Choosing an In-ground Swimming Pool Company
An in-ground swimming pool is one of the most exciting additions you can make to your home. Besides the big boost to your home value, there’s the obvious benefit of getting to have fun in the sun in your own backyard. With that said, building an in-ground pool is a significant investment, and you want to know the company you’ve chosen is cut out for the job.
Here are 10 things you should look for in a swimming pool company before taking the plunge:
- They should be licensed and insured.
- They need proper experience.
- Strong references are key.
- They need to have quality products and good warranties.
- They should provide a timeline, plan, and more.
- They need to be transparent.
- They should have a proven process.
- You shouldn’t have to pay everything upfront.
- Professionalism is key.
- The first impression must be excellent.
Before building the in-ground pool of your dreams, learn the ins and outs of choosing the right company!
They Should Be Licensed and Insured
You’d make sure that your landscaper or house painter was licensed and insured, and you should do the same with the company you hire to build your in-ground pool. One important thing to look for is whether the company has a Certified Pool Builder (CPB) on staff.
You should also look into their BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating and check to see if they’re a member of a trade association. The right company will be more than happy to provide you with this information up front.
They Need Proper Experience
How long has this pool company been in business? How many pools have they installed since then? How many pools did they install last year? How many CPBs do they have, and how experienced are their builders?
All of these questions will clue you in immediately as to whether or not a company has what it takes to get the job done right. It’s especially important to find out how much experience they have completing projects that are similar to yours in scope and style.
Strong References Are Key
A good pool company should be forthcoming with references, both for projects like yours as well as all other projects they’ve done. If a company doesn’t want to provide references or claims they don’t have any, that’s a big red flag.
Once you’ve got a reference’s contact information, ask what kind of work the company did for them, what the best part of working with the company was, and any negative aspects of the process (if there were any). It’s also a good idea to ask if there were any unexpected expenses or changes in the timeline. Last (and most importantly), would they work with this company again on a future project?
They Need to Have Quality Products and Good Warranties
It’s important to know that the products the company will use to install your pool are of the highest quality and come with a credible warranty. An experienced swimming pool company will give you a complete list of products used, the reasons for using them, and any warranties that come with those products.
From there, you should thoroughly research the products and study their pros and cons. This will help keep you informed and prepared should the worst-case scenario occur and something goes wrong after installation is complete.
They Should Provide a Timeline, Plan, and More
As HGTV notes, the total cost for installing a pool can vary quite dramatically. It’s for that reason that the company you choose should be clear about all costs right away. Look over the entire contract before signing and check that it lists a description of all the necessary materials, warranty details, a timeline for completion, and a payment schedule. Make sure you know about available payment arrangements so you’re not caught off guard down the line.
They Need to Be Transparent
Installing a pool isn’t just labor-intensive, it’s also quite time-consuming. Given that the swimming pool company’s employees will be on your property for some time, you want to know that this company has a good vetting process. Do they conduct background checks on all of their employees? Will they be wearing name tags and/or uniforms that will make them easily identified? Will they only use company vehicles while on the job? All of these are great questions to ask before you decide on a pool company.
They Should Have a Proven Process
While every project is different and comes with unique challenges, a professional company will have a general procedure to follow for each project. They should be able to talk to you about their planning process, the steps involved in the installation, and the complete layout of their contracts. They should also be able to explain every step succinctly and give you a reason for everything they’re doing.
You Shouldn’t Have To Pay Everything Upfront
As Better Homes & Gardens points out, it’s not at all typical for homeowners to pay the entire amount of their pool installation costs upfront. If the contractor you’re talking to asks for everything upfront, consider that a major red flag.
In general, you shouldn’t have to pay more than ⅓ of the total cost at a time, and even that amount is a bit high. A reputable swimming pool company should have no problem splitting up the total cost and arranging a realistic and fair payment plan for you.
Professionalism Is Key
Organization, punctuality, and professionalism are all critical attributes for any good swimming pool company. If the contractor isn’t able to make time for you when you ask for additional information before hiring them, look elsewhere.
Worse, if a sales associate is rude or dismissive, that attitude and approach will likely extend to the installation process as well. Along with references supplied by the company, look online for reviews, both good and bad. Try to get a sense of what this company is like from those who have already worked with them before.
The First Impression Must Be Excellent
Trust your gut. Does the company seem genuine, or do you get the feeling they’re putting on a show to get you to quickly sign a contract? If you can, visit their shop and observe how they interact with other customers and potential clients.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for any red flags. This could include things like a suspiciously low estimate, insisting that you finance with them or one of their lenders, and using sales tactics based on fear and pressure.
Conclusion
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right in-ground swimming pool company, but that doesn’t mean the process has to be hard. By following these 10 tips and trusting your gut, you’ll be well on your way to having the pool of your dreams!
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