Elgin, SC Swimming Pool Inspection

Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called out to determine if the current state of an Elgin, SC swimming pool was caused by the extreme flooding from the previous fall.

Swimming Pool Inspection in Elgin, SC

After flooding had occurred in Elgin, SC, Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called upon to determine what, if any, damage an Elgin swimming pool had sustained as a result of the floods. In particular, the inspector was asked to survey the condition of the pool’s fiberglass liner.

Interview with the Insured

Our inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the insured who stated that the pool had been damaged during the massive rain/flood even that occurred during the previous fall (about six months before the inspection took place). The insured explained that he did not know the age of the pool, but that it was present when he purchased the home, about 5 years ago. The insured also explained that he thought the pool could have a leak due to the low water level.

Elgin, SC Swimming Pool Inspection Observations

Our inspector performed a thorough inspection of the pool and surrounding areas and made the following observations:

• The pool was a 18’x26′ Roman end pool.
• The pool was located in the back of the house, and was on a slope toward the house. A retaining wall was in place on the back side of the pool.
• The fiberglass steps were in good condition.
• The water level was approximately 4 ½” from proper operational level.
• The water was cloudy, and had leaves, debris, and sediment present in it. The bottom of the pool in the deep end could not be seen. The shallow end could be seen, but leaves were covering the bottom. Our inspector was able to brush the leaves aside to find large wrinkles in the liner that spanned from the step area, to midway down the break of the pool. The wrinkles appeared to vary in height from about 3.5” to 5” in other areas. Some of the wrinkles spanned 5-6 feet in the shallow end and down the break.
• The steel pool walls appeared to be in good condition.

Analysis of Pool Damage

Our inspector found that there was no damage observed on the concrete decking. He also noted that the liner appeared to have been damaged by chemicals, as it was bleached below the water line.

Our inspector believed that the pool had experienced ground water rising from the bottom of the pool, which caused the existing liner to float. She believed the ground water receded and left several large wrinkles in the shallow end and down the break of the pool. As the liner began to float, it appeared the liner stretched and caused extra liner material to be present.

In addition, the pool appeared to have experienced a high water level, which caused the liner to pull out of the track, leaving the liner dropped down and exposing the pool wall for approximately three feet.

Cause of Loss in Elgin, SC Pool Inspection

Our inspector concluded that heavy rain and flooding caused the ground water beneath the pool to rise such that it displaced the liner. This caused the liner to stretch and tear when the water rose and receded.

With the age and condition of the existing liner, our inspector did not think it would be feasible to repair the existing liner since it had stretched to such an extent. Our inspector believed that the liner would tear as a result of trying to smooth out the existing wrinkles.

The floor and floor/wall joints would need to be inspected for any damage from ground water activity once the liner is removed. If ground water issues are seen to be a problem at that point, a well point installation may be needed to pump ground water out of the pool’s bottom so that a new liner can be installed.