Questions regarding pool inspection (Mesa: rentals, tenant, tile)

[john3232]

I'm in Mesa for a couple of weeks so I decided to have someone check out the pool equipment in one of my rentals.

A friend recommended a fellow who came out last Sunday. The pool vendor seems competent provided me with a list of items that caught his attention.

Here's the email:

Following is a recap of our meeting along with instructions for the property manager to give the pool cleaning company.

The winter hours for the pump timer are 10:00p.m. - 2:00a.m. The summer hours are 10:00p.m. - 6:00a.m. Your pump is currently set for winter hours. Summer hours can begin May 1.

1. Please have the Property Manager inform the pool company leave a report for the tenant (or email you) the weekly chlorine and PH reading along with the chemicals added

2. The air release valve (is leaking), PSI Gauge and filter lid O Ring will need to be changed before swim season

3. The backwash valve is working but is obsolete - so once the valve malfunctions it will need to be replaced which will involve a new manifold installation

4. The pump lid where the basket sits on the pump has an O ring which will need to be replaced before swim season

5. 4 return jets will need to be adjusted for optimal circulation before swim season

6. 2 non-antientrapment drains, needing ASME drains (to bring them up to Code)

7. Deck skimmer basket is in good shape, it just needs a handle and the weight reattached

8. Tile is dirty, recommend an acid wash and cleaning to remove calcium

9. Equalizing valve is needed for optimal performance of the pump

10. The aerator is missing a nozzle (but not detrimental to the system)

11. Hayward pool vac will need new feet to assist in optimal cleaning before swim season

12. Chlorine tabs are to be placed in the floater only (not the skimmer basket)

13. Backwashing should only be done when the PSI gauge gets to 20, normal PSI is 10

Let me know which items you would like to attend to first. Nothing on the list is vitally important or needs immediate attention, but it due to the age of the system, things will need to be addressed before they become more serious issues.

If you have any questions, or want to schedule any of the above please feel free to give me a call or email me.


Thoughts?

Thanks

John

[Reedus]

Being a pool pro myself, I can attest that everyone of his recommendations is legitimate. None are pressing, but by having a pool dialed in, it is a lot less hassle and time for the person maintaining it. One additional thing I would have tested for is the TDS and CYA levels in the pool. Old water can become a bear to balance chemically. I recommend a drain every 3-4 years with my clients.

[john3232]

What do you mean by having a pool dialed in?

Also with summer coming are he there one or two items you would recommend having done now

Thanks

[john3232]

Ok I went to a pool supply store and asked which items should be addressed before the start of summer.

I was told numbers 2, 4 and 11.

This sound about right?

Thanks

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by john3232

Also with summer coming are he there one or two items you would recommend having done now

Do anything that requires the pool to be drained soon. Some types of pools (plaster) should definitely not be drained once the weather warms up. Other types are supposed to be safe to drain any time, but why risk it?


I'm not entirely sure what #6 would entail, but to me it sounds like it might be a potential liability issue for a rental.

[Ponderosa]

Sounds like my pool, haha. It's all just minor maintenance stuff and not a ripoff list like you get with the AC guys. The drain replacement (#6) is easy to do, but much easier without water unless you are a pearl diver. Mine had two screws that came right out. I didn't think it was needed and pool guy wanted three times what it cost to do it, so I just replaced it myself when the pool was empty from being drained for an acid wash. If your water has been in there 3 years or so it is hard enough to walk on and you should probably drain and refill and get the acid wash and tile cleaning.

[john3232]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Sounds like my pool, haha. It's all just minor maintenance stuff and not a ripoff list like you get with the AC guys. The drain replacement (#6) is easy to do, but much easier without water unless you are a pearl diver. Mine had two screws that came right out. I didn't think it was needed and pool guy wanted three times what it cost to do it, so I just replaced it myself when the pool was empty from being drained for an acid wash. If your water has been in there 3 years or so it is hard enough to walk on and you should probably drain and refill and get the acid wash and tile cleaning.

Thanks. What I've is request #2,4 and 11.

When I come back next February I will have the pool drained, acid washed and the drain replaced.

What is the concern about pool drains? That a child's foot might get stuck?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by john3232

Thanks. What I've is request #2,4 and 11.

When I come back next February I will have the pool drained, acid washed and the drain replaced.

What is the concern about pool drains? That a child's foot might get stuck?

Hair, I think. The replacement is called an anti-vortex drain cover. It is raised and above the pool floor and distributes how water is sucked in to eliminate a vortex than could catch long hair. It is required by federal law for public pools and new pools all have them. They cost less than 20 bucks. The law came about after James Baker's, former secretary of state, granddaughter was drowned when her hair got caught in a spa drain.