Empty Pool - Safety Issue?

[CANative]

That's really interesting CANative. I wonder if the lender(s) have been placing additional guidelines on pools. I don't know.

I don't think HUD/FHA uses actual, experienced DEU's for frontline appraisal checking. It's the cubicle donkey's saying this about green pools.

 

[CANative]

Also, if a pool is empty, there is nothing to allow an assumption that the pool is operating and that it is not damaged or will be damaged. So that is the larger issue... not the safety issue. Which should apply to the GSE's as well as VA/FHA etc.

 

[Mark K]

I would say yes, safety hazard.

Agree with CAN, around here you never leave a pool empty, especially in winter. Ground freezes, pushes in the pool walls.

Or you can wait and nature will eventually fill the pool in. See recent pool photo.

Now lets see, where my list of adjustments.....

 

[RSW]

"
f. Swimming Pools

The Appraiser must report readily observable defects in a non-covered pool that would render the pool inoperable or unusable. If the pool water contains algae and is aesthetically unappealing, but the Appraiser has no evidence that the pool is otherwise contaminated, no cleaning is required. Swimming pools must be operational to provide full Contributory Value.
The Appraiser must condition the appraisal report for pools with unstable sides or structural issues to be repaired or permanently filled in accordance with local guidelines, and the surrounding land re-graded if necessary.

If the swimming pool has been winterized, or the Appraiser cannot determine if the pool is in working order, the Appraiser must complete the appraisal with the extraordinary assumption that the pool and its equipment can be restored to full operating condition at normal costs."

That was taken from the 4000.1 handbook. The OP did a conventional loan appraisal.

 

[CANative]

That was taken from the 4000.1 handbook. The OP did a conventional loan appraisal.

I was responding to Denita, who posted this:

Naturally for FHA it is, IIRC, the pool has to be blue, clean and clear before the lender will fund.