Post sale "blues"

Buying a property with a pool in Perth can be an exciting prospect, but it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you don't know what to look for. Swimming pools are one of the biggest points of contention in property sales, with many sellers choosing to limp aging infrastructure along just long enough to get through settlement rather than invest thousands in necessary repairs or tens of thousands in resurfacing work.

Why Pool Problems Surface After Settlement

It's an unfortunate reality in the Perth property market that pools often fail shortly after settlement. The reason is simple economics: sellers facing expensive pool repairs or resurfacing work that could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more often choose to keep the pool barely functioning until the sale goes through. Once the pressure of daily use and proper maintenance shifts to the new owner, issues that were being masked suddenly become apparent.

The Hidden Cost Reality

Many Perth property buyers have discovered too late that their "bargain" property came with a pool requiring immediate major repairs. By the time structural issues, equipment failures, or leaks become apparent, settlement has passed and the costs fall entirely on the new owner.

Don't let this be you. Taking the time to properly assess a pool before purchase can save you from inheriting someone else's deferred maintenance bill.

Professional Pool Inspections: The Gold Standard

Before we discuss what to look for yourself, it's important to understand that Poolwise Padbury does not provide certificated pool inspections. These formal inspections must be conducted by licensed professionals who specialize in comprehensive pre-purchase pool assessments.

A professional pool inspection typically costs between $300-$600 but can save you tens of thousands of dollars by identifying issues before you commit to the purchase. These inspectors examine structural integrity, equipment condition, plumbing systems, safety compliance, and potential leak issues with specialized equipment and expertise.

When to Get a Professional Inspection

We strongly recommend a professional pool inspection for any property purchase where the pool is older than 15 years, shows visible signs of deterioration, has outdated equipment, or when you're unfamiliar with pool maintenance and wouldn't recognize warning signs.

What You Can Check Yourself: A Poolwise Guide

While nothing replaces a professional inspection, understanding what to look for during property viewings can help you make informed decisions. At Poolwise Padbury, we encounter problematic pools regularly, and we've learned to spot the warning signs quickly. Here's what we look for:

Critical Visual Checks

Pool Surface Condition

Examine the pool interior carefully. Look for cracks, particularly those wider than a hairline. Check for delamination where the surface is lifting or bubbling away from the substrate. Staining can indicate chemical imbalances, metal contamination, or neglect. Rough or deteriorating surfaces suggest the pool may need resurfacing soon.

Water Level and Leaks

A pool that requires frequent topping up is a major red flag. Check the waterline for unusual drops. Look around the pool perimeter for soft, spongy, or constantly wet ground even when the pool hasn't been used. Examine the pool equipment area for moisture, rust, or mineral deposits that indicate ongoing leaks.

Equipment Age and Condition

Check the pool pump, filter, chlorinator, and heater (if present). Look for rust, corrosion, or makeshift repairs with cable ties or duct tape. Ask the seller for the age of major equipment. Most pool pumps last 8-12 years, filters 10-15 years, and chlorinators 5-8 years depending on type and maintenance.

Tile and Coping Integrity

Inspect tiles around the waterline and pool edges. Missing, cracked, or loose tiles aren't just cosmetic issues; they can indicate structural movement or water damage behind the surfaces. Check coping stones for cracks or movement, as these often signal more serious structural concerns.

Skimmer Boxes and Returns

Look closely at skimmer box condition. Cracked or separated skimmer boxes are common leak sources and costly to repair. Check that return jets are intact and positioned correctly. Feel around these fittings underwater for any unusual movement or gaps.

Pool Cleaner Assessment

If the property includes a robotic or suction pool cleaner, ask to see it working. Many sellers claim their pool cleaner "works fine" but it's either broken or severely underperforming. A quality robotic cleaner like a Dolphin or Zodiac is worth $1,500-$2,500, so confirm it's actually functional.

Electrical Safety

Check that electrical equipment is properly protected and that safety switches are present. Look for any exposed wiring, damaged conduits, or water near electrical connections. Pool electrical systems must meet strict safety standards in Western Australia.

Barrier Compliance

Pool fencing must meet current WA regulations. Check that gates are self-closing and self-latching from any position. Ensure the fence height is adequate (minimum 1200mm) and that there are no climbable objects within 900mm of the fence. Non-compliant barriers require immediate and potentially expensive rectification.

Common Red Flags That Should Concern You

During property inspections, certain situations should immediately raise your alert level:

Stop and Think Twice If You See:

The pool is covered or empty during viewing: This is often a deliberate attempt to hide serious surface or structural problems. Always insist on seeing the pool filled and operational.

Green or cloudy water: While this might seem like just poor maintenance, it often masks underlying equipment failures or chemical dosing problems that the seller doesn't want to address.

Makeshift or temporary repairs: Cable ties holding equipment together, silicone sealing cracks, or jury-rigged plumbing all indicate someone has been patching problems rather than fixing them properly.

Unusual staining patterns: Black or brown staining often indicates long-term algae issues or metal contamination that can be expensive to remedy. Purple or pink staining might suggest biofilm issues requiring extensive treatment.

The Real Cost of Pool Problems

Consider these common post-settlement surprises:

$15,000 - $30,000

Pool resurfacing (pebble or fibreglass)

$3,000 - $8,000

Leak detection and repair

$2,500 - $5,000

Complete equipment replacement

Equipment-Specific Warning Signs

Pool Pump Problems

Listen to the pump running. It should operate smoothly and quietly. Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds indicate bearing wear or impeller damage. Check for water leaks around the pump housing and shaft seal. A pump that cycles on and off repeatedly may have electrical or mechanical issues.

Filter System Issues

Ask about the last time the filter media was changed. Sand filters need new media every 5-7 years, cartridge filters need replacement cartridges annually. A filter housing with cracks, a faulty multiport valve, or a pressure gauge stuck at zero all spell trouble. Check for leaks around the filter tank and manifold.

Chlorinator or Salt System Concerns

For salt chlorinators, check the cell for calcium buildup or corrosion. Ask when it was last replaced (cells typically last 3-5 years). For inline chlorinators, check for cracks or damage to the housing. A non-functioning chlorinator means ongoing manual chlorination, which is time-consuming and less effective.

Heater Condition

Gas and electric heaters are expensive items. Check for rust, corrosion, or damage to the heat exchanger. Ask for maintenance records. A heater that fails shortly after purchase can cost $2,000-$6,000 to replace depending on size and type.

Poolwise Pro Tip

Ask the seller for copies of service records, chemical test results, and equipment manuals. A well-maintained pool will have documentation. The absence of any records often indicates neglect, and you should be very cautious about what might be lurking beneath the surface.

Structural Concerns to Watch For

The pool shell itself represents the biggest potential expense. Structural problems can be catastrophically expensive to repair:

Shell Movement or Cracking: Large cracks, particularly those that run the full depth of the pool or appear in corners and steps, can indicate serious structural issues. In Perth's reactive clay soils, pools can shift and crack over time, especially if not properly engineered.

Bowing or Bulging Walls: Pool walls should be straight and true. Any visible bowing, particularly in above-ground portions, indicates serious structural problems or soil movement issues.

Delamination: Where the pool surface separates from the underlying structure, you'll see hollow-sounding areas or visible bubbling. This requires complete resurfacing to fix properly.

Testing Water Chemistry: A Simple But Telling Check

While you probably won't have access to test the water during a quick property viewing, if you have the opportunity during a second inspection, testing the water chemistry can reveal a lot about how the pool has been maintained:

Severely out-of-balance chemistry suggests neglect
High calcium hardness indicates potential scaling issues
High metals can mean staining problems ahead
Extremely low or high pH suggests the seller has been fighting ongoing issues

Questions to Ask the Seller

Don't be shy about asking direct questions about the pool's history and condition:

How old is the pool and when was it last resurfaced?
When were major equipment items last replaced?
Has the pool ever leaked, and if so, how was it repaired?
How much water does it typically lose per week?
What are the annual maintenance costs?
Are there any known issues or concerns with the pool?
Can you provide service and repair records?
When was the pool last professionally serviced?

Documentation Matters

Insist that any verbal claims about the pool's condition or recent repairs are documented in the sale contract. If a seller claims they've just replaced the pump or resurfaced the pool, get written proof and ensure it's noted in the contract.

Making an Informed Decision

Armed with this knowledge, you're in a much better position to assess whether a property's pool is an asset or a liability waiting to happen. Remember that every pool will have some minor issues, but understanding the difference between normal wear and serious problems is crucial.

If you identify multiple red flags or significant concerns, you have several options:

Request a professional pool inspection as a condition of purchase
Negotiate a price reduction to cover anticipated repairs
Ask the seller to remedy specific issues before settlement
Walk away if the problems appear too extensive or expensive

Poolwise Padbury Can Help

While we don't provide certificated inspections, we're happy to offer advice and answer questions about pools you're considering. With years of experience servicing Perth pools and dealing with post-purchase problems, we can help you understand what you're looking at and whether concerns are justified.

We can also provide accurate quotes for equipment replacement or repairs, helping you budget properly if you decide to proceed with a property that needs pool work.

The Bottom Line

A swimming pool can be a wonderful addition to your Perth property, providing years of enjoyment for your family. However, inheriting a pool with serious problems can turn your dream home into a financial burden. Taking the time to properly assess a pool before purchase is an investment that almost always pays for itself.

Whether you engage a professional inspector or conduct your own careful assessment using this guide, going into the purchase with eyes wide open means you won't be one of the many Perth homeowners who face nasty surprises a few months after settlement.

Remember, sellers know their pool has issues. That's often why they're selling rather than fixing. Your job as a buyer is to make sure you're not inheriting someone else's expensive problem without proper compensation or realistic expectations.