Pre-Purchase Inspections - The what, the why, the when

The following is general advice only. Requirements for individual pools and pool systems may vary.

Purchasing a house is an exciting time. Conveyancing requirements will often cover off due diligence in many areas, but what is often over looked - and we are seeing more and more of - is a failure of people to engage a pool maintenance specialist to conduct pre-purchase pool inspections prior to purchasing their house. In some cases, this is proving to be very costly for the new owner when significant issues regarding the pool’s equipment, or even plumbing, is faulty, damaged, or not working entirely and requires replacing.

What is a pre-purchase inspection

A pre-purchase pool inspection is a detailed examination of a swimming pool and its equipment before you buy a property with it. It helps ensure the pool is in good condition, identifies potential issues, and gives you information to negotiate the purchase price or make informed decisions about repairs. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What it involves:

  • Visual inspection:

    The technician will look at the pool's structure, including the liner, tiles, and coping, to assess their condition. 

  • Equipment assessment:

    They'll examine and test the functionality of the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and other equipment. 

  • Leak detection:

    Advanced methods like pressure testing and dye tests can be used to identify any leaks, both visible and hidden. 

  • Compliance with safety laws:

    They'll check and identify potential risks associated with the pool and surrounding areas not complying with Queensland pool safety regulations. 

  • Water chemistry:

    The technician will check the water's chemical balance. 

  • Written report:

    You'll receive a detailed report outlining the inspection findings, including any identified issues. 

Why it's important:

  • Reduces risk of hidden issues:

    It helps avoid unexpected repair costs and headaches after purchasing the property. 

  • Provides information for negotiation:

    You can use the inspection report to negotiate the price of the property or seek additional repairs. 

  • Helps with future maintenance:

    The report can provide insights into the pool's condition and help you plan future maintenance needs. 

  • Ensures peace of mind:

    Knowing the pool is in good condition or has any issues identified before you buy can provide peace of mind. 

What to expect:

  • Professional technician: At WaterPro Pool and Spa, you'll hire an experienced pool technician. 

  • Thorough inspection: The technician will carefully examine all aspects of the pool and its equipment. 

  • Clear and easy-to-understand report: The report will detail the inspection findings and any recommendations. 

  • Option to negotiate: Arguably most importantly, you can use the report to negotiate the purchase price or request repairs before closing on the purchase of your new house. 

Case studies:

In the past two weeks alone, we have attended pools for new pool owners post-settlement and identified issues regarding the pool’s condition which have proven costly for the new owner and could have arguably supported a reduction in purchase price had a pre-purchase inspection been conducted.

  • Case study 1: Broken and misplaced plumbing issues caused the new owner to pay $15,000 in rectification costs.

  • Case study 2: A broken pump was immediately identified creating unwanted noise issues for neighbours, affecting the pool’s chemical balance and increasing ongoing maintenance costs, and requiring replacement of the pump at a cost of $2000 (a price which was discounted by us - RRP was $2,139).

If you are thinking about purchasing a house with a pool, contact us for more information. We charge $249 for this service; a small price to pay for peace of mind. We recommend this be completed prior to signing your house purchase contract.


1300 447 665 or click here to book a service or ask about your pre-purchase inspection today.