Imagine nearly cutting your pool project timeline in half — without sacrificing safety, quality or code compliance.
"Thanks to virtual inspections, it's absolutely possible,” says Ian Cohen, chief operating officer at Inspected. com. As part of a growing national shift toward remote virtual inspections (RVIs), Inspected has completed over 75,000 inspections across the home construction industry, including pool and spa projects.
Here, Cohen explains why virtual inspections are becoming the standard — not the exception — for today’s pool contractors, and the unexpected benefits they provide.
HOW VIRTUAL POOL INSPECTIONS WORK
Remote virtual inspections gained momentum in 2021 when the International Code Council (ICC) endorsed them. Now, they’re transforming industries like pool construction, where timing is critical and delays cost money.
Instead of waiting hours or days for a city inspector to show up, contractors can schedule an exact time. With a smartphone or tablet, they connect live with a licensed inspector, who reviews the work via video and issues results on the spot.
“It’s like replacing the old ‘cable guy window’ with a Zoom call at an exact time,” says Cohen. “You save time, stay productive, and have real proof of what was inspected.”
That proof matters. Every inspection is geotagged and documented with video and still imagery, offering more transparency and liability protection than most traditional inspections. If a code compliance question ever comes up, contractors can point directly to the job-specific footage.
And if something isn’t up to code? Inspectors provide feedback in real time, allowing crews to fix issues immediately and avoid costly rework or delays.
“We’re not here to rubber-stamp anything,” says Cohen. “Our inspections are detailed, thorough, and often tougher than what you’d get from the city. We assume liability for every inspection we pass, so we take it seriously.”
THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
For pool builders, remote virtual inspections aren’t just convenient — they’re a competitive edge. “Some of our builders are finding that jobs that used to take three or four months are now getting wrapped up in as little as a month,” says Cohen. (Overall, Inspected.com found that digital pool inspections cut project time by an average of 40%.)
Without RVIs, teams can sometimes sit idle, losing days to scheduling gaps or bad weather. And for pool projects especially, pushing through weather- sensitive phases without disruption is critical. “You’re not digging a hole and then watching it fill with rainwater while waiting for an inspection,” says Cohen. “Instead, construction sites stay dry and on track.”
As work keeps moving, the gains add up quickly: Contractors finish more pools per year, take on more clients, and cut costs. “When you’re waiting on inspections, you’re floating labor, equipment and materials,” Cohen explains. “Finishing faster lowers those carrying costs and gets you paid sooner.”
There’s also a marketing advantage: faster timelines, fewer hiccups. “Clients are thrilled to get in their pools sooner,” Cohen says. “It makes the whole experience better for everyone.”
A GROWING NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Although Inspected.com started in Florida, its reach is expanding quickly. The company now operates in Tennessee and has partnered with cities like Austin, Texas, to perform required pool safety inspections. At the same time, additional third- party virtual inspection platforms are growing nationwide as more states update regulations to support them.
“Virtual inspections aren’t just the future,” says Cohen. “They’re already here.”
The trend is also being driven by a shortage of qualified inspectors, with fewer people entering the profession. “Virtual inspections let experienced inspectors stay in the field longer to help meet the growing demand fueled by new construction and renovations,” Cohen explains.
There’s also an environmental and safety advantage: fewer inspectors traveling long distances to jobsites means lower emissions and reduced liability for on-site accidents. And virtual inspections are more inclusive, opening doors for people with mobility challenges to further participate in the industry.
PUTTING PLAN INTO ACTION
Inspected.com offers consultations through its website or customer service line. Even if they’re not yet active in your area, Cohen encourages builders to explore other remote virtual inspection options that are.
“Our entire philosophy is about service,” he says. “If we can help pool builders work better, faster, safer — that’s a win for everyone, and for the pool and spa industry as a whole.”
This article first appeared in the July 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
