Swimming Pool Inspection Services

We Have Inspectors who are not afraid of this Virus!

April 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by W. D. Michlin

I wanted to find out if you could do an inspection in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

I was glancing through the incoming emails of Swimming Pool Inspection requests today, when I saw this email.

There it was the perfect question. Because of many cities shutting down everything and everybody in the city, an adjuster with a claim in New York, San Francisco and Louisiana becomes concerned if the onsite inspection can be completed.

My mind instantly thought about the old pony express moto. Neither sleet, nor snow, nor wild Indians can stop the mail from getting through. Since the Presidential mandate was issued, “Stay home and study our navel,” we, at Swimming Pool Inspection Services, have completed every inspection request. When we can get the required pictures from the insured, and other vital data, a desk review can eliminate an on-site inspection. Otherwise we sweet talk one or more of our inspectors to venture into the intercity of virus hell. Read more

Mudslides and What They Do To Pools

March 15, 2020/0 Comments/in Pool Inspection, Pool Tips/by W. D. Michlin

How Mudslides affect Pools

In December 2018 we had fire and rain. This is not a good combination. There were many neighborhoods that had mandatory evacuations, 1st for the fires and then because of the fear of mudslides and floods. Unfortunately when the rain stopped there was mud going down the middle of the street and into the neighborhood houses and pools. We, of course as of today, are not out of the woods yet. We find ourselves once again with this problem.

I thought I would give some useful information about mudslides and their impact on swimming pools when they get into them.

Proper Winterization for Swimming Pools, HOT TUBS AND SPAS

September 8, 2019/0 Comments/in Pool Tips, Uncategorized/by W. D. Michlin

With autumn and winter just around the corner, Swimming Pool Inspection Services has seen many in-ground and above-ground swimming pools sustain damage because they were not properly winterized for the cold months.

Pool Care in Autumn

During the autumn months, when trees shed their leaves, and the weather begins to change, pools are at risk for damage from leaves, pollen, and other debris. The first step to winterizing a pool is to make sure the pool and pool water are clean. Skim the pool for leaves and debris, and run the filtration system to ensure that pollen and dirt are not allowed to remain in the pool during the winter. Allowing pollen and dirt to remain in the pool during the winter months can result in staining to a pool liner that may require professional service to undo.

Because the pool will be getting less use in autumn, the pump can be run less frequently, and homeowners may be able to use fewer chemicals, thereby saving money. The important thing to remember about pool care in autumn is to keep leaves and debris out of the pool. Skimming may need to be done more often than it was in the summer, but the rest of the pool maintenance routine should ease up some.

The Winterization Process

Hot Tub Inspection in Fargo, ND

August 15, 2019/0 Comments/in Case Study, Hot Tub Inspection, Pool Inspector/by W. D. Michlin

Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called out to inspect a Fargo, ND hot tub that had begun leaking after being winterized.

Homeowner Fraudulently Claims Ice Damage to His St. Louis, MO Swimming Pool

January 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Case Study/by W. D. Michlin

Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect a St. Louis, Missouri swimming pool that the homeowner claimed had been damaged by ice from the previous harsh winter. What we found was damage caused by years of neglect and improper care, as well as general wear and tear.

A Pennsylvania Pool’s Last Stand

January 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Pool Inspection, Uncategorized/by W. D. Michlin

It started with a phone call on a Tuesday.

West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, a borough near Pittsburgh, home of 100-year old Kennywood amusement park, a 650-acre steelworks (a division of U.S. Steel), and more than a few above ground swimming pools.

Early August 2018, Mr. Lyle, the owner of an above ground pool, was at work when he got a frantic call from his son. “Dad! You know that pool of yours…it has, well, exploded!” Mr. Lyle was speechless. He spent the rest of the day in a daze, distressed by visions of exploding pools, and the Yuengling® (Pennsylvania’s popular lager) he’d enjoyed, floating on a duck-shaped inner tube.

Mr. Lyle, shocked and dismayed at the state of his pool. It looks like floating with a Yuengling® lager in hand will have to wait.

Mr. Lyle contacted his insurance company to notify them of the catastrophe. Swimming Pool Inspection Services dispatched Inspector Clark, who spoke with the insured, and arrived at the site of the pool 72 hours later.

Inspector Clark found an empty pool, whose side had split in the area of the pump and its return. The pool had been purchased 18 years prior, and its vinyl liner had been in use 8-10 years. He determined that the pool, pump and liner had been installed correctly. Mr. Lyle had previously done his own version of maintenance, with Flex Seal applied in the area where the pool eventually split. There was a significant amount of rust present that had obviously contributed to the unit’s collapse. The equipment had evidently not sustained damage. A wooden deck next to the pool was unharmed.

Inspector Clark concluded the cause of demise was accumulated rust over time.

Unlike the “Steel Curtin” – the infamous Steelers defense – this seasoned swimming pool could no longer hold the line and buckled under pressure.

After his thorough examination, Inspector Clark put in a bid for a new pool.

It’s not to late to winterize and make sure the pool is covered

September 21, 2018/0 Comments/in Pool Tips/by W. D. Michlin

At Swimming Pool Inspection Services, we are committed to providing insurance professionals with accurate inspection reports.

Swimming pool covers are extremely important for maintaining a pool and preventing damage from occurring.

Having a properly installed and utilized swimming pool cover will ensure that the pool is protected from the elements and ready to use when uncovered. Here are just a few reasons why a cover is recommended for a well-maintained pool:

Reduces Evaporation

Every day that a pool is exposed to the air, evaporation occurs. This results in higher water costs. Additionally, a lower water level can cause damage to the parts of the pool that are exposed to the air. Tile, plaster, and vinyl in a pool should not be exposed to air; doing so can cause them to crack, dry out, and become brittle.

Keeps Debris Out of Pool

Spending Memorial Day Poolside

May 6, 2018/0 Comments/in Pool Inspection, Pool Safety, Pool Tips/by W. D. Michlin

With Memorial Day weekend ahead of us, it’s time to think about opening up your swimming pool that has been closed all winter. Opening an inground or above-ground swimming pool is a process, but if done correctly, your pool will be ready for use this Memorial Day.

Reading, PA Above-Ground Pool Leak After 4 Months

April 4, 2018/0 Comments/in Case Study, Pool Inspection, Pool Inspector, Swimming Pool Leak Detection/by W. D. Michlin

When an above-ground pool begins leaking after only being installed four months previously, Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called out to inspect the pool and determine what caused the damage.