All Blog Articles

Pools & Spas Articles

Articles on Pools & Spas from Russ Motyko, a Certified Master Inspector with 3,000+ inspections in Oregon and Washington.

16 Articles
3,000+ Inspections
100+ Inspectors Trained
5.0★ Google & Yelp
Latest

How to Winterize a Pool in Portland Oregon

Winters across the Portland metro and SW Washington are mild but not freeze-safe. Here is how to protect a residential pool through the winter.

Sep 1, 2026 • 26 min read Read Article
Pools & Spas

Above-Ground Pool Inspection: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Above-ground pools are common on Portland metro and SW Washington properties and have their own inspection concerns.

Mar 21, 2026 • 24 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

Buying a Home with a Pool in the Portland Metro: What You Need to Know

A pool adds value, and ongoing costs, liability, and maintenance. Here is what Portland metro and SW Washington...

Mar 21, 2026 • 25 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

The Most Common Problems Found During a Pool Inspection

From aging equipment and failed bonding to non-compliant drains and cracks, here are the pool problems found most...

Mar 21, 2026 • 29 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

Do I Need a Pool Inspection When Buying a Home?

A standard home inspection does not cover the pool. Here is an honest answer on whether a dedicated...

Mar 21, 2026 • 24 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

Hot Tub and Spa Inspection in Portland: What Buyers Need to Know

A free-standing hot tub is not inspected as part of a pool inspection, but it has its own...

Mar 21, 2026 • 23 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

Pool Bonding: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What Buyers Need to Know

Pool bonding is an electrical safety requirement most buyers have never heard of. Here is what it is...

Mar 21, 2026 • 29 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

Pool Electrical Safety: What Every Buyer Needs to Know Before Closing

Pool electrical deficiencies (missing bonding, failed GFCI protection, and faulty underwater lights) are invisible to the eye and...

Mar 21, 2026 • 27 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

How Old Is the Pool Equipment? What Buyers Need to Know Before Closing

A pool with aging equipment is a pool with near-term replacement costs. Here is how to read equipment...

Mar 21, 2026 • 26 min read
Read More
Pools & Spas

How Much Does a Pool Inspection Cost in the Portland Metro?

Pool inspection pricing in the Portland metro and SW Washington ranges from $295 to $395 depending on whether...

Mar 21, 2026 • 22 min read
Read More
READY TO BOOK

Done Reading. Time to Inspect.

Certified Master Inspector. Free thermal imaging. Report promptly. Available 7 days a week across Portland metro and SW Washington.