10 Things You Need to Know When Choosing a Pool Builder
Before you get a pool built in your backyard, it is important to know that your pool builder is of the highest quality.
Since Texas has no licensing or other certification requirements for swimming pool contractors, many are in it just for the money. We recommend that you carefully choose a pool builder with whom you can have a positive lasting relationship.
1. How long has your builder been "building pools" and how many pools
has he or she built?
Some builders have been in the pool business for years but have little pool construction experience. Some have been "in business" for years in other forms of business, but only recently decided to build pools. Choose a swimming pool builder who has been in business at least five years with a minimum of twenty years of pool building experience. You don’t want just a huge hole in your backyard!
2. What kind of insurance does your pool builder have?
Choose a pool builder who has at least one million dollars of public liability and property damage insurance. It just so happens that Venture Custom Pools has two million dollars of insurance!
3. When choosing a swimming pool design look at four factors:
- Aesthetics - Make certain your builder designs a pool that fits your taste and personality, and has the look and feel you want, whether it is a casual setting or formal.
- Budget - Venture Custom Pools has swimming pools to fit all budgets. Do not let anyone talk you into over-building or under-building your property.
- Safety - Choose a builder that meets all the codes to construct a safe and enjoyable swimming pool.
- Function - Choose a builder that designs a pool to meet all your functional requirements. Whether it be a party pool, diving pool, or lap pool, make sure that your pool serves your purpose.
4. Price
When shopping for a swimming pool, remember that this is major construction. Make apples to apples comparisons. Value should be considered as important as price. Don’t be fooled by builders who give you less product and quality for a lower price. There is no value there and you may be building a headache in your backyard.
5. Collaboration
When designing your pool, share your thoughts with the designer until you absolutely love it. Do not settle for something less than perfect.
6. Does your builder provide service and repairs?
Look for a swimming pool builder with a full warranty to service your every need after your pool has been constructed. Builders that provide service will usually enter into pool construction with a different attitude than those that don’t. Service-oriented builders will think of your pool as the beginning of a long-term relationship and be concerned about your satisfaction. At Venture Custom Pools, we pride ourselves on having more solutions than problems.
7. Amount of Work a Pool Company Does
It is best to choose a pool builder that builds a minimum of one hundred swimming pools a year. This insures you that they have the experience and means to build your dream pool.
8. Does your builder have a good record with the Better Business Bureau?
We recommend that you check the local BBB. If the builder has a pending issue, this alone should not disqualify them. Customers occasionally mistreat their contractors. This can find its way into a BBB report. But, if there is an issue, read the report and ask your builder what happened. The report can yield more tips on how to deal with pool builders. Be cautious of builders with a history of complaints, even resolved complaints. Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau is not a simple process and is often the last straw for a homeowner.
9. Check the Finances of the Pool Company
Only call swimming pool companies who are financially solid. Ask questions before you set up your appointment. Do they own or rent the building in which their office is located? Owning the building means they are in it for the long haul and are financially stable. How long have they been in business? Have they built pools in your city?
10. Know What You Want
Get everything you want on your new pool. Building a swimming pool is a major decision and you are better off waiting then settling for less than you wanted.