Pool Warranty?

[amattas]

So we just bought a house with a pool, and we were supposed to get a pool warranty with it. That got messed up so now the sellers are just cutting us a check. Is it worth doing the pool warranty, or is there a greater chance they'll just mess things up?

What I do know is the Heater, Pump, and Filter are all original. The Heater has a lot of corrosion and is probably going to need to be replaced next season (it was a struggle to get fired up this season), and the pump has a little bit of a bearing rattle in it so that's going to be on the list too (and I'd like to upgrade to a variable speed pump when that happens).

So should I actually get the warranty, or just pocket the money?

 

[Flying Tivo]

I would run an estimate on the same equipment brand new and if he is willing to write a check for around 70-80% of that I would agree.

 

[Richard320]

Maybe I'm naturally suspicious, but perhaps the warranty company looked at the equipment and refused to write a policy? Insurance companies don;t have big skyscrapers with their names on them because they give away money.

 

[amattas]

No, it was an issue where their realtor gave the title company the wrong $$ amount, and when the mortgage closed only the home warranty policy was ordered not the pool. So they're writing me a check for the additional $200 to add the pool warranty to the home warranty policy.

So I can either put the $200 in the bank and use it for upgrades as the equipment ages out, or take the money and add pool warranty. Although my experience with home warranties in the past has been less than stellar (hence my question, how badly will I be rolling the dice with the pool warranty).

 

[Richard320]

No, it was an issue where their realtor gave the title company the wrong $$ amount, and when the mortgage closed only the home warranty policy was ordered not the pool. So they're writing me a check for the additional $200 to add the pool warranty to the home warranty policy.

So I can either put the $200 in the bank and use it for upgrades as the equipment ages out, or take the money and add pool warranty. Although my experience with home warranties in the past has been less than stellar (hence my question, how badly will I be rolling the dice with the pool warranty).

Just a pump motor will be more than $200. I'd buy the warranty.

 

[zea3]

Since all the equipment is old, the insurance company will pro-rate its value, and will attempt to repair it rather than buy new. If they did buy new they would get the least expensive product they could find, since an "exact replacement" would not be available. I don't think it would work to your advantage. I would put the money in a designated pool equipment fund and add to it when you can so you can get what you want when you want it.

 

[amattas]

So this is what it would cover.

11. Swimming Pool and/or Spa or Combination (shared equipment)Description of Covered Items: Mechanical parts and components as follows: above ground accessible plumbing lines leading to and from unit; air pumps; blower motor; filters (freestanding housing body, laterals, pressure gauges, back flush valves); gaskets; impellers; internal spa pack heater; internal switches; primary circulator pump and motor; and relays.Examples of Items/Conditions Not Covered: Automatic feeders and chemicals; chlorinators; “creepy crawlers” and similar cleaning units; electrical lines; filter elements or media (i.e., cartridges, grids and sand); heaters; inaccessible underground and/or concrete encased plumbing; jets; lighting; pop up heads and turbo valves; secondary/auxiliary cleaning equipment and accessories including built-in or detachable cleaning equipment, skimmers; solar heaters and related components; structure, liner or shell of the pool and spa; timer and remote control systems and their components.
12. Heater for Swimming Pool and/or Spa Description of Covered Items: Mechanical components and parts of gas, electric, oil, and heat pump units. In no event shall we be liable for claims in excess of $1,000 in the aggregate per Agreement term, per covered property with respect to pool or spa heaters.Example of Items Not Covered: Cabinetry and structural components; recapture/reclaim of refrigerant; timer and remote control systems and their components.

 

[borjis]

Yes do get the pool warranty.

When I got my place 2 years ago, I noticed the heater was quite old and
the multi-port valve looked very old.

When I got the new liner in, the pump leaked, but I chose to fix that myself. (seal kit replacement)
The following season, sure enough, the multi-port valve cracked and started
leaking a slow drip.

My warranty paid for itself when a pool co came in and replaced the multiport
and it equaled what the cost for a new install by them would have been.

The other great thing about a home warranty is, the repair crew has
to put you at the top of the list for the service call, once a call
is made.

The guy that replaced the valve (may last year) said they would not
have been able to replace it until July due to the waiting list had I not
had the warranty.