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Swimming pool inspection checklist

A pool and spa inspection you fill in at the property on a phone or tablet. Check the barrier height and gaps, each gate (opens outward, self-closing, self-latching, latch height), doors, alarms and covers, the main drains and their covers, the visible electrical items, the deck, coping and shell, and the equipment pad, with photos, a scanned drain cover label and equipment data plates. Every finding gets a priority, an owner and a date. For a commercial or leisure pool operator's daily checks, use the swimming pool checklist; for a hot tub on its own, the hot tub inspection checklist.

For home inspectors, pool contractors handing over a new or renovated pool, and property managers checking pools at homes and rentals in the US.

Written for US homes. Pool barrier, electrical and drain rules are set by each state and city, and other countries have their own rules.

  • Barrier height and gap measured, openings, climbable objects, and each gate checked for self-closing and self-latching
  • Doors, alarms, windows, pet doors and safety covers
  • Main drains and covers, with a scanned cover label and any anti-entrapment system
  • Visual electrical checks (GFCI, bonding wire, cords, overhead wires), deck, coping, shell and equipment pad
  • Findings with priority, owner and date, and a clear note that this is not a code inspection
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What does a swimming pool inspection check?

A pool inspection is useful when it tests the things that fail quietly: a gate that closes but does not latch from a few inches open, a drain cover with a missing screw, a loose coping stone. Measure the barrier from outside, test each gate more than once, photograph every finding, and say plainly that it is a visual check, not a code inspection.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against CPSC, Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362), Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 8003 (govinfo) and City of Strongsville, Ohio, Building Department: residential swimming pool installation guide (NEC Article 680 overview).

How to inspect a swimming pool

Start outside the barrier, the way a child would reach the pool, then work in to the water and out to the equipment.

  1. Record the property and pool

    Note why the pool is being inspected, the pool type and finish, who uses it, the size and any permit or final inspection you were shown.

  2. Walk the barrier and test each gate

    Measure the lowest barrier height and the largest gap under it from outside, look for anything a child could climb, and open each gate fully and a few inches to see that it closes and latches every time.

  3. Check doors, alarms and covers

    Test door alarms, look for pet doors and windows onto the pool area, and check any safety cover.

  4. Look at the drains and electrical

    Check every main drain cover is in place, fixed and undamaged, scan the cover label, and look for GFCI protection, bonding wire and damaged wiring.

  5. Check the deck, shell and equipment

    Look for cracked or loose coping, trip edges, finish damage and leaks, and record each piece of equipment with its data plate.

  6. Record findings and sign

    Give each finding a priority, an owner and a date, choose the decision, and sign with the client or owner.

What makes a pool inspection useful

Gates in the barrier

Home purchase in Scottsdale, pool with attached spa, 60 in fence. Patio pool gate latch at 56 in. Closes from fully open, but from a few inches open it stops on the latch and does not catch, 3 of 5 tries; striker out of line. Priority: fix before the pool is used, seller's pool contractor, due in a week.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Opening a gate fully once, watching it latch, and marking it fine. Most gates fail from part open.

What happens next

Send the report to the client with the safety items first, and recheck the gate once the contractor has fixed it.

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Every question in the swimming pool inspection checklist template

A US residential pool and spa inspection: barrier height and gaps, gates (self-closing, self-latching, latch height), door alarms and covers, drains and entrapment with the drain cover label, a visual electrical check (GFCI, bonding), deck, coping and shell, equipment pad with data plates, water clarity, photos and findings with priority. Notes cite the CPSC barrier guidelines and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. 9 sections and 179 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

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  • Project: the project name
  • Property address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client: the project's customer

Property and pool

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Property addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • ClientShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspector*Short answer
  • Why the pool is being inspected*Choose one
    • Home purchase inspection
    • Contractor handover of a new or renovated pool
    • Routine check by a property manager
    • Insurance or lender request
    • Other
  • Who was presentShort answer
  • Weather on siteAnswer
  • Pool type*Choose one
    • In-ground pool
    • In-ground pool with attached spa
    • Above-ground pool
    • Spa or hot tub only
    • Other
  • Pool shell or finishChoose one
    • Plaster or pebble finish on concrete (gunite or shotcrete)
    • Vinyl liner
    • Fiberglass
    • Tile
    • Other
  • Who uses the pool*Choose one
    • One household
    • Residents of a multi-family property, HOA or development
    • Short-term rental guests
    • Other
  • Approximate length (ft)Number
  • Approximate width (ft)Number
  • Depth markings or depth rangeShort answer

    As marked, or as stated by the owner.

  • Year built or last renovatedShort answer
  • Permit or final inspection seenShort answer

    Permit number and date, or none seen.

  • Pool filled and equipment running on the dayChoose one
    • Yes
    • Filled, equipment off
    • Not filled
    • Covered, not opened
  • Overview photos of the pool areaPhotos
  • CheckThis is a visual inspection of the pool and spa on the day, with findings and photos. It is not a code compliance inspection and does not show the pool is safe or meets any code. Barrier, electrical and drain rules are set by the state and local building code; ask the local building department what applies.
  • GuidanceShared pools. Under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a pool open only to residents of an apartment complex, residential development or other multi-family residential area counts as a public pool and spa, with extra anti-entrapment duties (15 U.S.C. 8003(c)). State health rules for public pools may also apply.
    Shown when “Who uses the pool” is “Residents of a multi-family property, HOA or development”

Barrier, fence and gates

  • What forms the barrierTick all that apply
    • Fence or wall all round the pool
    • House wall forms one side
    • Above-ground pool wall
    • Removable mesh pool fence
    • Power safety cover
    • No barrier
  • Barrier rule that applies here, if knownShort answer

    For example the city pool barrier code. Leave blank if not confirmed.

  • Lowest barrier height measured (in)Number
  • Largest gap under the barrier (in)Number
  • Barrier goes all the way round the pool (or the house wall forms one side)Choose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Height of the barrierChoose one

    Measure from the ground outside. Record the height below.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Gap under the barrierChoose one

    Measure at the lowest point. Record below.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Openings, pickets and mesh too small for a child to passChoose one

    CPSC: no opening should let a 4-inch sphere through.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Nothing near the barrier a child could climbChoose one

    Furniture, planters, equipment, trees, a wall or a slope next to the fence.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Horizontal rails and decorative cut-outs do not give footholdsChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Fence panels, posts and mesh secure and undamagedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Above-ground pool: ladder or steps removable, lockable or fencedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceCPSC guidelines. The CPSC Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362) are guidelines, not a law or a CPSC standard; some states and cities have put them into their codes. They suggest a barrier top at least 48 inches above grade (some places require 60), a gap at the bottom of no more than 4 inches (2 inches on grass or gravel), no opening a 4-inch sphere can pass, and gates that open out from the pool and are self-closing and self-latching. They apply to spas and hot tubs too.
  • Photos of the barrierPhotos
  • Gates in the barrier
    Repeat for each gate. Each one asks:
    • Gate*Short answer

      For example side yard gate by the garage.

    • TypeChoose one
      • Pedestrian gate
      • Vehicle or double gate
      • Pool fence gate in a mesh fence
    • Latch release height from the bottom of the gate (in)Number
    • Opens outward, away from the poolChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Self-closing from any open positionChoose one

      Open the gate fully and part way, let go, and watch it close.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Self-latching every time it closesChoose one

      Test from fully open and from a few inches open.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Latch release out of a child's reachChoose one

      CPSC: if the release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it should be on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No gaps over 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latchChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Gate can be lockedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Photos of the gate and latchPhotos
    • g_issuesWorked out by the form
  • Gates checkedWorked out by the form
  • Gate items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • barrier_issuesWorked out by the form

Doors, alarms and covers

  • Does the house wall form part of the barrier?Choose one
    • Yes
    • No
  • Doors and windows opening onto the pool areaNumber
  • Safety coverChoose one
    • None
    • Manual safety cover
    • Power safety cover
    • Solar or leaf cover only (not a safety cover)
  • Doors from the house to the pool area have an alarmChoose one

    CPSC suggests an audible alarm on every door to the pool area, sounding within 7 seconds of opening.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Door alarms sound when testedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Doors to the pool area self-close and self-latch, or latch out of reachChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Windows opening onto the pool area restricted or alarmedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • No pet door leading to the pool areaChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Safety cover in place and workingChoose one

    Manual or power cover: it covers the pool, tracks and anchors are sound, the key or switch is out of reach.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Pool alarm or other layer of protection workingChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos of doors, alarms and the coverPhotos
  • door_issuesWorked out by the form

Drains and entrapment

  • Main drain layoutChoose one
    • Single main drain
    • Two or more main drains
    • Unblockable drain
    • No main drain
    • Could not see
  • Other anti-entrapment systemChoose one
    • None seen
    • Safety vacuum release system
    • Suction-limiting vent
    • Gravity drainage
    • Automatic pump shut-off
    • Drain disabled
    • Could not tell
  • Every main drain has a cover in placeChoose one

    Record a missing cover as a safety finding.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Covers fixed down, no missing screwsChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Covers not cracked, broken or brittleChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Cover label readable: maker, model and flow ratingChoose one

    Record what the label says; scan it below.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Spa suction outlets covered and undamagedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Skimmer lids, baskets and weirs in placeChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Anti-entrapment system present and working, where fittedChoose one

    For example a safety vacuum release system. Record the type below.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Drain cover labelScan a label: manufacturer, model, flow rating, service life or expiry, standard marked

    Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

  • Photos of drains and coversPhotos
  • GuidanceFederal law. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires every pool and spa drain cover sold in the US to meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 entrapment standard or its successor. Public pools and spas must also have compliant covers, and one with a single main drain (other than an unblockable drain) needs at least one extra system, such as a safety vacuum release system or an automatic pump shut-off (15 U.S.C. 8003). State and local codes may ask more of home pools.
  • drain_issuesWorked out by the form

Electrical (visual)

  • GuidanceElectrical. Pool wiring is covered by NEC Article 680 as adopted locally. For example, the City of Strongsville, Ohio, summarizes the 2017 NEC as needing GFCI protection on pool pump outlets and on 15 or 20 amp receptacles within 20 feet of the pool, and bonding of the shell, deck, metal parts and equipment with solid copper no smaller than 8 AWG. Check the edition your city uses. This check is visual: refer anything doubtful to a licensed electrician.
  • Pump and equipment circuits have GFCI protectionChoose one

    Find the GFCI breaker or receptacle; press test only if the owner agrees.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Receptacles near the pool are GFCI protectedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Pool and spa lights work, lenses intact, GFCI protectedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Bonding wire visible at the pump, heater and metal partsChoose one

    A solid copper wire clamped to each piece of equipment.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • No extension cords, open boxes or damaged wiringChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Overhead wires do not cross the pool or deckChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Equipment disconnect and breakers labeledChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos of the electrical itemsPhotos
  • electrical_issuesWorked out by the form

Deck, coping, shell and access

  • Deck surface level, no trip edges or heaved slabsChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Deck cracksChoose one

    Record the width and length below where there is one.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Coping stones or caps secure and not crackedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tile line and grout intactChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Plaster or finish: no delamination, rough areas or exposed shellChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Vinyl liner: no tears, wrinkles or loose beadChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Fiberglass: no blisters, cracks or bulgesChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Steps, ladders and handrails secure, treads not slipperyChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Diving board or slide fixed and undamaged, if fittedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Depth markers and safety signs readable, if fittedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Water level correct at the skimmer, no sign of a leakChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Longest crack length (in)Number

    Measure from photo gives an estimate.

  • Photos of the deck, coping and shellPhotos
  • shell_issuesWorked out by the form

Equipment pad

  • Where the equipment isShort answer

    For example side yard, behind the garage.

  • Is any equipment close enough to the barrier to climb it?Choose one
    • No
    • Yes
    • Not applicable
  • Equipment
    Repeat for each item. Each one asks:
    • Equipment*Choose one
      • Pump
      • Filter
      • Gas heater
      • Heat pump
      • Chlorinator or salt cell
      • Automation or controller
      • Booster or cleaner pump
      • Spa blower
      • Other
    • Make and modelShort answer
    • Data plateScan a label: manufacturer, model, serial number, date of manufacture, rating

      Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

    • Age or date of manufactureShort answer
    • Runs without unusual noise or vibrationChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No leaks at unions, valves, lid or fittingsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Pressure gauge or display workingChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Housing, mounting and ventilation in good orderChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Photo of the equipmentPhotos
    • eq_issuesWorked out by the form
  • Equipment itemsWorked out by the form
  • Equipment items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Walk-round of the poolWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

Water

  • Water clarity*Choose one
    • Clear: main drain visible from the deck
    • Slightly cloudy
    • Cloudy: main drain not visible
    • Green or algae
    • Pool empty or covered
  • Color, debris or stainsShort answer
  • Free chlorine reading, if testedShort answer
  • pH reading, if testedShort answer
  • GuidanceReadings are recorded as found. Compare them with the product instructions or your local health guidance; this form sets no limits.
  • water_issueWorked out by the form

Findings, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Safety: fix before the pool is used
      • Repair soon
      • Maintenance
      • Monitor
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • No safety items found on the day
    • Safety items found: fix before the pool is used
    • Repairs or maintenance only
    • Further evaluation by a specialist recommended
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Inspector nameShort answer
  • Inspector signature*Signature
  • Client or owner nameShort answer
  • Client or owner signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed swimming pool inspection checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Swimming pool inspection checklist FAQs

How high should a pool fence be?

The CPSC Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools suggest the top of the barrier is at least 48 inches above grade, and note that some states, counties and cities require 60 inches. They suggest a gap at the bottom of no more than 4 inches (2 inches on grass or gravel) and no opening a 4-inch sphere can pass through. These are guidelines, not law or a CPSC standard; your local code decides what is required.

Source: CPSC, Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362).

What should a pool gate do?

The CPSC guidelines say pool gates should open out from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching. Where the latch release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it should be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top, with no opening over 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. The form tests each gate from fully open and from a few inches open.

Source: CPSC, Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362).

Does the Virginia Graeme Baker Act apply to a home pool?

Partly. The Act requires every pool and spa drain cover made or sold in the US to meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 entrapment standard or its successor. The extra duties, compliant covers on every public pool and spa plus a system such as a safety vacuum release or automatic pump shut-off where there is a single main drain, apply to public pools and spas. These include pools open only to residents of an apartment complex, residential development or other multi-family area.

Source: Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 8003 (govinfo).

What electrical items are checked?

Only what can be seen: GFCI protection for the pump and nearby receptacles, pool lights, bonding wire at the equipment, damaged wiring and overhead wires. Pool wiring falls under NEC Article 680 as adopted locally. For example, the City of Strongsville, Ohio summarizes the 2017 NEC as requiring GFCI protection on pool pump outlets and on 15 or 20 amp receptacles within 20 feet of the pool, and bonding with solid copper no smaller than 8 AWG. Refer anything doubtful to a licensed electrician.

Source: City of Strongsville, Ohio, Building Department: residential swimming pool installation guide (NEC Article 680 overview).

Can the report say the pool is compliant?

No. The form records what you saw on the day, with photos, and says so on the report. Barrier, electrical and drain rules are set by the state and city and change with the code edition adopted, so only the local building department can say whether a pool meets them.

Is this the same as the UK swimming pool checklist?

No. The library's swimming pool checklist is for UK leisure pool operators: daily water tests, plant checks and opening decisions. This form is a one-off inspection of a home pool and spa, of the kind a home inspector or pool contractor does before a sale or at handover.

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