Hiring A Pool Contractor

A How-To Guide For Hiring The Right Pool Contractor

Finding and hiring the right pool contractor to build your swimming pool will make or break your pool project. Hiring the wrong pool contractor can wind up costing you thousands of dollars extra. You may have heard some horror stories, but trust us that’s nothing compared to some of the nightmare pool installations that we’ve seen over the years.

This informative resource will help homeowners avoid some of the pitfalls that come with hiring a pool contractor. We want to help make sure that your pool project is a success and will offer you some sound advice to insure that this happens.

Find The Right Pool Contractor

Finding a pool contractor shouldn’t be like picking a random card out of a deck of card. A swimming pool is an enormous investment in your home. Why take a chance on hiring a pool contractor without educating yourself on what to look for. We offer some great tips that will help you hire the right pool contractor for the job.

Find out exactly what’s included in your swimming pool contract before you sign it.

Planning Your Pool Project

First things first, educate yourself on how much swimming pools cost in your local area. The price for swimming pool installation varies greatly throughout the country.

A new swimming pool can go anywhere from $22,000 to $100,000 or more in most cases. There are very few places in the country you can have an inground pool installed for less than $25,000.

A pool builder may tell you that the pool costs less than that. In many cases if you factor in the extra costs of permits and an off contract deck it could wind up costing you more.

For high end homes that want a luxury swimming pool, you are looking at $100,000 to open the discussion in most areas of the country. The price tag can go up to $250,000 or more depending on how lavish a backyard you’d like. For the super affluent, celebrity pools and those picture perfect resort style pools can cost up to $1,000,000 or more.

Whether your pool costs $25,000 or $250,000 chancing your construction project to just any contractor is a risk you do not want to take.

Find out what to ask a pool contractor before you hire one to build your swimming pool

Top Hiring Questions To Ask A Pool Contractor

Wondering what to ask a pool builder before you hire one, here are the top questions you need to ask when hiring a pool contractor.

What type of swimming pools do you specialize in building (vinyl, gunite, fiberglass, above ground)?
What were some of the challenges you faced during previous pool construction jobs and how did you handle any complications that came up?
How much does it cost to build a pool with permits and deck?
How long will pool construction take?
Do you subcontract out any construction phases of work?
Will mechanics lien will be put on my home during construction? (this is very common in the industry).
Can you provide me with a list of references of past satisfied customers?
Can you take me on a pool tour of past jobs you’ve completed?
What is and is not included in my contract?
Is your insurance, state license, and bond up to date?

Research reviews, ask the right questions, and you’ll find the perfect contractor.

Best Advice – Do Your Homework

Familiarize yourself with the pool installation process
Make a detailed list of questions to ask a pool contractor
Research reviews from previous customers on Yelp, Angies List, Home Advisor, and of course this website.
Check out a pool contractors Better Business Bureau rating
If your pool contractor subcontracts out various phases of construction, ask for a list of phases that will be handled by outside companies.
Research subcontractor companies as well to find out if they are reputable.
If state licensing is required in your state, make sure that the builders state contractors license is up to date.
Check whether a contractors insurance and bonds are up to date.
Swimming pool contruction involves heavy machinery. Your fence and landscaping could be damaged during construction. Find out what is covered by the builder.

Trying to finish your existing pool build can be hard without a contractor.

Pool Contractors & DIY Projects

Pool contractors typically do not want to finish a DIY project. If you are already attempting to build a pool on your own and need a contractor to help you finish it, you may have a hard time. Typically a contractor will avoid the risk and liability of finishing someone elses work.

That’s not to say that there are not companies that are willing to work on pool tile, or coping, or shoot gunite or tie steel. If you plan to be an owner / builder on your project – make sure the contractor you hire knows this ahead of time.