Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Swimming Pool Inspection Reveals Ground Movement Around Pool

When cracks form in a Rancho Palos Verdes, CA swimming pool, Swimming Pool Inspection Services is called upon to inspect the pool and determine the cause of the cracking. What we found was significant ground movement that was compromising the structural integrity of the inground swimming pool.

Inspection and Analysis of Rancho Palos Verdes Pool

Our inspector spoke with the homeowner who stated that the pool was losing water. Our inspector made the following observations:

• The pool was built around 1980.
• The pool had one main drain in the deep end and the plumbing appeared to be made with PVC pipe.
• The pool was not level and the deep end was approximately 2 inches lower than the shallow end.
• There was a down slope approximately 12 feet from the deep end that could be attributed to the shifting of the pool.

The homeowners also noted that the pool had been previous inspected to determine the cause of the leak; during the previous inspection, the plumbing was tested and found to be intact. At that time the leak was attributed to two large cracks in the pool.

Our inspector noted that the cracks in the pool were still present, and determined to find the cause of the cracking.

Cause of Cracking in Swimming Pool

Our inspector noted that in his experience, cracks are usually caused by ground movement. In addition, it was noted that in the pst year 393 earthquakes had occurred in the Rancho Palos Verdes, CA area. This led our inspector to determine that ground movement caused the cracking in the pool which was causing the pool to leak. Our inspector reiterated that the damage in the pool had nothing to do with owner negligence. They pool appeared well cared for, except for the cracking.

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Pool Repair Estimates

Unfortunately, issues with ground movement tend to lead to costly repairs. Our inspector provided an estimate for the repairs that included the cost of filing for permits, hiring a contractor, and making the necessary repairs on this pool. These repairs were estimated to cost well over $25,000. The estimate did not include other incidentals that may have arisen, such as splitting the main drain into two, and any electrical equipment required to bring the pool up to code. These additional repairs could add more than $1,000 to the total cost of fixing the pool.