Getting a pool is a significant investment. Done properly, it can add value to your home and provide entertainment for decades. Done badly, it does the opposite – while costing you time and money on upkeep. So, when you’re getting a pool, it’s important to get it right the first time, and this means choosing the best pool builder for the job. But with a range of experience levels, specialities, suppliers and prices to compare among pool building companies, choosing isn’t easy! Here’s a checklist for the questions you should ask to ensure you get the most out of your investment in a pool.
1. How long has your business been operating for?
Start with some basic due diligence. Find out how long they’ve been in business for under their current name. The longer, the better: some pool companies will close up shop and reopen under a new name to avoid bad word-of-mouth or financial issues. So, a longer time means the business likely has a good reputation and a base of loyal customers.
2. How much can I customise the proposed design of the pool?
You will be looking at and swimming in this pool for years to come, so being able to customise a design could come in handy. Whether it’s the shape, the landscaping or the lights, ask your pool builder where they stand on customisation.
3. What kind of warranty comes with the pool?
Warranties are the very best way to protect your investment, and for something that’ll be in your yard for a decade plus, they’re crucial! Ask your pool builder about the warranty: how long it lasts, what the claim process is, and what exactly is covered under it.
4. Can I speak with past customers?
Most companies have testimonials available on their website these days, and many are reviewed on platforms like Trustpilot or Google. But some insights you can only get by speaking with the customer personally. What was it like to work with them? Did they communicate well, work efficiently, and deliver on their guarantees? If the company has made its customers happy, they should be happy to connect you with someone to talk about their experience.
5. What’s included in the quoted price and what isn’t?
There’s a lot involved with installing a pool, and it starts long before the actual pool is built. That’s why it’s important to find out if all this is included in the quote your pool builder gives you. Some things to check for are:
- Site inspection. Visiting and evaluating the physical site of the pool is essential for the pool builder to get it right. Different soils, slopes, sewer and plumbing lines, and site access points are key factors that must be considered in planning the pool’s construction and installation, so be wary of pool builders who decline to perform a site inspection.
- Preparing the site where the pool will go, including soil testing and ‘overburden’ – all earthworks required to make way for the pool.
Once your pool is finished and ready to use, take the best possible care of it with regular pool services! Enquire on our website and one of our friendly pool technicians will be in touch to arrange a package that suits you.
