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Having a swimming pool is a luxury that is best enjoyed when you have it located right in your backyard. However, if you’ve always had a dream of having your own swimming pool, it’s a big project to undertake and you can’t do it by yourself. You need to hire a swimming pool contractor who can assist with the pre-construction and execution of the whole project from start to finish.
This is a huge task, though. Therefore, to start, we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare and provide 7 essential questions to ask your swimming pool contractor.
What to Ask Yourself When Researching Pool Installation Options
Before you begin reaching out to potential swimming pool contractors, not only should you be able to visualize your dream pool, but you also need to determine if the logistics will be able to permit your swimming pool’s size. So, a little research goes a long way, combined with your own vision. Here are important questions to ask yourself during the initial research stage when looking to install your swimming pool.
What is your dream swimming pool?
Everyone has a vision of what their dream pool looks like, so what’s yours? Make notes on the type of pool you want, in terms of shape, aesthetics, and location. Also, write down a rough budget you are willing to spend.
To get a better idea of what your dream pool would look like, browse through some photographs of swimming pools online and make note of the different shapes, sizes, and landscaping that you would like yours to look like. Do a little footwork with your ideas in mind, and take a look at the location in your yard or area you would like the pool to be installed in. Even better, measure the space and make a note of the measurements that could help the contractor when they do the initial consultation.
How will your pool be compatible with the rest of your house?
Once you’re done checking where you would like the pool to be installed, go back inside your house or patio, and think of the overall view and setup based on how the pool is placed next to your home. You also need to factor in your neighbour’s view from their backyard, as you’ll want the most privacy and not disturb theirs.
What is some basic pool equipment knowledge to understand?
If you’re planning to have landscaping added to your swimming pool, then familiarizing yourself with what you want will be very helpful when speaking to your pool contractor. For instance, if you want planters, find out what kind of stone or tiles you want to be installed. Will you require water slides, waterfalls, diving boards, or scuppers?
Besides pool accessories and landscaping, get to know the important parts that a pool needs to function properly. For example, what kind of filters keep the pool water clear? What are the types of pool pumps, saltwater systems, heaters, and pool lighting compatible with your pool? Taking notes of the basic pool equipment terms will become very helpful when planning your swimming pool project with the contractor.
Questions to Ask the Pool Builder Before the Contract is Signed
After brainstorming what you want your dream pool to look like, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start speaking with potential pool builders. Here are the top 7 questions you should ask a pool contractor in order to get the job done in a timely and professional manner.
1. How long have you been in business?
Once you have contacted a few swimming pool contractors, it’s best to find out how long they have been in business. The consensus is that the longer an independent swimming pool builder has been around, the more experience they have.
2. Do you have verified reviews?
Asking the pool contractor to see some verified reviews is a practical way to decide if you want to work with this particular contractor. However, with a lot of verified reviews, some of them veer on the far end of the spectrum, while others might be extremely favourable, but don’t provide any real experience of their work ethic—just praise. Get an overall sense of the reviews and make your decision based on your own rapport with the pool contractor.
Pre-Construction Questions You Need to Ask Your Contractor
3. What warranties are included in my contract?
Once you decide to work with one swimming pool contractor, they will pull up a contract to sign. Before you sign it, though, be sure to ask about warranties included in the contract. As a general rule, the swimming pool industry offers standard warranties on the majority of pool parts.
4. How will I be kept informed throughout the swimming pool project’s phases?
Ask the pool builder what kind of communication system they will have during the project. Will they call you every day or give you weekly updates? Just as long as there is regular communication between each party, this will keep you afloat with each stage of construction until the pool is completely installed.
Contractual Questions for Your Pool Builder
5. Can I have copies of our agreement on paper?
Always get your pool contractor’s word in writing. You can’t rely on a verbal contract because constructing a pool is a logistically big project that could cause delays, as it needs many materials and equipment. Having copies of your agreement on paper prevents confusion down the road, as there might be some delays and you may become impatient. Having the written agreement to review makes the pool-construction process run smoothly.
6. Can you draw up a payment schedule?
Many pool contractors will ask you to make payment in installments. Usually, when one phase of the construction ends, you will pay an installment. Try to avoid paying a large lump sum to the pool builder early in the pre-construction phase, as there may be some project delays that could occur and you might feel let down.
Along with a payment schedule, ask your pool builder if you can get an itemized breakdown of all materials, pool parts, services, and labour. By having an itemized breakdown of each section of the project, you will be able to see where your payments went.
7. Roughly how long will the construction and installation take?
Installing a swimming pool is a big project and requires many hours of labour with heavy equipment. Be sure that you and your contractor overestimate the amount of time that may take to finish the project. It’s always best to overestimate than underestimate the time of completion, so your builder isn’t forced to rush through the project.
At Solda Pools, we provide pool installation in Toronto and the GTA for swimming pools and spas. We only install in-ground pools and spas. For more information on our swimming pool contractors, call us for a FREE consultation at Solda Pools at 905-796-6500 or contact us here.
