Sonoran property Inspection did a pool inspection yesterday while on a Phoenix Home Inspection. The items I discovered were completely from a lack of maintenance. There were issues with the spa control panel on the side of the pool, this item is common as it gets deteriorated from both the chemicals in the water and from the sun. The push buttons get deteriorated and then they don't work. In some instances, when the spa side control panel is not working this will also cause the spa pump, the blower and the heater to all not work as well. 

The other problem I am seeing is the general lack of maintenance on the equipment. Its amazing that people think a pump or a heater will work forever and are surprised when it fails after doing nothing to it for the previous 8 years. The heaters should be checked every year and cleaned. This must be done to ensure safe operation and the cleaning will allow for efficient burning of the fuel. If you have trees over hanging the pool equipment, please trim them back. The heater I inspected on this phoenix home inspection was packed full of tree debris and likely had pack rats in it as well. Not a safe condition.

The other item I see allot of is the 5 or 7 port distribution valves for the in floor cleaning device. This is a series of gears that is operated from water flow. The heads are suppose to pop up and operate for 45 to 60 seconds at a time then shut down and the next zone pops up. As the gears start to fail the zone will stay up longer and longer until finally the zone will fail and not go up or not go down. This distribution valve should be cleaned and looked at at least 1 time every 14 to 16 months. The distribution valves can be rebuilt or replaced with an entirely brand new piece. I prefer the new piece being replaced rather than being rebuilt as the new comes with a warranty and it is not much more than rebuilding it.

I am always available to talk to you on the phone, give me a call at 480-415-7977 to see how I can help you with your Arizona home inspection or you phoenix home inspection.