A Pool Contract: Get it in Writing

Adding a pool to your property is exciting. Often, in fact, people get so caught up in the excitement that they fail to take care of the more practical matters the way they should.  

However, things like ensuring your pool contract is a fair one are extremely important when putting in a pool. After all, as fun as it may be, it’s still a major investment.

Thus, always look before you leap when it comes to pool contracts. Ensure you fully understand the contract you are signing and that at least a few key things are set in stone and backed up by written documents.

Any Warranties

To begin with, any warranties related to your pool need to be in writing.

This often includes a shell warranty from the pool manufacturer and a workmanship warranty from the pool contractor.

Make sure that each warranty clearly details what it covers and that you’re protected in as many ways as possible. Also, read carefully to know who to go to with which problems should they arise.

As long as your warranties sound fair and are included in your contract, you should be okay to sign on the dotted line. Remember, though, a promise isn’t really a promise- at least not one you can fight to get fulfilled- unless it’s in writing!

Permit Information

Your pool contract should also include information about what permits are needed and whose responsibility it is to acquire those permits.

How permits are handled will vary from one contractor to another. The important thing, though, is that everyone is on the same page and aware of what’s happening in regards to permits.

Also, if someone fails to fulfill their end of the bargain, it will be clear who was at fault and dropped the ball on one or more permits. Since this type of oversight could lead to fines, fees, and a delayed project, it’s wise to know who is responsible.

A Full Pricing Quote

Finally, ensure that a full and detailed pricing quote is included in the pool contract.

Ideally, this quote should also include any possible expenses that may be incurred. If, for example, there’s the possibility that a retaining wall may be needed, but the contractor can’t tell for sure until after the pool is put in, have a contingency plan drawn up that includes price quotes.

The more detailed and thorough the quote and the more “just in case” scenarios it includes, the better!

As you can see, many details have to go into your pool contract. And, honestly, the more things you can get in writing, the better! After all, the whole point of a contract is to protect both parties and to clearly state the agreement you are entering into. Any good contractor will have no problem with drawing up a contract that benefits and protects both of you. Just make sure you read through it carefully and, when possible, have it looked over by a lawyer. That will keep everyone in the clear!