The Swimming Pool Inspection Checklist I Wish Someone Gave Me Years Ago

If I had a dollar for every time a new pool owner told me, “It looks fine, I don’t think I need an inspection,” I’d probably own a house with an infinity pool by now. The truth is, most people, myself included once upon a time, completely underestimate how important a proper swimming pool inspection checklist is — until that water turns cloudy, tiles start cracking, or your pool suddenly develops the personality of a swamp.

I still remember the first official pool inspection I ever did. It wasn’t for a client — it was my own pool, and I was dangerously confident for someone who had only Googled “how to take care of a swimming pool” the night before.

It looked fine to me. The water was mostly clear, I couldn’t see any cracks from where I was standing, and hey, the pump made noise — that meant it was working, right? Spoiler: wrong. Within a month, my circulation system was clogged, there was algae creeping in around the steps, and I found a tiny crack near the skimmer  that, left unchecked, would’ve turned into a repair bill with extra zeros.

That was the hard (and expensive) introduction to why every pool needs a real inspection — and a real checklist.

These days, after working with dozens of homeowners and dealing with my own pool headaches, I’ve got a checklist that keeps everything in line:

1. Structural Check — You’d be shocked how many people miss small cracks or loose tiles until water starts disappearing. I walk the perimeter, look for signs of damage, and get up close around drains and skimmers.
2. Water Circulation — Good flow is everything. I watch the water movement, check for dead spots where debris builds up, and make sure the returns are pushing water evenly.
3. Filtration and Equipment — Filters, pumps, and seals get all the attention during my inspection. If your filter’s clogged or the pump’s struggling, your pool’s basically asking for trouble.
4. Electrical Components — Lights flickering? GFCI outlets tripping? It’s not just annoying — faulty wiring near water is a risk you can’t afford to ignore.
5. Water Chemistry — It’s not glamorous, but pH, chlorine, and alkalinity tests are non-negotiable. Balanced water protects your pool — and you.
6. Hidden Leaks — I track water loss over a few days. Pools naturally evaporate, sure, but beyond an inch or so? You’ve probably got a leak whispering, “Surprise expense incoming.”

Here’s where things get interesting. I’ve always been a fan of hands-on inspections, but when I first heard about Beatbot’s AquaSense 2 series, I was curious. A robot that didn’t just clean but also monitored your pool’s health? It sounded ambitious — or like clever marketing.

But after using one? I’ll admit, I was impressed. The AquaSense didn’t just scoot around picking up leaves. It tracked circulation patterns, flagged weak spots, and even helped me notice an uneven debris build-up, which hinted at a filter issue before it escalated.

Basically, half the things on my inspection checklist? The robot was already watching for them — every single day. It’s like having an extra set of eyes under the surface, and honestly, it makes manual inspections way smoother.

If there’s one thing pool ownership teaches you, it’s patience — and that neglect gets expensive fast. I’ve met homeowners who skipped inspections for years, thinking they’d “know” when something was wrong. Most of them learned the truth the same way I did — the hard way, with an unexpected repair bill and a pool that suddenly felt more stressful than fun.

Now, with my trusty checklist and the AquaSense handling the daily grunt work, pool inspections feel less like a chore and more like peace of mind. It’s not about being obsessive — it’s about staying one step ahead of the small stuff before it turns into big stuff.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: there’s something oddly satisfying about nailing your pool inspection, spotting issues early, and watching your backyard oasis stay crystal clear, problem-free, and ready whenever you are.

Between the checklist, a little routine care, and smart tech like Beatbot gliding across the pool while I sip my coffee? I finally get to enjoy my pool the way I pictured it the day I moved in — floating, laughing, stress-free — and without the looming fear of the next disaster lurking under the waterline.

If only someone handed me this checklist years ago… but hey, better late than never, right?

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