How to Evaluate a Swimming Pool Contractor
A well-built swimming pool can enhance your life and enjoyment of your property for years (or even decades!) to come—but there’s no denying that building a pool is a major investment. Therefore, choosing an experienced, reputable pool contractor is essential to helping you maximize the return on investment of the new addition to your property.
Due to various pandemic-related factors over the past year, pools are currently in demand like never before. Therefore, it’s particularly important to be wary of contractors that overpromise in terms of when they may be able to complete a pool construction project. For example, if you talk to a contractor now who promises that they can have your pool built by June, please be suspicious. While new pool construction firms may be able to begin work immediately, it’s unlikely that any subcontractors they rely upon will be available due to the incredible demand for home construction. In other words, now is a time to remember the old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
At Aqua Pool & Patio, we have proudly cultivated a stellar reputation among both our customers and peers in the industry over our 50-plus years of continuous operations. We recommend paying attention to the following attributes as you evaluate swimming pool contractors:
- Number of years in business. As a general rule, companies that perform subpar work or consistently fail to deliver on promises do not stay in business for very long. On the contrary, those that have managed to stay around for several years are generally backed by a positive reputation and fair business practices. At Aqua Pool, we are proud to say that no other local pool companies can rival our five-decade history.
- Licensing and insurance. Pool contractors must be licensed by the state, and not just an HIC#, but also a “Pool Builder’s License (SPB). Plus, different cities may impose additional requirements. Therefore, it’s important to check the regulations in your area and ensure that any contractor you are considering is in compliance. You’ll also want to ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance in order to protect yourself in the event that your property is damaged or a worker is injured during the pool construction process.
- Customer testimonials. One of the best ways to evaluate a pool contractor is to speak with previous customers about their experiences. A reputable company should be able to provide customer testimonials, as well as references you can contact.
- Industry reputation. While previous customers tend to provide the most honest insight into a company’s reputability, it’s also valuable to consider how the company is regarded within the pool industry. For example, research whether the company belongs to any trade organizations or has received awards from industry publications or associations. At Aqua Pool, we are proud to have earned numerous awards and designations over the years, including nine consecutive years on Pool and Spa News’ list of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S.
If you are thinking about building a new pool on your property, beginning the research process early is the key to getting the pool of your dreams within a reasonable timeframe. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the design and construction process, contact us today for a free consultation!
