How to Start a Pool Inspection Business with Pro Pool Inspector Founder, Dennies Boyd

The Golden Opportunity in Pool Inspections

The pool inspection industry is on the cusp of explosive growth, and savvy entrepreneurs have a narrow window to establish themselves as market leaders. With real estate transactions increasingly including pools, and buyers becoming more cautious about their investments, pool inspections are transitioning from a nice-to-have service to an essential part of the home buying process.

Dennis Boyd, founder of Pro Pool Inspector, recently shared his expertise on the Pool Chasers Podcast, offering a roadmap for those looking to enter this emerging market. His message is clear: act now or risk being left behind.

If you've ever thought about doing pool inspecting, now's the time before it becomes this full-blown thing and everybody and their grandmother is doing pool inspecting in your area. If you get out front of this, you're going to be the person to catch. You're going to have conquered the market and everybody's going to have to use you as the standard in your market.

— Dennis Boyd, Pool Chasers Podcast

Understanding Pool Inspections: What They Are and What They're Not

Before diving into the business side, it's crucial to understand the scope and limitations of pool inspections. Boyd emphasizes that pool inspections require a specific skill set and mindset that differs from regular pool service work.

A qualified pool inspector needs attention to detail, industry knowledge, and the ability to assess equipment functionality quickly and accurately. Unlike regular pool service technicians who have ongoing relationships with clients and multiple opportunities to address issues, pool inspectors get one shot to provide comprehensive information.

As a pool service guy, when those of us who do pool service, when we go out and we see Mrs. Jones pool every week, weekend and week out and we know her filter pressure gauge is broken and we just hadn't had time to go buy the distribution house and get a pressure gauge. As a pool inspector, you don't have that luxury. You got one time to go in, take your photos, make your notes.

— Dennis Boyd, Pool Chasers Podcast

Equally important is understanding what pool inspections are not. Boyd is adamant that inspections should not include:

• Taking soil samples or analyzing construction materials
• Performing invasive procedures like disassembling equipment
• Getting into the pool for detailed leak detection
• Taking apart lights or other fixtures
• Extensive hydraulic analysis

This distinction is critical for liability protection and maintaining reasonable service pricing that clients will accept.

The Non-Invasive Approach: Protecting Your Business and Your Clients

One of Boyd's key teachings centers around the concept of invasive versus non-invasive inspection techniques, drawing from medical industry practices. This approach serves multiple purposes: it protects the inspector from liability, maintains the pool's current condition, and keeps costs reasonable for buyers.

The invasive approach can create more problems than it solves. For example, turning multiport valves without knowing their condition could damage spider gaskets, leading to leaks that didn't exist before the inspection. Similarly, disconnecting and reconnecting unions could compromise O-rings, creating liability issues for the inspector.

We have a saying in the pool industry, last guy that touched it owns it. And I don't know if that's written anywhere. I'm pretty sure that could be made a case for that.

— Dennis Boyd, Pool Chasers Podcast

Instead, Boyd recommends limiting invasive procedures to simple tests like gently pressing down on multiport handles to assess their condition without actually turning them. This provides valuable information about potential issues without creating new problems.

Answering the Two Critical Questions Every Pool Buyer Asks

Boyd has identified that pool buyers consistently ask two fundamental questions during inspections:

1. Does everything work?
2. Does the pool leak?

The first question is straightforward for experienced pool professionals to answer through visual inspection and operational testing. The second question requires more finesse and the right tools.

For leak detection, Boyd recommends using leak computers—devices that can detect leaks without requiring invasive procedures. While these tools don't pinpoint exact leak locations, they answer the buyer's primary question about whether a leak exists.

The leak computer doesn't show you where it's leaking. But that wasn't the question. The question is, can you tell me if everything works? Can you tell me if the pool leaks? And they're trying to make a decision about buying the house.

— Dennis Boyd, Pool Chasers Podcast

When leaks are detected, inspectors can provide general guidance about likely locations (light niches, liner tears, equipment connections) without the expense and liability of precise leak detection services.

Comprehensive Equipment Testing: The Professional Standard

Professional pool inspections require thorough testing of all pool features and equipment. Boyd's approach involves operating everything simultaneously when possible, mimicking how homeowners might actually use their pools.

For pools with single pumps operating multiple features (waterfalls, deck jets, laminars, cleaning systems), everything should be turned on together to assess performance under realistic conditions. This approach reveals issues like inadequate water flow to certain features or leaks that only appear under full operational loads.

LED lighting systems require special attention. Boyd recommends running complete color sequences to identify missing colors or synchronization issues between multiple lights. This thorough approach often reveals problems that simple on/off testing would miss.

Automation systems should be tested in service mode, with every button and function verified to ensure proper labeling and operation. Many pool owners don't properly label their automation controls, creating confusion and potential operational issues.

Building Your Pool Inspection Business: Practical Steps

Starting a pool inspection business requires more than technical knowledge. Boyd emphasizes the importance of proper equipment, documentation systems, and liability protection.

Essential equipment includes:

• High-quality cameras for documentation
• Leak detection computers
• Basic testing supplies
• Professional reporting software
• Appropriate insurance coverage

Documentation is critical for professional credibility and legal protection. Every inspection should include comprehensive photos, detailed notes, and professional reports that clients can easily understand and share with other professionals.

Pricing strategies should reflect the value provided while remaining accessible to typical home buyers. Boyd suggests that overly expensive inspections (thousands of dollars) won't gain market acceptance, while appropriately priced services (hundreds of dollars) can build a sustainable business model.

Marketing efforts should target real estate agents, home inspectors, and buyers directly. Building relationships with these key stakeholders can provide steady referral streams and establish your reputation in the local market.

The Future of Pool Inspections

The pool inspection industry is poised for significant growth as more buyers recognize the value of professional assessments before purchasing homes with pools. Early entrants who establish professional standards and build strong reputations will benefit from this expanding market.

Success in this field requires balancing thoroughness with practicality, providing valuable information while maintaining reasonable costs and minimizing liability risks. Boyd's approach offers a proven framework for building a sustainable pool inspection business that serves clients' needs while protecting the inspector's interests.

For pool service professionals considering this opportunity, the existing knowledge base provides a strong foundation. The key is adapting that knowledge to the specific requirements and constraints of inspection work, while developing the additional skills needed for effective client communication and professional documentation.

The window for entering this market as an early adopter is closing rapidly. Those who act now have the opportunity to establish themselves as the standard others will be measured against, building sustainable businesses in a growing industry segment.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Market Opportunity
• 03:15 What Pool Inspections Are and Are Not
• 08:30 Invasive vs Non-Invasive Inspection Techniques
• 15:45 The Two Critical Questions Buyers Ask
• 22:10 Comprehensive Equipment Testing Procedures
• 28:35 Building a Sustainable Pool Inspection Business