Unfortunately, homeowners rarely invest as much time into thinking about how they will use a pool as they do daydreaming about lounging around one. Adding a pool to your yard should never be an impulse buy. Reputable pool contractors, like most contractors, rarely go door-to-door soliciting business. They don't need to because their good reputations keep them steadily supplied with clients.
So, if you've always been dreaming about a pool, wake up and do your homework. Make a list of how you'll be using the pool: swim laps, water sports, or just for playing in. Next, understand what type of pool you need and that your yard will support. If your yard has a considerable grade an in-ground pool may require the building of a retaining wall while an above-ground pool will require a deck.
Once you are ready to start, there are a few things you should do to ensure you work only with legitimate pool contractors:
1. Get three bids and compare them. Insist that they be detailed and each phase of construction is itemized. Also, bids should list materials being used. You can learn a lot by studying why one contractor specifies a better grade of aggregate when the others don't. Throw out any low-ball bid for what it is: trouble. The contractor is either dishonest or incompetent.
2. Query contractors on what types of soil evaluations they will do. If you live in an area with active ground movement you will want to pay close attention to this before beginning an in-ground pool. Contractors should also understand local zoning regulations and, if your home is within a covenant-controlled development, you will want to check with your HOA before work starts.
3. Before signing anything make sure to check out the contractor's license and certificate of insurance. Go online to the BBB and research the company for any complaints. If the contractor resists showing you his license it probably means he hasn't got one. And if the BBB report doesn't look good thank yourself for your diligence and move on to another contractor. The contract must include a completion date and a penalty to be paid to you when that completion date isn't met.
4. Now about money: I recommend you make your own arrangements for financing. I've heard too many hard luck stories from homeowners who were taken advantage of by high pressure lenders charging exorbitant rates and penalties. Never pay the full cost for the pool up front. Negotiate to keep your down payment as low as possible--ideally between five and 10 percent. Never pay in cash. Make this clear before signing.
5. My fifth and final tip: read and understand all warranties before turning over a dime. I know it is a pain to read all that legal goop but if you don't you could find yourself in the same mess as another homeowner I know. A week after his pool was completed and filled it sprung a leak--more like a sinkhole. Because that possibility wasn't covered by a warranty, it cost this homeowner thousands to repair.
