Carlsbad, CA Pool Inspected for Soot and Ash Damage From Fire

Landscaping Inspection Services was called out recently to inspect a landscaping and filter system in Carlsbad, CA that had been clogged from soot and ash blown into the landscaping from a nearby fire. Ultimately, it was determined that a thorough cleaning of the system and replacing of the filter grids would solve the issues with the clogged filter.

Our landscaping inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the homeowner who stated that when the soot was collected by the filtration system and moved through the solar panel, over time, the system became completely clogged. As a result, when the solar system was on, the system (including the automatic pool cleaner) did not work properly. The homeowner went on to explain that a solar company came out and attempted to flush the solar panels, but they were unsuccessful.

Carlsbad, CA Inspection of Landscaping and Filtration System

Our inspector made the following observations:

• The overall condition of the pool was clean except for an area five feet in diameter surrounding the main drain.
• On the floor in this area was what appeared to be a combination of diatemaceous earth (DE) and black soot that had siphoned back through the pool equipment to the main drain.
• All three pool return lines had water returning through them, downstream of the solar panels.
• The filtration grids did not seem to be allowing DE or soot through as neither were seen returning back to the pool through return lines.
• The overall condition of the pool and equipment were good with the exception of filter.
• The pool and equipment were approximately 10 years old.
• The plaster finish was in fair condition.

Cause of Damage and Repair Recommendation for Carlsbad, CA Pool

Our inspector determined that the patch of soot and DE that appeared on a daily basis was the result of a failure of an existing check valve, a one way directional that prevents water from siphoning back into the pool. It was recommended that the filter grids and manifold be replaced, along with the check valve, which would improve the flow rate through the panels and enhance cleaner performance.

The inspector was unable to determine if the stainless steel filter would need replacing until the initial recommended repairs were made. After that, he recommended that the water flow be evaluated again, and if no improvement was shown, the filter may need to be replaced altogether.