Like all home systems, maintaining a pool or spa is critical. Homeowners should regularly clear debris and make sure the chemicals levels are correct. And checking safety devices, such as gates, ladders, handrails and electrical components is paramount. Most of those components are relatively inexpensive. But they can be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained.
Schedule a Home Inspection
Periodic inspection of the entire home is recommended every few years. Find an ASHI home inspector in your area to schedule a home inspection and improve your home maintenance.

Looking for a home inspector to assess your prospective property can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) can help simplify the process.
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