A guide to help you hire a swimming pool contractor
Considerations when selecting a contractor
A lot happens before you sign on the dotted line. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide with tips for getting from here to a signed contract. Our guide includes tips for evaluating your contractor before during, and after your consultation; what to keep an eye out for in your contract, including easily overlooked items like after care; how to gauge the price you’re quoted; and some basic information on permits, codes, and zoning.
A lot of the information in this article is summarized in our companion checklist (here’s the PDF) to keep all the information organized.
Look into requisite permits, codes, and zoning
We know this sounds like a strange place to start, but we’ve spoken to plenty of homeowners who are all set to build their pool only to find out that zoning laws or codes prevent them from installing one. So, before you invest much time in planning your backyard renovation, find out what your municipality requires for a permit and if any zoning laws might avert your ability to build. This initial inquiry can also help you discover any specific zoning requirements that might incur additional expenses for your project. Suppose there aren’t any regulations standing in your way when it’s time to build your pool. In that case, your contractor should know the required permits, current building codes, and zoning laws pertinent to your neighborhood, community, and municipality and easily submit all necessary paperwork.
Online reviews are a great tool, but you’ll want to do more research
Online recommendations can offer much information about a contractor’s qualifications but should not be used as a stand-in for checking a contractor's credentials. Before you hire any contractor, take the time to verify their license, insurance, certifications, etc.
Contractors without proper liability insurance expose homeowners to financial risk. Homeowners could be held liable if an accident or injury occurs on their property and the contractor does not have proper coverage. It’s even better if the contractor you work with is bonded. When a contractor is bonded, it means they have purchased a surety bond (from a bonding company) that guarantees the contractor will fulfill their obligations according to the terms of their contract. If the company fails to meet its obligations, the bonding company will cover the costs up to the amount the contractor is covered. This means that when a contractor is bonded, you, as a homeowner, have some protection to recover financial damages to complete or repair the contractor’s work. As a homeowner, you can request proof of insurance.
Licensing criteria vary from state to state. It’s essential to research the type(s) of license that may be required in your state and municipality. For example, even if you hire a contractor with a state license, additional local licensing requirements may exist. A contractor’s license should be verifiable using online databases or contacting the relevant state or local licensing agencies. Another safeguard is to find out about your local building requirements, such as building codes and standards so that any work completed does not result in non-compliance. For example, hiring an unlicensed or improperly licensed contractor could result in non-compliance, depending on local regulations.
Although online reviews aren’t a substitute for confirming a contractor’s credentials, they should play a significant role in your search for a potential contractor to hire. Online reviews can give you a broad sense of a contractor’s reputation and can effectively narrow down who you want to contact for an estimate. Reputable platforms are essential. Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are just a few to help you get started.
In addition to online reviews, ask contractors you are seriously considering for at least three recent references to contact. Ask to speak to people who have worked with them recently, preferably within the last three years. Be sure to use this as an opportunity to learn about the quality of their workmanship, if they kept to their timeline, and if they stayed within budget.
Some other qualities you want to seek out include their level of experience building or remodeling the type of pool you want to install or renovate. Portfolios of their work can help you evaluate the types of projects they have completed. You can also ask them how often they build or remodel projects similar to the one you want them to work on.
Cast a wide net
When you are in the process of selecting a contractor to give you an estimate, At this point in the process, it is not a bad idea to cast a wide net. We recommend that you obtain at least three estimates. The more estimates you acquire, the more opportunities you have to meet potential contractors while gathering information about their various discrepancies, including their appraised costs, and how creatively they interpreted your vision with their designs.
This is an opportunity to interview several contractors.
Look for clear and responsive communication
You will have a few opportunities to communicate with a contractor before meeting them for the estimate. If you have questions, you will speak with them after you receive the estimate. For example, before you meet, you will probably have some preliminary questions, and you will also have to set up a convenient time for the contractor to come out and measure and talk with you about your project. You can figure out if you want to schedule the measurement and the design discussion simultaneously. You can tell a lot from your initial interactions with the contractor. Are they professional? Do they reply to your inquiries in a timely, courteous manner? Do they communicate clearly and answer your questions to your satisfaction? Are they listening to what you want or trying to steer you in a different direction, possibly convincing you of something they would prefer to do?
While these encounters may be brief, they will allow you to evaluate a contractor’s communication style, professionalism, and responsiveness to your questions or concerns. You want to work with someone you feel comfortable talking with and if you don’t feel confident about this in the beginning, when a contractor is vying for your project, it is uncertain if anything will change much if they have the job. Even when a contractor is highly rated, if they are slow to respond or do not communicate clearly, this could be a red flag for delays and future misunderstandings.
Some questions to consider when reviewing a contractor’s design and estimate
When you get your estimate and design, you can evaluate how closely they listened to your ideas and what you did and didn’t want to include in your backyard renovation. The proposal should allow you to ask questions and drill down into the specifics of your project. If your estimate is vague, request clarification on whatever items you want to know more about.
Is the scope of the project clear?
Does the project make sense within the given timeframe?
Are your ideas reflected in the design? Did the contractor incorporate your input, including any questions or concerns you raised?
Does the design blend with preexisting landscaping and other remaining structures after your pool installation?
Is the design functional? Does it reflect how you plan to use your pool?
If desired, does the design include projects you can tackle in stages?
If desired, does the design include any customized touches that will make your pool unique to you?
If you discussed your budget with the contractor, does the estimate respect your budget?
Five common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a contractor:
To be overly swayed by the least expensive estimate
It’s tempting to just go with the lowest bid. While in some cases, that is the absolute best option, evaluating each estimate you receive is worth your time. For example, if the bid is very low compared to your other proposals, it might indicate subpar materials or shoddy work. On the opposite side of the coin, do not assume that workmanship and materials are of higher quality just because the estimated cost is high.
When comparing estimates, make sure to compare materials, scope of work cited, timeline, reputation, the contractor’s experience, and your interactions with the contractor to get a complete picture of the project each contractor is bidding on. Make sure when you compare projects, you are comparing apples to apples. Look at the type of pool built, type of materials used, type (brand) of equipment installed, etc., to gain a clear picture. Even if your initial cost is less than some of the pricier estimates, if you have to repair or correct work already done, your overall savings is questionable.
FOMO (fear of missing out)
If you feel pressured by the sales representative to make a quick decision, resist the temptation. Take the time to consider all of your estimates carefully. Sales tactics that emphasize one-time deals, fear of missing a spot, or limited-time offers are designed to influence you into making a quick purchase. If you feel too much pressure, this may be a red flag. In some cases, you get lucky, and the contractor you want to hire is also offering a good deal.
Dismissing a contractor’s timeline
When you discuss the estimated timeline of your project, make sure the contractor can commit to their schedule and that their schedule is compatible with yours. Even when timelines match up, there can be delays. It’s good to find out how many projects they are committed to before they start on yours. Be wary of unrealistic or unreasonable timelines. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
The contract, including payment terms
Every component of your project should be written in the form of a signed contract. Verbal agreements or vaguely written contracts can invite unnecessary misunderstandings. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to review any credentials that bear on your construction, such as license, insurance, and how much they are bonded. Avoid hiring any contractor who cannot provide you with a written contract clearly stating, at minimum, the following:
Detailed project scope, including materials, timeline, and costs
Detailed clauses about payment schedules and related terms
Detailed clauses about warranties and related terms.
Detailed clauses about consequences if there is a failure to pay
Detailed clauses about guarantees, if offered
More about payment terms:
Your contract should be exceedingly clear about the payment schedule and terms. Requiring a large upfront payment is a red flag and should not be hired. This is unconventional and puts the homeowner at risk if the project is abandoned or not completed as promised. Avoid any contractor that requires full payment upfront. Most contracts begin with a small deposit, followed by payments made in clearly specified and agreed-upon installments throughout the project, with the final payment upon completion.
Ignoring warranties and aftercare
Considering the kinds of aftercare your contractor provides, such as warranties, is an essential step in your initial purchase. Warranties on workmanship and materials are important for two reasons: (1) without a warranty, homeowners risk bearing the cost of labor and materials if issues arise after the project is completed, and (2) when a contractor offers a warranty, it indicates confidence in the quality of their work. When comparing estimates of similar scope and materials, proposals without warranties should not exceed the overall cost of those with warranties. In other words, contractors who offer warranties may bake the cost of covering incidental labor and materials for post-construction projects into their final bid.
Swimming pools can be expensive to maintain, especially if the pool or equipment needs constant repairs or is not energy-efficient. In addition to learning about warranties, find out which contractors offer post-construction support services, like cleaning and troubleshooting issues that may arise later. Proper maintenance affects a pool’s longevity. Contractors should be upfront with you about the cost of maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the quality of the products and materials a contractor uses to build your project will impact the maintenance and repairs you’ll need later. A contractor may offer a lower estimate because the products they use are cheaper and of lesser quality. Many contractors are loyal to one or two brands for the equipment they install or repair.
Here are some tips to navigate warranties and aftercare:
Find out if there are additional documents for warranties on workmanship and materials.
Make sure warranty time frames are reasonable. Some defects or repairs won’t be apparent until you’ve used your pool for a while.
Discuss the brands and quality of equipment the contractor uses. Equipment includes pumps, filters, heaters, liners, or fiberglass shells). Ask why they use that brand. Then do your own research on the brand the contractor plans to install. Find out if they work with another brand. You want to look for information on their durability and performance.
Is the equipment eco-friendly or energy-efficient?
Permits, Codes, and Regulations
Failing to comply with local and neighborhood codes, permits, and safety regulations can cause legal issues, safety hazards, and unexpected fines, not to mention complications when it comes time to sell your home. To avoid problems, ensure your contractor handles all necessary permits and is familiar with the building codes and safety regulations in your municipality and neighborhood,if applicable. Before your project starts, ensure your contractor has pulled the proper permits. Stay informed throughout your project by asking to be notified of any regulatory inspections if they are required in your municipality.