Why Realtors Should Always Get a Pool Inspection

Every realtor dreams of a smooth closing and happy clients. But when a home with a pool enters escrow, hidden leaks and equipment failures can turn that dream into a lawsuit nightmare. Skipping a dedicated pool inspection isn’t just risky—it’s a liability. Here’s why a professional inspection from Manly Maids should be on every realtor’s checklist.

A Realtor’s Secret Weapon

Imagine touring a gorgeous property with a sparkling pool. Buyers see paradise; you see potential pitfalls. Pools hide underground plumbing, hairline cracks in plaster, and faulty heaters that only reveal themselves under pressure. A thorough pool inspection uncovers these issues long before closing, giving realtors the leverage to negotiate repairs, credits, or purchase-price adjustments.

Case Study: The Leaky Return Line

Last spring, realtor Jessica referred a buyer to us after they noticed rapid water loss during the inspection period. Our 3-hour leak detection process—complete with pressure testing of all plumbing lines, acoustic leak detection, and dye testing for plaster cracks—pinpointed a broken return line beneath the deck. Repair estimates topped $3,200, but because the seller addressed the issue pre-listing, the sale closed on time and without drama.

A backyard pool is more than an amenity—it’s a liability if left unchecked. Realtors who omit a dedicated pool inspection risk derailing transactions, facing post-sale disputes, and undermining buyer confidence. This guide dives deep into why a thorough pool inspection is essential for every home sale, backed by industry data and real-world cases.

The Unseen Threat Beneath the Surface

Pools hide complex systems: buried plumbing lines, structural shells, equipment pads, and delicate finishes. A minor leak can:

• Waste hundreds of gallons daily
• Drive up utility and chemical costs
• Erode decking and landscaping
• Compromise pool shell integrity

With over 10.4 million residential pools in the U.S., that’s 10.4 million opportunities for hidden defects to jeopardize a sale.

Case Studies: Costly Surprises at Closing

1. Broken Return Line Under Deck
   A buyer noticed rapid water loss during escrow. Leak detection revealed a severed return line beneath the deck—an unsuspected repair bill of over $3,000.
2. Overlooked Structural Crack
   A realtor skipped a pool inspection, assuming a seasonal bucket test sufficed. Months later, a plaster crack expanded, causing interior pool resurfacing costs exceeding $5,000.
3. Mechanical Failure of Heater and Pump
   In another sale, nonfunctional equipment pads were never run under full load. Post‐closing repairs topped $2,500 once the heater and suction pumps were properly tested.

Each scenario underscores how minor defects can balloon into thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

Impact on Property Value and Buyer Confidence

Home inspections uncover defects that become leverage in negotiations. According to industry data:

• 46% of buyers use inspection findings to negotiate price reductions
• Those buyers saved an average of $14,000 on final sale prices when defects emerged

Skipping a pool inspection surrenders negotiating power and shakes buyer trust.

Pool Inspections as a Marketing Advantage

For sellers, a pre-listing pool inspection:

• Demonstrates transparency and proactivity
• Differentiates listings in competitive markets
• Justifies premium pricing by showcasing a certified leak-free pool

Realtors who highlight a clean bill of pool health reassure buyers and accelerate closings. One pool-inspection provider notes that highlighting a completed inspection can reduce days on market and increase sale price appeal.