- A Word About Water Chemistry
- Sharing The Pool Opening Chores
- The Early Bird Gets The Swimming Pool
- Our Famous Guarantee
- Budgeting for Your New Swimming Pool
- Temporary or Permanent?
- Understanding the pH of Your Pool
- The 5 Most Important Questions to Ask
- Choosing a Pool: Above Ground or In Ground?
- Swimming: Exercise That's Healthy AND Fun
- Owning a Kayak Pool: Long-lasting Value and Family Fun
- Is A Pool Right For You?
- The 30 Minute Swimming Pool Workout
- Pool Decks: Something For Everyone
- Pool Dealer Questions
- Where to Put the Pool
- Budgeting for Your Swimming Pool: Part 2
- Choosing a Pool: Above Ground or In Ground?
- Things To Remember When Buying a Pool
Splash Zone
The 5 Most Important Questions to Ask
1. Do you have any references?
A swimming pool is a major investment, and it pays to do your research. Your swimming pool builder should take pride in its reputation and have past customers available who can speak with you and even show you their pool upon request. Go one step further and check with the Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints the builders have had company has had and how many of them have been amicably resolved.
2. Are you licensed and bonded?
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed. Regardless, it is in your best interest to engage a licensed and bonded builder. Certainly, unlicensed contractors might be able to save you a little money, but that will mean nothing if the job is done incorrectly and you have no recourse to fix it.
3. Do you provide service after installation?
The issue of service is critical. Swimming pools require significant work to be maintained, and inevitably repairs will be needed over the years. It is important to find a swimming pool contractor that stands by their products and their installation and who is committed to helping their customers during the entire lifetime of the swimming pool.
4. Will you provide instruction on how to use and maintain the pool?
If the answer is no, then find yourself another contractor. Any reputable swimming pool contractors should take the time to provide it’s customers with a basic “swim school” so they are knowledgeable in the basic functions and maintenance of the pool. If a contractor does not even provide that, it indicates a poor commitment to customer service.
5. Who will be responsible for obtaining permits?
Whether you choose an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, your community likely requires permits to begin construction. A site plan and an inspection may be required by the local government before and after your pool is built. Find out ahead of time whether your pool builders will apply for and obtain the permits for you. This process can be time consuming and can cause major installation delays if not handled early. Your swimming pool builder should be able to educate you on the permitting process.
