What to Look for When Hiring a Pool Builder

When it comes to building a backyard swimming pool, there is nothing more important than finding the right pool builder. However, with so many pool and spa companies, how do you determine which pool builder is right for you? In this blog post we are going to offer some helpful tips in finding the best pool builder for your new backyard oasis. Below are just a few of the important considerations to make when you are hiring a pool builder. 

1.  Start with the Basics: Business Information & Relevant Experience

Determine which pool and spa companies are currently servicing your area and check to make sure they are licensed and insured. How many years has each company been operating? More years in business means more years of experience with pool construction and repair.

2.  Check Online: Reviews & Ratings

Most companies will have online reviews that you can browse. Make sure that the company you are considering has about a 5:1 ratio of good to bad reviews. Although every company will have a few bad reviews, it’s best to find a builder with consistently high ratings and several glowing recommendations from customers.

3.  Hear it for Yourself: Check their References

When discussing your future pool with a contractor, you should be able to request to speak to references about their experiences with the company. First, start your discussion by asking how many pools the company has built throughout their career and in the past year. In terms of pools built in the last year, ask if you can speak to any of those customers as a reference. In most cases, the builder should be able to supply at least half of its previous customers as references. Most people are happy to give a reference when asked, so if you are not given several potential references, this is a red flag. We recommend calling about a dozen references to discuss their experience with the builder including questions about the type of pool they installed, their satisfaction and any potential problems they faced.

4.  Quality is Key: What Products Does the Builder Use?

When it comes to the types of products used by a pool builder, quality is important. When selecting your pool builder, you want to make sure that the swimming pool parts they use are well reviewed online and that past customers have had a positive experience with the products chosen by this builder. 

5.  Vision: Design & Planning

Before beginning any construction, you want to make sure your pool builder will provide you with a comprehensive plan for the project. This will allow you to discuss all the final details and ensure that every aspect of your vision is being realized in the finalized plan. This should include the location of the pool, relevant dimensions, logistics for construction materials and crew access, as well as fencing and drainage plans.

6.  Feeling Secure: What is their Warranty Policy? 

There are several types of warranty to consider when selecting a pool builder. First, you want to make sure that the products and parts selected by the builder include a comprehensive warranty to ensure the pool will be able to function without issue for several years. As well, every pool builder should have a Workmanship Warranty which covers any issues related to construction such as plumbing problems, structural issues, etc. In most areas, it is required by law for companies to have a minimum one-year Workmanship Warranty.

7.  The Bottom Line: Pricing & Contract Details

When discussing your new pool with your builder, it is important to make sure you are discussing the price of both the pool and construction. For most pool builders, the price should either be finalized in a contract or at the very least in a formal quote for the project requested. This contract or quote should also include formal information on a completion date and any additional costs. 

At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we have over 30 years of experience building pools in the Greater Toronto Area. Seaway prides itself on transforming our customers’ backyards into a relaxing and fun oasis for the entire family. Seaway is currently a member of the National Pool & Spa Association, IPG, and is Kafko™ PRO Builder Certified. For more information on any of our building practices, or to get started designing the backyard pool of your dreams, visit one of our showrooms or give us a call today in either Markham (905-294-8030) or Newmarket (905-853-8500).