Step 3:

How to Find the Best Pool Builder?

Your next step in the process is to find the find pool contractor to build your pool. In order to find the right pool builder, you should create a list of candidates, qualify the selected pool builders, and consult with the builders on estimates.

Create a List of Candidates

Creating a list of builders is an important first step because the quality of your pool will be determined by the quality of the pool contractor. It’s important that you take the time to find the contractor who will work within your budget and build a quality pool.

You should make a list of multiple potential candidates that you can then research to find the best one. You can use our builder locator to find reputable builders in your area.

Search Local Contractor Websites

Websites like ours provide a listing of suggested builders in your area that have an established relationship in the pool industry. It’s a great place to start building your list of potential builders.

Ask Your Family and Friends

Do any of your family members or close friends have a pool like the one you want? Talk with them about how their planning and construction went and ask them if they would suggest their pool builder. They likely have great advice about choosing a builder and general pool ownership advice.

Qualify the Builder

After you’ve compiled your list of reputable builders, you will want to do in-depth research and qualify each candidate. This is a critical step because you can get a feel for the customer service a builder will provide through your construction process. You can also rule-out inexperienced pool builders.

Look Up Reviews

A good first step is to check the reviews for a pool builder online. Ideally a builder will have a high rating across many different reviews. Be sure to read the specific details of what other customers liked and didn’t like about the builder. Something that’s an issue for someone else may not be an issue for you.

Look at Print and Online Resources

A builder likely has valuable information online or in their office that will help you understand the pool building process (or you can just use ours)! You can usually find the builder’s mission statement, specialization, pool recommendations, and a gallery of completed pools on their website. This can give you an idea of their level of professionalism and broaden the pool options available to you.

Visit the Office or Call

If you like the look of a builder’s website, go ahead and give them a call or visit them in person. Prepare a few simple questions to ask them about how to build a pool. This will give you a more realistic idea of what working with them would be like. Be sure to call a few pool professionals and compare their answers. Visiting their office can give you more insight into how the company operates and they might have useful reference material you can’t find online.

Check for Certifications, Insurance, Contractor’s License, B.B.B.

It’s important that a pool builder has the proper contractor’s license, certification, and insurance to be building pools. You can check with the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), formerly known as the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), to learn about the certifications that pool builders can get. You’ll also want to ask about their liability and property damage insurance. You need to ensure that they have sufficient coverage to ensure any damage inadvertently done to your property. Finally, you can check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they are accredited.

Ask For References

When looking for a pool contractor, it’s a good idea to speak with people who hired them to build their pool. Ask the contractor for a list of recent customers and then call each one of them. Ask them the following questions:

• Did the contractor go over budget?
• Did the contractor meet the timeline?
• Was the contractor professional and easy to work with?
• Did the contractor keep their promises and live up to the contract?
• Would you hire the contractor to build your next pool?

Get Estimates

Take Your Time

So now you have a short-list of builders that you would feel comfortable working with. It’s time to start getting estimates on the project for all of the excavation, building materials, pool features and accessories, and construction times. Don’t rush it! Outline the project thoroughly so you can compare the estimated cost and time to build.

Get Estimates

Getting your pool estimate is a critical part of the process because budget is such an important factor in the type of pool and the type of builder you choose going forward. Pay attention to the details such as the type of pumps, filters, surface, and building materials so you can see where your money is going. Make sure your pool builder isn’t factoring in something you don’t need or leaving something out. Different types of pools have different lifespans and certain pool equipment, such as variable speed pool pumps that can save you lots of money over time.

Go With Your Gut

When all is said and done, you should go with your gut. If you feel like an estimate is too good to be true, you might want to ask the builder why they are more affordable. You could also ask that they show you an example of pool like the one you’ve chosen just to make sure it translates correctly from paper to the real-world.

Finally, it’s time to read the contract. Take your time to read it thoroughly and ask any questions you have. Once all of your questions are satisfied, sign the contract so the pool building process can begin! Confirm the construction timeline and mark your calendar. You’re on your way to a personal oasis!