Picking a Swimming Pool Builder
Click on each question to reveal the answer:
▶ How can I be sure to make the right decision when choosing a pool builder?
Referrals can be the most valuable source of information. Call old customers and ask about their experience. If they had any problems, did the company take care of them? If possible, go and see some of the work that the builder has done in your area. Make sure that they are a member of the APSP (association of pool and spa professionals) and of course, please always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that if there were any complaints, they were all satisfied.
▶ What about warranties? Is my investment well protected?
Warranties are very important. Always compare the warranties of every builder to whom you talk. Make sure all warranties are in writing, not verbal. Remember one thing: the warranty is only as good as the company and their reputation. If the builder is not in business for the duration of your pool warranty, then you haven’t got a warranty.
▶ What if I have a small or difficult yard to work with?
Good builders can construct pools in almost any yard. You will be surprised at how such a small back yard can have the most innovative design. And because we have our own excavation crew we have the freedom and flexibility to get into areas that a sub-contracted company would demand additional fees that you would not know about until the day of excavation. Don’t think you can't have a pool; call Swim-Mor Pools today for a free design consultation.
▶ I sometimes see advertisements promising pools at very low prices. Is this really possible to get a pool at these prices?
It is possible to build a pool at a very low price. But most of these “incredible deals” are nothing more than a bait-and-switch tactic to get you to call. You should be aware that to build a pool at a low price, quality would have to be compromised. The cost of the pool may be cheap, but your time and money spent to up keep the pool could be 4 to 5 times more if the pool was not built right to begin with. Remember the old adage “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.”
▶ Why do cost estimates vary when pools seem to be the same?
The price of a pool is determined by much more than size and shape of the pool. A lot of builders do not include some of the most important factors affecting cost in their proposals. Because there are so many factors that go into building a swimming pool, there are a lot of places to cut corners. Here are some of them;
- Craftsmanship
- Quality of materials (smaller pumps, filter, etc.)
- Design
- Underground strength
- Ease of maintenance
- Warranties
- Service
▶ What does “lifetime structural warranty” really mean?
A lifetime structural warranty means that the gunite structure will hold water for as long as you live in the home. Remember that this warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Some companies such as Swim-Mor Pools will transfer that warranty one time if you sell your home.
▶ How long does it take to build a swimming pool?
From the day of excavation it should take about thirty to thirty-five working days, which is 6-7 weeks. Remember though, from the day you sign the contract other things have to happen before the pool can be excavated, such as:
- Financing (if applicable)
- Home owners associations
- Marking and finding utilities
- Permits from your city or county
▶ Will we be required to be home the entire time during construction?
No. There are only a few times that we need you to be home during construction - the day the swimming pool is excavated, and the day that the electrician and gas people are there. Depending on your project you may also be needed to confirm different locations of items during the process as well.
▶ Are there any care free swimming pools?
Most pool companies can build the pool so you only have to spend about 20 minutes a week on maintenance. But most builders build them so you have to spend about 2 hours a week on maintenance. They feel that price is the only thing that matters and that your time is not valuable. All of the things that make the pool easier to take care of is an option and of course cost more money. We at Swim-Mor Pools include these things in our pools because we know that you want to spend time in the pool, not working on the pool.
▶ Does a swimming pool add value to my home?
Yes, it sure does. Normally it will give you about 75% of the value of the pool. But the more you decorate the backyard with landscaping, the more money you will get back on the pool.
