Top 2 Questions to Ask a Swimming Pool Contractor

 Adding a swimming pool to your home can be incredibly exciting. However, it’s also a major decision that does come with some degree of risk. As such, you’ll want to use care and caution throughout the entire process, and that includes the process of hiring a swimming pool contractor. One easy way to vet potential pool contractors is to ask them two simple but telling questions. 

Question #1: How Long Have You Been in the Pool Business?  

First things first, find out how long the prospective contractor has been in this line of work. Obviously, the more experience the pool company has, the better, but you’re also looking for other things in the company’s answer. To start with, you want a company that’s 100% honest. After they’ve told you about their history, you’ll want to do some research to attempt to verify it. If, in the process, you find that the company added a few years to their experience, then that tells you that they’re not the most honest company around, which isn’t what you want.  

You also want a company that goes above and beyond to answer your question. The best companies won’t just tell you how long they’ve been in business. They’ll also provide references and pictures of past work to back up their claims. A company that takes the reins and goes the extra mile right from the start is likely one that will continue to do so throughout the entire pool construction process.  

Question #2: Why Should I Choose Your Company?  

This question is one that many pool companies aren’t expecting. It often catches them off guard, causing them to give a spur-of-the-moment, honest answer. If anything, it will allow you to see how quickly your pool company “thinks on its feet,” which is good if challenges are encountered with your pool project. It will also show you how much a pool company believes in itself and its abilities.  

Ultimately, there is a lot of competition in the pool building industry, and if a potential company can’t come up with good reasons for why you should choose it over all the rest, then maybe you do need to look elsewhere.  

Communication is key when selecting a swimming pool contractor. By asking the right questions and listening for what the answers really tell you, you can ultimately make the best decision about who to hire.

 

Should You Stick with Your Pool Contractor?

So, you’ve found a great swimming pool contractor. But, now that it’s time to sign your contract, you’re having cold feet.     

Don’t worry. It’s totally normal to be a bit nervous before making this type of major decision. However, if you’ve done your research, then you likely have nothing to worry about, especially if your contractor exhibits these good signs!

They’re Properly Insured

Every good swimming pool contractor should be properly insured. That means having verifiable general liability coverage and worker’s compensation.

If your contractor has these things, you’re protected in the event of an accident or damage during your pool installation. Furthermore, this is a good sign that your contractor truly has their ducks in a row in general.

They’ve Got an Impressive History

If your contractor has shown you work they’ve done in the past, that’s a great sign! It’s even better if you found the work to be impressive and attractive.

Always ask your contractor to see a finished product of a pool that’s at least similar to what you’re going for. If you like what the contractor has done in the past, then there’s a great chance you’ll love what they do for you.

They’re Using Quality Materials

Finally, take a look at the quote your contractor drew up for you. If it’s itemized, then you’re already off to a good start since your contractor isn’t trying to hide anything from you.

As you look through the items being used in your pool construction, are they high quality? Does your contractor use the strongest and best materials . . . even if it means charging you a little more?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then chances are you’re all set for a pool you can be happy with for years to come!

So, how does your contractor stack up? If they meet all these criteria, then you’re probably good to go. If they haven’t quite measured up, however, then you may want to do a little more research and ask a few more questions before you move ahead with your pool project.

How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Contractor

Adding a swimming pool to your property is exciting! However, there’s also a lot of work for you to do, including choosing a swimming pool contractor.

While this all-important step can feel a bit overwhelming, don’t panic. It’s easy if you can follow a few simple tips.

Explore

Start by checking out different pool builders in your area. Look on their websites and look at the work they have done in the past. Take note of who was the contractor involved when you find a specific pool you like.

Making a list of contractors whose work you like will give you a pool (pun intended!) of people you can talk with about possibly working for you. By the time you narrow down pricing you can afford and availability when you need it, your decision should be fairly easy.

Ask

In addition to doing your own research, don’t be afraid to ask others for their input.

If you have friends, family, or neighbors who have recently had a pool installed, ask them who their contractor was and whether or not they’d recommend that person or company.

You might even think about asking for recommendations via social media, which is a great way to reach a large group of people and get their input. While you should still do some of your own research, recommendations can definitely be helpful for choosing the best of the best.

Require

If you find your contractor through a swimming pool company, ensure that the company has at least one CBP Certified Pool Builder working for them. Ideally, the company would even be made up only of CBP Certified pool builders.

This designation ensures that the workers you deal with have undergone a lot of training and testing and still continue their education in an effort to bring you the very best pools that meet the most modern standards.

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing a pool contractor. But, if you can follow these simple tips, you can always select the right one to meet your needs.