For an automatic pool sanitation system (tablet chlorinator, erosion feeder, or salt-water generator), you’re primarily doing a visual, non-invasive verification of type, condition, safety, and basic operation rather than water-quality certification.
Identify the System
- Describe the type of pool, filter, and sanitation system (offline/inline chlorinator, brominator, salt chlorinator, or chemical feed/automation panel) in your report.
- Note accessibility of equipment, clarity of water (can you see the main drains), and any limitations to inspection.
Visual Condition and Installation
- Confirm the chlorinator or salt cell is installed on the return side, downstream of the filter and heater, with proper unions and valves as visible.
- Look for leaks, cracked housings, missing caps/lids, corroded fittings, and deteriorated tubing on erosion feeders or chemical pumps.
- Verify that any chemical feed lines are intact, secured, and not kinked or visibly clogged.
Basic Functional Checks (Normal Controls Only)
- With the circulation system running, verify that the automatic sanitizing device is powered and “in operation” if user controls are accessible (indicator lights, display, flow light, or production gauge on salt systems).
- On a transparent salt cell, look for gas bubbles or “milky” water in the cell when it is energized, which indicates chlorine is being generated.
- For tablet/erosion feeders, confirm the control valve is installed and that the unit is plumbed and valved so water can flow through when the system is on.
Safety and Electrical
- Confirm GFCI protection for associated pumps, controls, and receptacles, and check that equipment is bonded where visible (pump motor, heater, metallic piping).
- Verify that the sanitizing equipment and any automation panels are not within improper reach of the pool water and are reasonably protected from splash and weather per typical pool equipment placement practices.
Water Quality Indicators (Without “Certifying” Chemistry)
- Use visual indicators as deficiencies: cloudy water where drains are not visible, obvious algae growth, strong chlorine odor, or staining, and report as conditions limiting inspection or as adverse conditions.
- If test strips or a basic kit are part of your service, you can state measured free chlorine and pH in general ranges (for example, free chlorine not present, or pH outside common 7.2–7.8 range) but avoid representing this as a health department–grade compliance test.
Defects to Call Out and Recommended Language
- Missing, inoperative, or visibly damaged automatic chlorinator/brominator or salt chlorination system components (broken housings, no power, hoses disconnected, obvious leaks) should be reported as in need of correction and further evaluation by a qualified pool professional.
- Note when the system could not be operated or verified (power off, pool winterized, unclear controls, unsafe conditions) and recommend that the client have the pool and sanitation system fully started up, tested, and balanced by a pool service contractor prior to use.
If you want, I can help you build a short, inspection-template–ready checklist section specifically for “Automatic Sanitation System” with narrative-ready defect statements.