Swimming pool buyer's guide

What you should know during the purchase of a pool

If you're considering adding a swimming pool to your property, there are several important factors to consider before making a decision. From budget and space constraints to maintenance requirements and safety concerns, this buyer's guide will provide all the essential information needed for a successful pool purchase.

Of course, the team behind California Pools will always be happy to assist you throughout the entire process, providing expert advice and top-notch services to ensure your complete satisfaction or even answering your questions during a free consultation. Let's dive in!

The planning stage

Embarking on the journey to create your dream pool is not just about making quick decisions; it’s about thoughtful planning. Before taking any steps forward, it’s crucial to evaluate and decide on the size and style of the pool that aligns with your budget, available space, and timeline expectations.

What’s involved in remodeling my swimming pool?

The difference between a replaster and a remodel is the level of redesign. A replaster is the perfect option if you want to revamp your current pool. This process involves removing and replacing the pool's interior finish, ensuring it looks brand new.
On the other hand, a remodel can involve more extensive changes to your pool's shape and features, including installing new water features, decking, spas, outdoor kitchens, and anything else you could want or dream up.
What options are available to make my pool construction better?
The pool can be designed to fit seamlessly into your existing landscape, match the style and aesthetic of your home, or stand out as a unique statement piece. Plenty of options are available to customize your pool, such as:
- Spa additions
- Waterfall features
- Built-in seating and tables
- Fire pits or fire bowls
- Custom lighting
- Materials and finishes
How do I choose the right design for my swimming pool and backyard?
Gone are the days of cookie-cutter swimming pools and boring backyards. There's a lot to consider, but some of the main factors to consider include:
- Size of backyard
- Line of sight from home
- How the pool will be used
How long does it take to build a swimming pool?
While the length of every backyard living project varies significantly on what features are incorporated inside and outside of the swimming pool, most of the offices at California Pools complete average projects in 8-10 weeks. The process can take closer to 12-16 weeks (3-4 months) for larger projects.
Some contributing factors to the timeline of your pool construction include:
- Additional water features
- Rarity of materials
- Complexity of surrounding landscape
- Additional fire features
- Weather challenges
- Additional structures (i.e., kitchen)

The pre-construction stage

Pre-construction can be a stressful and overwhelming time for pool buyers, but not with California Pools. We keep you informed and involved every step of the way to ensure your complete satisfaction.

What's involved in pre-construction?

In-Home Consultation: An assigned California Pools staff member will visit your home to gather what they need to design the custom outdoor living space that perfectly fits your needs and wants.
Financing: Our financing team will help you secure the best terms available, find payment options that will fit within your budget, qualify, and breeze through the loan process.
Design and Estimate: With the specifications of your backyard space, creative design talent, and innovative 3D technology, we'll create blueprints and visuals to show you just what your backyard space could be for our estimated price.
Contract: Sign an agreement customized to your project with a budget breakdown and projected timeline.
Permits & Inspections: Various permits are required for any swimming pool installation, and additional features usually lead to further inspections. This will all be handled by your assigned team before construction.

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The construction stage

Now comes the exciting part – construction! Our team of expert builders will work diligently and efficiently to turn your dream backyard into a reality. While every project is unique, we follow a trusted process to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction.

What should I expect during construction?
Our team will:
- Excavate and grade your backyard
- Install plumbing, electrical, and other necessary components
- Build the pool shell with custom features
- Install decking, water features, and any additional structures
- Fill the pool with water and adjust the chemicals
You can explore more about our pool construction process in-depth here.
What access is needed to build my pool?

A common misconception is that you can't have a pool if the side yard access is too narrow for a tractor. But that's not the case! We have the expertise to work in tight spaces that many assume a pool won't fit.
While tractor access is ideal, we have alternative solutions when space is limited, such as hand digging. Our experienced team can assess your property and determine the best construction method for your yard.
How do I ensure I get quality work?
The last thing you want is to invest in a swimming pool and end up with subpar construction. To ensure the highest quality of work, make sure to find a pool builder that:
- Is reputable and established
- Has good reviews online or references from friends
- Someone who will treat you with honesty and hold integrity
- Quality workmanship and plenty of proof to show for it
- Communicate openly with your builder throughout the process
How important is a good warranty?

A crucial part of your pool that people often overlook is the warranty. As a pool buyer, finding a pool building company that will still be around to honor your warranty well after the construction process is complete is important. California Pools has been building pools since 1952, so you can trust that we'll be here for any needs throughout the warranty period.

More than a pool.

Have questions about pool buying? We’re here to help

As we conclude this comprehensive guide, we encourage you to reach out to us with any remaining questions or concerns. Remember, we offer free consultations to ensure you're fully equipped to make the best decisions for your custom swimming pool project. Contact us today, and let's start making your dream pool a reality!

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On Time and Within Budget
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Pools Built Since 1952