How to choose the right pool builder

 Purchasing a pool is a big decision and one that warrants some research to ensure you know who will be installing it and handling any maintenance needs. If you have decided to add a pool to your home, there are some important questions to ask as you search for the right builder.

An easy way to get started is to ask friends, family, and neighbors who have a pool about their experience with their builder. Who did they use? How did the process go? 

Combine the company names you hear from friends with some online research for pool companies in your area, and you should have a decent list of builders to evaluate by talking to each company. 

Now that you’ve gotten started with the search process, here are a few questions you will want to ask each company you contact.

Experience

How long have they been in business? How many pools did they install last year? How many pools like yours have they installed? What type of pool would they recommend for you specifically and why? Do they have a list of previous clients you can contact? Do they have any certifications? 

You can also ask about their ongoing education. Builders can attend classes and workshops offered by the suppliers of the equipment and products they use. Spending time learning new information results in a build with valuable knowledge and experience. Formal education in landscaping and architecture can make a difference as well.

Process

What does the whole process look like? How long does it take? Is everything in writing up front? You don’t want any surprises while building your pool, so look for a company with a defined process who will take the time to explain every step to you. 

At Pristine Pools, this is what our process looks like. First, we meet at your home to discuss your preferences and options. We will explain what is and is not in our proposals. Then we create a digital model of your pool and mark where it will be installed on your land.

At Pristine Pools, we go over each and every phase of the construction process. 

Insurance/Warranty

You will want to make sure everyone is protected during the installation process and if anything goes wrong with the pool after installation. Ask about the company’s liability and worker’s comp insurance policies. Also ask about the warranty for the pool shell and all the equipment.

Your builder may offer ongoing maintenance for your pool, so be sure to ask about that if you would rather not take on the responsibility of maintenance yourself. At Pristine Pools, we offer weekly pool service for our clients to keep their pools in top condition.

As you ask these questions of different builders, take notes for each one. The builder with readily available answers should be at the top of the list. If you don’t like an answer or feel like a company is dodging your questions, it’s best to move on and talk with another pool company. It’s a serious investment to add a pool to your home, and you want to be sure the job’s done right.