Choosing the right swimming pool installer

In an effort of full disclosure I want to start out by telling you that I am a small business owner, who happens to own a swimming pool construction and retail business in Massachusetts. The purpose of this article is to help potential in- ground swimming pool buyers make the best choice possible when choosing a company to install a back yardswimming pool, not promote my own.. With over 17 years in the industry I have seen many companies come and go, and many pool installations go terribly wrong.

The number one most important thing when choosing a contractor to install your swimming pool is your comfort factor. If something inside you is unsure about the contractor you are interviewing, trust your instincts or you may end up questioning your decision throughout the installation process, and more importantly after the installation has been completed. Chose someone who gained your confidence, trust and respect and you will not regret your decision.

Make sure to ask for as many local referrals as possible and contact 3 or 4 of the closest and most recent installations to your home. Ask them about the installation process; were there any unexpected or unexplained costs? Were the happy with the overall outcome and the after sales and installation support? Many times customers will offer to have you come to their home to see the swimming pool. Take advantage of these invitations as it’s another opportunity to ask more questions.

Make sure you talk to the person who will actually be installing you swimming pool. Lots of companies send sales people to you home to try to sell you, it’s been my experience that lots of promises are made and lots of expectations wind up not being met. Its best to use a company whose owner is also the installer, or at the very least whose foreman for your project is also the one who sold you the pool.

Get it ALL in writing. Almost every job has “extras” like material removal or clean fill delivery. These costs, although a small percentage of the overall job can become a burden, especially when building on a tight budget. Make sure to ask what is included and what is not in the total price. Most times service like electrical hook ups, gas lines for swimming pool heaters and water delivery are not included in the installation costs, if they are not, get estimates on what these costs are going to be. Whenever possible ask the contractor to give you a completed project price that include these costs, as all will have favorites they like to work with. It is always a good idea to budget for 5-10% more when hiring any contractor, swimming pool installeror otherwise. This makes coping with unexpected issues like hitting ledge or groundwater easier to deal with.

Another great rule of thumb is to choose a company who is as local to you as possible. The closer they are to you they quicker they can respond to any issues or concerns you may have; this includes pre and post installation. Furthermore, try choosing a company that has, at least one, retail store; this tells you several things about the company. First it shows you that they are serious about what they do; they are no fly-by- night company, and most likely have been installing swimming pools for many years. Secondly if they have a retail store, there is always someone there you can answer your questions, or get a hold of the installer for you if you cannot. See if they are willing to give you their cell phone numbers, many won’t but the good ones who have nothing to hide often will. Using some of the advice here will make the entire interviewing process much less stressful. There is nothing worse than regretting your choice of a swimming pool installer when it’s too late to do much about it.

Feel free to ask questions below as I will gladly answer any you may have about the installation process and choosing a swimming pool contractor.