Pool Inspected for Damage from Fire……was it really from the Fire?

Swimming Pool Inspection Services visits a California pool to determine if soot or ash from a wildfire had caused damage to the pool or spa.

 Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection

After local wildfires left a Pasadena, CA pool and spa filled with ash and soot, Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called out to determine if any permanent damage was done to the property, and what kind of repairs would be required.

Our inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the insured. The insured explained that a recent fire in the area had filled the pool with ash. The insured also explained that the ash had caused beige stains on the pool finish. The insured stated that the pool was re-plastered just four months prior.

Inspection Observations

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

• The recommended level of water was present in the in-ground, gunite pool.
• The pool was well-maintained with the water clean and clear.
•  There was no ash visible in the pool.
• There were no cracks visible in the tile and grouting.
• The interior finish of the pool was plaster with no visible cracks or chips.
• The plaster was rough to the touch—mustard algae and soot stains were present as well.
• There were hairline cracks in the deck interface from age.
• The expansion joints were present and intact.
• The pool coping was red brick, with no visible damage.
• The pool equipment was functioning properly, with no visible damage.

Analysis of Swimming Pool Inspection

The fires were far enough from the property that the clusters of ash were small and dust-like. Filter grids and filter cartridges should be strong enough to withstand soot and ash.

Our inspector determined that the stains in the plaster were caused by mustard algae that had attached itself to the rough plaster. Since the pool was recently re-plastered, the finish should have been smooth to the tough, if properly troweled, and the algae and soot would have been able to be brushed off. Our inspector advised the insured to contact the contractor that re-plastered the pool regarding the workmanship.

Our inspector also notes that the plaster should only have required general clean-up, but due to the plaster condition it would need an acid wash (without draining the pool).

Mustard algae can develop when there are pH and chlorine imbalances and temperatures are hot. Ash can also affect the pH and chlorine balances in the pool.

The equipment was not damaged from the soot and ash.

Cause of Loss in California Pool Inspection

It was the opinion of our inspector that the recent fires were responsible for the soot and ash that appeared in the pool water. However, the poor workmanship in the newly re-plastered pool caused the mustard algae and soot to stain the pool, and caused the damage to be worse than it may have otherwise been had the plaster been as smooth as it should have been.