Hello - new to the forum! If this is the wrong place to post please feel free to advise/move.
We have an accepted offer on a home we love. It was built in 1936 and has an in ground concrete pool. We have received MINIMAL information on this pool. We know it has not been opened in three years. We found it was going to be painted a year ago but they did not go through with it. After a lot of question asking we talked to the company who pulled the file and let us know he opted out of the painting because the pool has "run its life course". Essentially, the pool is junk. Worse, we live in Michigan and have had the worst winter weather the past couple weeks, resulting in even a topical pool inspection being nearly impossible. I realize without it being up and running we cant be told much but it'd be great if we could have someone look at it.
I have googled a lot but can not seem to find much information on concrete pools or when a pool is essentially unable to function. I am looking for guidance as far as the "life" of a pool. I'd like to know how you know a pool is junk and if a concrete pool is something you can repair? Sorry for being a total newbie, we know nothing about pools and are trying to be as informed as possible. We love the house so much, the pool was such a great bonus but we have no concept of what this could potentially cost us long term.
Any and all information would be so appreciated. Feel free to ask any questions you may have & I will try my best to answer.
We have an accepted offer on a home we love. It was built in 1936 and has an in ground concrete pool. We have received MINIMAL information on this pool. We know it has not been opened in three years. We found it was going to be painted a year ago but they did not go through with it. After a lot of question asking we talked to the company who pulled the file and let us know he opted out of the painting because the pool has "run its life course". Essentially, the pool is junk. Worse, we live in Michigan and have had the worst winter weather the past couple weeks, resulting in even a topical pool inspection being nearly impossible. I realize without it being up and running we cant be told much but it'd be great if we could have someone look at it.
I have googled a lot but can not seem to find much information on concrete pools or when a pool is essentially unable to function. I am looking for guidance as far as the "life" of a pool. I'd like to know how you know a pool is junk and if a concrete pool is something you can repair? Sorry for being a total newbie, we know nothing about pools and are trying to be as informed as possible. We love the house so much, the pool was such a great bonus but we have no concept of what this could potentially cost us long term.
Any and all information would be so appreciated. Feel free to ask any questions you may have & I will try my best to answer.
A conrete/plaster pool's service life can vary. First, there's the concrete or shell of the pool which is one issue. Then you have the plumbing and equipment (pump, fiter, etc). In VERY general terms, a well-maintained plaster pool can last decades IF it was maintained well. It is not uncommon for plaster pools to require re-plastering after x-amount of years - again depending on how it was maintained. But if the plaster is cracked, chipped, etc, it can usually be repaired professionally. As for the equipment, you won't know if it works until the pool is full of water and you try to turn it all on. Some new home owners get lucky and the equipment lasts for a while, others scrap everything and start with new equipment. The plumbing underground is another issue. Today's pipes are PVC while some of our much older pools may have used a different material that was suceptible to corrosion. That's just one of those things you won't know about until you try running the system to see if it holds pressure without any leaks. But pool repairs are generally something that can be done if needed. The amount of work and $$$$ depends on everything I noted above.
