Our Blog | Advice on In Ground Swimming Pool Construction and Maintenance

Everyone wants a good deal on a major purchase and no one wants to overpay.  However, you also want to make sure you do not get cheated and do get the best value for your dollar.

When it comes to selecting a pool contractor for a major home improvement project, these desires really hit home. In particular, building a new swimming pool is a prime example of such a project. 

To ensure that you get the most for your money, it’s crucial to resist the temptation to choose your builder primarily on price—particularly if it is significantly lower than other bids you receive.

Here’s why: Low-priced contractors are often the ones who cut corners on a variety of fronts.  For example, they may operate without proper business insurance, liability insurance, workers comp insurance, or property-damage insurance.  In states where a license is required, as it does in Arkansas, the low-ball firms are often those without one.

They may install cheaper equipment or brands with poor warranties.  They may use low-quality materials or skimp on the required amounts.  They may rely on crews and subcontractors who charge less—due to limited skills, experience, or an unfavorable reputation among local pool builders.

Sometimes a low-ball price is a sign of desperation.  A builder may sell a pool virtually at his cost.  Why?  While he may make only slim or no profit, he may be on a money treadmill; he will take the job just in order just to keep cash flowing to pay the rent or the bills on his last customer’s project. 

Remember: To make profit to stay in business, any good business needs to charge enough for their product or service.  The same is true for pool contractors. 

However, a contractor staying in business is important not only for them—but for homeowners too.  You want your contractor to be around to take care of any warranty issues that may arise!

Certainly, your budget must be a major factor in guiding what you purchase.  However, it should not be the primary factor in guiding you with whom to make that purchase.

Weigh factors such as local reputation, length of time in business, financial stability, scope and depth of insurance coverage, expertise of the designer, and the quality and scope of equipment offerings.  Above all, when shopping for a pool builder, seek overall, long-term value.

Looking to select an inground pool builder.  This is a big decision for most home owners who have never built a pool before.  Asking questions and doing the appropriate amount of research is in order.  Here are a few points you might consider asking and / or checking out:

Ask your potential builder if they are incorporated and registered in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office in Arkansas.  If so, then what year were they incorporated as a corporation, this will provide you how long they have been in business under that current company name.  This is public information and easy to check out for yourself.

Ask to meet them at their place of business.  Check out their organization and their ability to support your project long after the construction is complete.  If they do not have a place of business, beware!

Belonging to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) means nothing.  All the BBB wants is a company's money in the form of an annual fee. Most any company today can pay the fee and belong to this organization. Same applies to the local Chamber of Commerce. Angie's List is the same kind of venue.

Ask to see a copy of their Liability Insurance.  If they can not provide you this, chances are, they don't have it.  Otherwise, your homeowners insurance will end up covering any liability should one occur on your property if something goes wrong.  This is the last thing you need.

You can always ask for references from previous customers, however, this is usually a waste of time.  Testimonials generally are ALWAYS from customers who had a decent or nice experience. Sometimes its just good business to just go with your "gut" feel about the person and the company they represent.  

Perhaps this will give you some insight as what to look for and ask your potential pool company / builder and the manner in which they respond to your requests.  

If you are considering an inground swimming pool and are concerned for your children's safety, you might want to watch this video on a DIY (do it yourself) installation that is an economical and a cost effective solution to monitor your backyard space.