Questions to Ask When Hiring a Pool Construction Company

Once you decide that you want a new swimming pool, the next thing to do is find a reputable and knowledgeable contractor to do the work. But if you’ve never hired a pool construction company before, you may wonder where to start when vetting your swimming pool builder. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll cover some of the most important questions you should ask when hiring a pool construction company.

Main Takeaways

• You should ask questions about the company, including whether they have the appropriate licenses and insurance, how many years they’ve been in business, and don’t be afraid to ask for references and reviews.
• You should also have an idea of how they work by asking questions regarding their workmanship warranty, design and planning process, and installation process.
• Finally, you also want to know you have the right information regarding the pricing and contract.

Appropriate Licenses and Insurance

When you begin the pool planning process, the first thing you need to know about your pool builder is whether they have the proper licenses and insurance. All companies who build swimming pools must carry a current, valid license to work as a swimming pool contractor in their specific classification. Some general building contractors can also work on pools if they hold a swimming pool specialty classification.

Any landscapers or plumbers that work on your pool should also have the appropriate license classification.

Don’t just trust their word that they have appropriate insurance, either. Make sure you verify the insurance and license before signing any contract or handing over any cash.

At the very least, swimming pool contractors should have General Liability Insurance. Other policies that they may have include:

• Pollution insurance
• Commercial vehicle liability insurance
• Umbrella insurance
• Workers compensation insurance

Also, ask if they can help you with appropriate pool permits.

Years They Have Been in Business

I also recommend asking your builder how many years they have been in business. It’s worth mentioning that a good percentage of contractors fail within their first three years of business. So it’s best to look for swimming pool builders who have been in business for three years or more.

Customer References and Reviews

Don’t be afraid to ask about customer reviews. I recommend you call at least ten references to get a good idea of customer satisfaction. When you talk to other customers, be sure to ask them about the best and worst parts of their experience. I also suggest that you ask the references if they would use that contractor again.

You should ask the builder how many pools they have installed overall. Then find out how many pools they have built in the past year. Remember those numbers when they give you their references. Be cautious of any contractor that provides less than 50 percent of their reviews.

Products That the Pool Builder Uses

Ask your contractor for a list of the products they intend to use. Then look at some reviews for those products. Just like you want to choose a builder with positive customer feedback, you want products that get good reviews too.

Another thing you can do is to ask when you call the references about products. Do they recommend the products that were used in their pools?

You should also look for products that come with warranties.

Do They Have a Workmanship Warranty?

Look for contractors who offer a workmanship warranty. This is important because many problems can arise during your pool construction. A workmanship warranty would cover issues like structural problems and plumbing leaks. At a minimum, you want a workmanship warranty of one year.

Beyond determining the warranty duration, it’s also important to find out what the warranty covers. And ask about repairs too. Does the warranty cover the costs of repairs? For more, read my complete guide on pool warranties.

Design and Planning Process Questions

The design and planning process is vital, and you want to be a part of that. Your swimming pool builder should give you a detailed plan before construction begins. Some of the questions you want to be answered in the planning phase include the following:

• Where will the pool go?
• What type of pool do you want?
• Where will the filtration system go?
• What is your fence layout?
• How will the pool work with your patio?
• Do you have an access lane for construction?
• How will you pay for it?

Installation Process Questions

Next, you need to find out about the installation process. Ask your builder if they have any unique construction or installation policies that make them stand out. And ask them for details about the construction, including excavation. You need to know what the process will be regarding the dimensions of the pool, elevations, and the layout of the pool, deck, and pool enclosure.

Pricing and Contract Questions

Finally, you want to get details in the contract about the exact pricing. I would say that the most important things you need in your agreement include the following:

• Service description
• Required materials
• Project deadline
• Weather delays
• Payment terms
• Use of equipment
• Details about responsibilities

One thing worth noting is that some swimming pool contractors try to make their price seem lower than what it will ultimately be by not including everything in their initial quote. Be sure to ask for a complete quote, including all the throw-ins, like patio and fence work.

Hopefully, I’ve helped you find answers to some of your questions about vetting a swimming pool builder. Now that you know some things to look for, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right contractor. Good luck in your search, and don’t hesitate to shoot me a note if you have any questions.