Why You Should Inspect That Backyard Pool Before You Buy the Home

Pools Are a Summer Dream—Until They’re a Nightmare

A backyard pool is high on many Houston buyers’ wish lists, especially in summer. From Katy to The Woodlands, it’s a coveted feature—but it can also hide some costly problems.

If you’re shopping for a home this summer and the property has a pool, don’t assume it’s all fun and floaties. Without a professional pool inspection, you might miss issues that could drain your budget fast.

What a Pool Inspection Really Covers

Semper Fi Home Inspections offers detailed pool and spa inspections that assess both safety and functionality. This includes:

• Checking pool surfaces for cracks or damage
• Testing pumps, filters, blowers, and heaters
• Inspecting plumbing and checking for leaks
• Verifying lights and GFCI safety outlets
• Ensuring gates, fences, and safety features meet standards

These systems are often costly to repair—and even costlier to replace. Many buyers skip the inspection assuming the pool “looks fine,” but that’s a risky gamble.

Why It’s Crucial for Houston Buyers

Houston’s real estate market is leaning toward a buyer’s market this season, especially in suburbs like Cypress, Pearland, and Sugar Land. That gives buyers more room to negotiate—but also more reason to investigate thoroughly before closing.

With so many homes built during Houston’s new construction boom, even newer pools can have build-quality or equipment issues that don’t show up on a casual walkthrough.

A Pool Inspection Could Save You Thousands

Regular pool maintenance in Texas can already cost $1,000–$1,800 a year. But neglected repairs or faulty equipment could tack on thousands more if you don’t catch them before you buy.

With Semper Fi, you can get a complete buyer home inspection + pool inspection bundled into one visit—and one same-day report—so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Schedule a Houston Pool Inspection Before You Close

Don’t get stuck with surprise repairs. If you’re buying a home with a pool or a spa in Houston, Spring, or Friendswood, make a professional pool inspection part of your due diligence.