Installing a swimming pool in your backyard is really exciting…and a little scary. After all, you’re trusting the pool company to take your (hefty) investment and turn it into a pool that is fun and functional—something you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
That’s why choosing a company to build your swimming pool is a big decision. Ultimately, it can make or break your experience with the building process and with the pool itself. So how can you be sure you make the right decision?
After nearly two decades in the landscaping industry, we’ve learned a thing or two about what to look for when it comes to hiring a swimming pool company. Here are a few of our best tips.
Licensed and insured
As with any company you work with on your landscaping, you’ll want to make sure that the company you hire to build your pool is licensed and insured. This is important if you want to hire a professional, legitimate company who will do good work for you (and we’re pretty sure you do). You should also look up the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and ask if they’re affiliated with any credible trade associations.
Substantial experience
Find out how many years the company has been in business, how many pools they’ve installed in that time, and how many pools they installed last year. The more experience they have—especially with projects of a similar size and scope to yours—the better.
Strong references
A good swimming pool company should be able to provide you with specific examples of their work, including strong references from the homeowners they’ve worked with. If the company is hesitant to provide references, or claims they’re unable to, consider it a red flag.
When checking references, ask questions like:
- What work did the company perform for you (options, add-ons, features, etc.)?
- Would you hire the company again?
- What was the best part about working with this company?
- Did you run into any “surprises” along the way (in terms of cost, quality, time, etc.)?
Quality products and warranties
Ask about the specific products that will be used in your project. Ask why those products will be used, and research their pros and cons. The products should also be backed by credible warranties, as should the workmanship on the project. This helps protect you if something goes wrong with your pool a short time after it is built.
Proven process they’re confident in
A truly professional swimming pool company will have a set process that they follow with each project. This should include well-thought out planning, proven installation processes, clearly-defined contracts, transparent explanations of their practices, and so on. A company who can confidently give you the information you ask for, and who can professionally defend their practices, is more likely to have the experience necessary to do a good job on your pool.
Professionalism you can be confident in
Sometimes, nothing beats a gut feeling or first impression. You should feel good about your decision—not like you were talked into it, and certainly not like you were rushed into it. Don’t be afraid to factor in things like professionalism, punctuality, organization, and so on when making your decision.
Red flags to watch out for
Generally speaking, these are some red flags you should watch out for when looking for a swimming pool company:
- Lack of professionalism
- Pushy or rude salesmanship that makes you uncomfortable
- Asking for a large portion of the money upfront
- Not having a physical office
- Few (or no) references, or references only for work done in the distant past
- Inability to provide credentials
- Wanting to start right away (do they not have any current clients?)
Any of these might indicate a serious problem with the company—one that should make you think twice before agreeing to let them build your backyard pool.
Building your swimming pool already costs you time and money; don’t let it cost you your sanity, too! Take your time when looking for a swimming pool company, and use what you’ve learned to find a company that will help you build the pool of your dreams.
