Thomasville, NC Landscaping Liner Cut with Blade

Landscaping Inspection Services was called out to inspect damage to a vinyl landscaping liner in Thomasville, NC. The homeowner suspected that his previous tenant at the residence had done the damage intentionally. Our inspector determined that it was highly likely that the damage was done intentionally, due to the nature of the tears in the liner.

Our inspector spoke with the homeowner, who provided information about the pool and his relationship with his previous tenant. He said that his property manager saw the pool in good working condition the day before the tenant moved out, and two days later saw that the pool was damaged.

Thomasville, NC Pool Inspection: Observations and Analysis

Our inspector visited the property and spoke with the homeowner. In addition, the following observations were made:

• The pool filter was winterized and the pump was removed for the winter.
• The pool liner had cuts in every corner and along the bottom of the steps.
• There was hardly any water in the pool and it was full of debris.

The homeowner noted that the liner was only 2 years old, and that a vinyl landscaping liner has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Our inspector noted that the pool appeared to have sat empty for an extended period of time, which can cause the liner to shrink and eventually tear.

Pool liner is sliced, and pool is full of debris.

The location of the tears was in line with where they would be if they had been caused by stress. However, the lines were straight-edge as one would expect if caused by a blade. The liner tears would be more jagged had they been caused by stress.

Cause of Loss and Repair Estimates for Thomasville, NC Pool

It was determined that due to the extremely straight nature of the cuts in the pool, the damage had been done intentionally with a blade. Our inspector did not believe that the straight edge tears would indicate that it had been damaged from sitting empty for an extended time.

While it appeared that the pump had been removed for winter, our inspector was unable to determine if the pump was working or not. Our inspector provided an estimate that included replacing the pump, if necessary. The estimate for all repairs was $5,732.74. This included the labor, the new pump, and the cost of refilling the pool and the required chemicals.