How to Choose a Builder

Choosing who to trust with your pool design and installation is a big decision. If you’re like most, your pool is the largest purchase you will ever make aside from your home. This is why it’s so important to approach the buying process as you would an investment, not a purchase.
A purchase, large or small, implies something portable, somewhat temporary, and more importantly- returnable. An in-ground pool is a permanent fixture that affects the value of your property and the overall appearance, safety, and enjoyment of your home. It cannot be returned, and only so much can be done to correct poor workmanship and bad design. So how can you, the responsible consumer, make a wise and informed purchase? Know your builder.

Getting to know your builder is fairly easy, but does require a little more work on your end. Look at your builder as a company you are considering investing in. That’s essentially what you are doing. You’re investing your pool budget with them, trusting that they have the skills, integrity, experience, stability, and reputation to give you the greatest return.

• How long has the company been in business?

Not many companies can sustain a healthy business with unhappy customers. The more established a company is the more likely they are to be stable, well run, and dedicated to a quality customer experience. However, don’t be fooled by claims of “combined” experience or a builder that is new to your area claiming long-time establishment in another state. Dig deeper to get to the heart of their business.

• What accreditations do they have?

To avoid on the job learners, look at their accreditations. The fewer the accreditations, the more scrutiny you should apply to ensure that they do indeed have the skills and experience to do the job well. Look for APSP certifications, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, and other industry specific training. We also have an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• How deep is the company?

Be wary of builders spreading themselves too thin. Even with the best intentions, a builder who has a limited staff is more likely to fall short in one or more aspects of the process. It is impossible for a builder to adequately manage a project when also juggling design, sales, chemical advice, and service calls.

• Price

Get estimates from more than one builder and always question rock bottom pricing. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Make sure estimates are for comparable projects (comparing “apples to apples”) and remember that, for most builders, up front pricing is only an estimate. If one builder’s bid comes in much lower than others, ask the builder how they can afford to do the job for so little. If they cannot give you a good reason that makes sense to you, beware. Cheaper is not always better. Avoid choosing a builder by price. Instead, use it as a final differentiator once you have identified the best candidates based on the previous qualifications.

Affiliation vs. Accreditation

Remember that accreditations and affiliations are two separate things. Affiliation is commonly gained by purchasing a membership, while accreditation is gained through training and passing a test. Each is important in its own right. Affiliation often comes with a strict code of ethics and a requirement for continuing education. Accreditation is the proof of that education through industry specific training.