Moreno Valley, CA Fiberglass Spa Inspection Case Study

After a nearby wildfire left soot and ash in a fiberglass above-ground spa, the homeowners had the circulation pump and filter replaced. However, our inspector found that replacing the equipment may not have been necessary at all.

After the Etiwanda Fire in April and May of 2014, homeowners in Moreno Valley, CA noticed soot and ash had fallen into their fiberglassabove-ground spa. After having the circulation pump and filter replaced, the homeowners’ insurance company asked Swimming Pool Inspection Services to inspect the spa to determine if the pump and filter needed to be replaced.

Moreno Valley, CA Pool Inspection and Observations

Our inspector visited the property and spoke with the homeowners who stated that the fire had left ash and soot in the spa, which damaged the filtration system. After the fire, the homeowners had the filtration system and pump replaced. At the time of the inspection, the spa was clean and in good working condition.

Cause of Loss to Moreno Valley Pool

If ash had fallen into the spa, any damage could have been avoided by performing a normal filter clean. The only reason additional damage would have occurred is if the soot and ash had been allowed to sit in the pool for an extended period of time, without normal filter cleaning. Leaving anything in the spa, including soot or ash, dirt, or debris, would cause eventual damage to the circulation system.

Our inspector determined that soot and ash would not cause damage to the spa if the spa was being properly maintained. Therefore, it was concluded that if the pump needed to be replaced, it was not a direct result of the soot and ash.  Our inspector stated that the damage was not caused by the soot and ash, as reported by the homeowners, but by the homeowners’ own negligence in maintaining the spa.