Are you dreaming of turning your backyard into a tropical oasis with a custom pool? Not only can a pool improve your home’s value, but it also has many other physical, mental, and lifestyle benefits.
However, if you choose the wrong pool builder, your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare! Not sure how to chooses the best local pool builders? Here are seven of the most important qualities to look for.
1. Experience
Sure, every pool builder has to start somewhere, but when you’re buying a pool for your home, you don’t want to take your chances with an inexperienced company. Instead, look for a pool company with decades of design and installation under their belts.
Don’t be afraid to ask how long a company has been in business and how many pools they’ve installed. Since some styles – like infinity pools – require special installation expertise, make sure to also ask how much experience the company has with the specific style you’re looking for.
2. Reputation
It’s always a great idea to ask for personal referrals and recommendations. If you have friends or family members who recently built custom pools, ask them who they used and whether they were pleased with the experience.
You’ll also want to check out the company’s reviews and ratings. Choosing a company with a stellar reputation increases the chances that you’ll be happy with your final results as well as the entire experience.
If a company is a member of professional organizations and it has received rewards and recognitions, this is another good sign that they do high-quality work that you can trust. Ideally, you’ll want to find a pool company that has received local, regional, and national recognition.
3. Licensing and Insurance
Before you hire a pool builder, you’ll want to make sure they’re certified, licensed, and insured. It’s also important to inquire about the licensing and insurance of any sub-contractors they use for electrical work, plumbing, and other services.
Remember that pool contractors use heavy equipment to dig a big hole right next to your home. If something goes wrong, you want to make sure they have insurance to cover personal injury and property damage. They also need worker’s compensation coverage in case a worker is injured on your property.
It’s important not to simply take the pool builder’s word for it. Request proof of insurance coverage before you sign a contract or make any payments.
4. Transparency
Any pool builder you’re building should be willing to put everything in writing. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Itemized cost for the pool and any custom features you’re adding (ex. grotto, diving board, infinity edge)
- Details regarding excavating work they’ll perform, including any potential price adjustments if they uncover issues once the digging begins
- Site preparation details (ex. any landscaping or fencing that will need to be removed)
- The cost of any required fencing installation
The company should also be willing to give you the contract ahead of time so you have plenty of time to review it and ask questions before you sign.
5. Price
Price should never be the only factor you consider. However, you can’t ignore it completely.
It’s always a good idea to get a few estimates. This will help ensure you get a fair price. Remember, though that there’s an art to comparing quotes.
If you notice a major difference in price from one company’s estimate to the next, always ask the company to explain. If one quote includes higher-quality materials, a better warranty, or other features, the extra cost may be worth it.
6. Communication
Designing a custom pool requires clear communication. While it might sound good to have a designer take your idea and run with it, you really want to stay informed throughout the process. Make sure they’re willing to keep you in the loop from the initial conception to the finishing touches.
Otherwise, if you find that you don’t like the final design, you’ll have to backtrack – which will cost you valuable time and could result in extra charges. A great pool company will also use cutting-edge technology to provide you with detailed 3D renderings so you can clearly see exactly what the finished product will look like.
7. Warranty
Last, but certainly not least, you want to hire a pool company that is willing to stand behind their work. If your pool develops a leak or has other problems, you want to know you can call the pool installer to fix it – no questions asked.
Remember that it’s often at least one to two years before a problem with a new pool develops. If the pool company you’re considering doesn’t offer a warranty that covers at least this time period, this is a red flag.
When all other things are equal, always choose the pool company that offers the best warranty. Not only will this give you peace of mind for longer, but it’s also a good indication that the company is confident with the work they do.
It’s also a good idea to ask how the company handles pool repair requests. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a company that has a dedicated customer service department to handle any issues. This will keep you from getting the runaround if you run into a problem in the future.
California Pools: Your Trusted Local Pool Builders
If you’re looking for local pool builders you can trust, look no further than California Pools. We’ve been building incredible backyard pools for homeowners since 1952. We’ll keep you informed during every step of your pool design and installation process and make sure you’re 100% satisfied!
Find the location nearest you, then contact us to discuss your goals and get a quote. We look forward to turning your backyard into a slice of paradise!
