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Investing in a swimming pool is a pretty big decision and a well-maintained pool could last a long time. Before deciding on what type of pool and where to place it, research contractors first to make certain you are not left high and dry with a poor install or quality.
Talk to friends and family
Talk to anyone who has recently had a pool installed or worked with a pool company for refinishing. Read social media posts where friends are in search of recommendations for product and service providers. Find out why each pool company comes so highly recommended, and see if other customers had the same experience your friend or family member did.
Search BBB for pool contractors
BBB Accredited Businesses must, at the very minimum, have been in business for six months, show sound business practices and meet high standards for advertising, customer service, privacy protection and more. The BBB Accredited Business Seal identifies businesses who advertise honestly and deliver on their promises.
Go to the directory of pool contractors, and search a list of contractors in the area. Businesses don’t have to be accredited to be on the list, but for the ones that are, look for the BBB Accredited Business seal. Many businesses also display a letter grade rating. There is an option to show only BBB Accredited pool contractors, to rule out contractors with low ratings and to search within a certain distance.
If a business is listed, their contact information is on their profile page, so you can follow up with the business directly. Accredited pool contractors also have a button that allows you to quickly request a quote.
Check the years in business
You probably don’t have to look hard to find a neighbor who feels like their pool contractor ripped them off. Someone gave them an estimate, took a big chunk of money and left them with a hole in their backyard and their pocket. Successful pool construction takes more than just equipment. Pool companies that seem to start with a bang sometimes go out of business just as fast. Choose a pool contractor that has been in business for at least a few years, with a solid reputation and a list of local references. Don’t be lured in by the fast talker who says he did big business in another state, now he’s offering super low prices to get started here.
Compare costs
Talk to at least three different pool contractors to get a good feel for what’s available. If a pool contractor is too busy to call you back within a reasonable amount of time, that could signal the potential for communication problems later. Look for a pool contractor that communicates well and asks questions to understand your goals and budget.
Everything you add to your pool impacts the cost. Try to get a quote for a similar pool every time. If one contractor quotes you a price for one regular white pool light and a plain-Jane pool with steps, that price won’t compare to the same sized pool with a spa, tanning ledge, three color-changing LED lights and a water feature.
Ask pool contractors to provide quotes in writing including a breakdown of what that price includes. If a contractor won’t supply their bid in writing, find someone who will. Then place all three documents side by side to compare them. Don’t just look at the total. Research the type of equipment they’re installing for the filtration system, the quality of plaster, and what the warranty covers.
Check organizational memberships, certifications and licensing
Licensing requirements for pool contractors vary on location. Check with local and state ordinances to see what’s required in yours. If contractors skirt regulations in this area, that’s a red flag they’ll cut corners in other ways that will cost more in the long run.
Even if licensing isn’t required for your pool contractor, if they use subcontractors for plumbing and electrical work, evaluate the contractor's licensing status. You can also check industry trade associations, organizational memberships (like BBB accreditation) and certifications.
Verify insurance
Pool contractors will use heavy equipment to dig a very big hole near your home. Even if he or she has decades of experience, things can go wrong. A reputable pool company should carry personal and property damage liability insurance along with worker’s compensation insurance, in case an employee gets hurt while working on your property.
Don’t just ask whether or not your pool contractor has coverage. Request verification before signing a contract or making a payment.
Understand the payment schedule
Most pool companies ask you to pay for your pool in payment installments. You might provide an initial deposit before work gets started, then additional payments when work reaches certain agreed-upon milestones. Your draw schedule might look something like this:
- Initial payment for layout/dig/reinforcement
- Gunite, shotcrete or fiberglass
- Plumbing installation
- Tile, plaster and equipment installation
- Final payment
Each pool company might structure draws on a slightly different schedule, but you should never pay a large percentage of the total up front. Pay either by a check made out to the name of the business or using your credit card. If the contractor is unable to deliver on the contract’s terms, your credit card company can support you in pursuing reimbursement.
Check background and criminal history
Pool contractors, their employees and subcontractors are expected to spend a lot of time on your property. That gives them access to your home and your family. Find out how the contractor you’re considering checks out the people they use. They should have a system for criminal history and background checks.
Ask how you’ll know who is authorized to do work and who isn’t. Find out what uniforms, nametags and business vehicles you should allow on your property so you can be on the lookout for any you shouldn’t.
Call references
If you started with the BBB website, you may have already had the chance to read reviews from verified customers. It’s also a good idea to ask the pool contractor for a list of recent references.
Then, call them and ask about their experience. You’ll either find you’re making a great investment in summer enjoyment or about to sink money into the wrong company. Ask if they completed pool within the agreed-upon time frame. Did the company do quality work?
Ask for all details in writing
Once you choose a pool contractor, ask them to include everything you’ve agreed upon into your contract. Here’s a list of items they’ll need to include:
- What dirt or excavating work is included in your bid, what else might come up, and how your price will be adjusted if the contractor discovers issues once they start to dig.
- How they’ll prepare the site without damaging existing property. What landscaping will they remove? How will they access the pool site? If they take down fencing or move flower beds, will they also put them back?
- What equipment they will use, how it could impact your property and what they’ll do to remedy any damage. They should also include information on what happens if their equipment malfunctions and the timeline needs alteration.
- If the location requires a fence to be installed around the pool, find out whether or not that is part of the bid.
- The itemized cost for the pool, plus additional features like an infinity edge, grotto cave, pool cover or diving board.
- What grading and landscaping the contractor will perform once the pool is complete.
- Warranty coverage upon completion.
- What maintenance and repair costs you are responsible for covering.
Watch out for scams
Many installations, supply chain shortages, and purchases of pools of 2020 were delayed until this year. Scammers are eager to take advantage of the increased demand and delays. Avoid scams by looking out for the following:
- Beware of prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers will often lure people with prices they don’t want to pass up, only to find out there wasn't a pool to be had. Or, if there is a pool available, the one received might not be what you expected or of lesser quality.
- Confirm the company’s physical address. Some scammers use a fake address, or not list an address at all. If it's not possible to confirm the company’s physical address, it could be a scam.
- Pay with a credit card or another secure payment method. It’s possible that all the tips are followed and people still fall victim to a scam. Using a credit card or another form of secure payment will allow the ability to dispute the charges.
Use the above list as a starting point, but ask your own questions as they come up. Understand every aspect of the transaction to be sure you’re getting the full value for your dollars. The difference is, you can’t trade in a swimming pool if you decide you aren’t happy with what you received.
Read BBB's Tips for Buying a Pool Online. Find a pool contractor near you.
BBB serving Central East Texas contributed to this article.