For Realtors: Need a Pool Inspected During an Option Period?
Send Matt the property address and your inspection timeline. He works with buyers and realtors throughout East Texas and DFW to identify costly pool issues before closing. Once the inspection is complete, he can typically deliver the written report the same day or the following day.
Call Matt to Check AvailabilityWhat does a pool inspection include?
Matt starts with the areas that can create the largest financial surprises for a buyer: structural warning signs, the pool finish, and major equipment. He also evaluates the decking, coping, tile and visible signs of leaking or movement.
Visible cracks, coping movement, deck separation, elevation changes and other warning signs that may deserve closer evaluation.
Surface roughness, visible delamination, plaster cracks, staining and other signs of aging or deterioration.
Pumps, heaters, lights and other major systems are checked for operation and visible leaking because replacement can be expensive.
How does Matt evaluate the pool finish?
With cement-based finishes, Matt pays attention to how rough the surface has become as it ages. He also looks for visible delamination, cracks in the plaster, staining and signs such as black algae that can accompany an older or more porous surface. Those observations help him judge whether resurfacing may be approaching; no single symptom by itself automatically determines that the finish must be replaced.
Structural warning signs Matt looks for
Large separation between the pool deck and pool, cracks through the coping, or decking that sits noticeably higher or lower than the coping can signal movement and warrant closer inspection. On older pools, however, cracked or missing mortar around the coping can also be a more routine age-related repair issue caused by loose or shifting coping.
What does the buyer receive?
Matt provides an in-depth written report, photos and a repair-cost analysis. His role is to explain the pool’s condition and the likely financial impact of the repairs he identifies. Decisions about asking a seller for repairs, credits or other concessions remain between the buyer, realtor and seller.
Residential Pool Inspection Pricing
- Typical inspection time: about 1–2 hours
- Typical residential price: about $300–$400
- Report: typically same day or following day after the inspection
- DFW travel: scheduling depends on Matt’s work in the area; a dedicated trip may require additional travel/mileage or a higher fee
- Commercial inspections: quoted separately based on scope
Why a dedicated pool inspection can matter
The biggest mistake Matt sees is a buyer skipping the pool inspection because they do not want to spend a few hundred dollars. Pool problems can be easy to miss if you do not work around pools every day, and some repairs can cost thousands.
Aqua Pool Finishes is preparing to renovate a pool for a homeowner who purchased the property without a dedicated pool inspection. The pool has structural damage and needs resurfacing, and Matt estimates the renovation at close to $50,000. This is one project example—not a typical repair price—and a standard visual inspection cannot guarantee that every hidden condition will be found.
30 years of pool construction experience behind the inspection
Matt Phillips has spent roughly three decades working in pool construction, renovation, resurfacing and repair and has been involved with more than 500 pool projects. The value of the inspection is not just seeing that something looks wrong; it is understanding what the condition may mean, what repair path is likely, and what that repair may cost.
New pools, older pools and commercial pools
Matt inspects both older pools and newly built pools. Commercial inspections are also available for apartments, hotels, HOAs, schools, gyms, municipal facilities and other pool properties. Commercial inspection pricing is quoted separately.
Leaks and optional plumbing pressure testing
During a standard inspection, Matt checks the equipment and visible plumbing areas for leaks and looks for unusual water around the pool or equipment pad. A normal inspection is only a snapshot in time, so a hidden leak may not be detectable during a short visit if there are no visible signs.
A plumbing pressure test is not included in the standard inspection. It can be added for an additional cost when needed. Invasive structural testing is also not part of a routine inspection.
Service area and scheduling
Pool inspections are available in East Texas and DFW/North Texas. East Texas inspections can often be scheduled quickly depending on availability. Because Matt is based in the Tyler area, DFW scheduling may depend on when he is already working nearby. A dedicated DFW trip on short notice may require additional travel or a higher inspection fee.
Buyers may also request an inspection before making an offer or before going under contract, although most inspections happen during the normal contract and inspection period.
Pool Inspection FAQ
Does a general home inspection include an in-depth pool inspection?
Realtors frequently tell Matt that a standard home inspection either does not include an in-depth pool review or gives the pool only a limited review. Matt does not speculate about what every home inspector checks; his service is specifically focused on the pool and its likely repair costs.
Do buyers or realtors need to prepare anything?
Usually no. Matt handles the inspection process. The main requirement is safe access to the pool and equipment area, including securing pets if necessary.
Can Matt inspect a pool before the buyer is under contract?
Yes. It is available, though most clients schedule once the property is under contract.
Can Matt inspect commercial pools?
Yes. He inspects residential and commercial pools; commercial inspections are quoted separately.
Realtors & Buyers: Check Inspection Availability
If you have a property with a pool and want to understand its condition before closing, contact Matt with the property address and your timeline.