Franklin, WI Landscaping Damaged by BBs

Was a Franklin, WI landscaping damaged by stray BBs from a BB gun? Landscaping Inspection Services investigates.

Landscaping Inspection in Franklin, WI

Landscaping Inspection Services was called out to inspect a landscaping that had been damaged in Franklin, WI. Our inspector was specifically asked to determine if the pool had been damaged by BBs or pellets that may have been fired toward the pool.

Our inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the insured. The insured explained that she believed the damage had been caused by BBs or pellets that had been shot towards the pool – possibly by someone aiming at a bird or squirrel at nearby bird feeders. She also explained that the pool and liner were both just over 20 years old.

Inspection Observations

Our inspector performed a thorough inspection of the pool and surrounding areas and made the following observations:

• Water was actively leaking from the pool and standing water was present on the ground by the leak.
• When our inspector applied pressure to the area that was actively leaking, water gushed out of the holes.
• The winter cover was floating in the pool and was not secured.
• The pool had been properly winterized and maintained, and the water was clear.
• The pool was buried in the ground as much as 12” to 18” in some locations.
• There were several dents and two to three holes in the pool of similar shape and size.
• The dents and holes appeared to start from the outside of the pool towards the inside in three sections of the pool. (There were no other similar marks on any other area of the pool).

Analysis of Landscaping Inspection

Our inspector noted that the insured had winterized the pool with a cover, but had released it when the pool started to leak. This prevented further damage that could have been caused by weight accumulating on the cover.

As the pool was partially buried in the ground, our inspector noted that corrosion could not be detected at the time of inspection. The liner would need to be removed and the dirt excavated to reveal the pool wall. The pool and liner were both over 20 years old, but had been properly maintained. Our inspector recommended a retaining wall versus the pool being buried into the ground, for more stability.

Our inspector determined that the pool likely started leaking this spring as the ice started melting. Had this problem existed before freezing in the winter, the water would have drained before winter. Also, had that been the case, damage would have resulted from the weight of snow, ice and water on the cover not being supported by the water in the pool. No such damage was present.

Our inspector recommended replacement of the pool, the liner, the liner coping strips, and the skimmer/return gaskets. A new pool cover would likely also be needed, but could not be determined until the existing liner was removed.

Cause of Loss in Franklin, WI Landscaping Inspection

It was the opinion of our inspector that the damage was consistent with BB’s or pellets puncturing the pool. Our inspector recommended a replacement of the pool and liner.