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Do you want to avoid getting burned by pool installation companies? We have all heard of incomplete installations and customers being taken advantage of. When choosing the right company, take your time, do your research, and look for warning signs.
By following the tips outlined below, you will find a reputable company that will treat you respectfully.
1. Verify their credentials
Examining their credentials is the best place to begin when selecting a pool installation company. Request the company’s physical address, phone number, and the number and full names of sales representatives. Check for how many years they have been operating and how many installations they have done during the previous year.
You want to check on the previous year’s installation for several reasons. While the company may have been around for a while, that doesn’t automatically guarantee they are still doing quality work.
People often move in and out of jobs. Sometimes, contractors or subcontractors can be hired that end up cutting corners. If this happens, sales will reflect the company’s current reputation.
You will also want to ask whether the business uses subcontractors and who handles construction. Inquire, too, as to how long they have worked for the company and ask about their experience.
2. Check the builder’s insurance
Always ensure the company you deal with is fully insured. Insurance protects the homeowner if an accident occurs and the pool installation company doesn’t fully complete the job.
Ask to view a copy of their worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance. These documents will indicate whether they are true professionals.
Furthermore, make certain that the staff member has completed the necessary steps to ensure you are protected, and their business is protected.
3. Inquire about their warranty
Professional pool installation companies provide warranties on their materials. Those that do so know they do quality work, and if their customers aren’t satisfied, they are dedicated to making it right. However, those with “something to hide” aren’t quick to offer warranties.
Ask the company what the warranty outlines and covers. A warranty protects your investment and ensures coverage if a defect/malfunction occurs after installation.
4. Ask for references and look at their work
Request customer references from the pool company. If you have friends or neighbours who own a pool, you can ask which business they used. Ask whether they were satisfied. What did they like or dislike about the company? Asking such questions will give you an idea of the company’s reputation.
If you receive company references, contact these clients to see their experience. Ask how they felt about the process both before and after the sale. The references you obtain should be from new pool owners, which should provide a recent indicator of the quality of the work.
View what pools they have previously built. Check out their website to ensure the photos fit your area’s climate. For example, if you live in the prairies and the images contain palm trees, they may not be samples of their work. Chances are, they are stock photos.
5. Ask about the timeline
A reputable company provides a timeline for your project, guaranteeing installation is completed on time. A plan for unforeseeable delays should be in place (for example, due to poor weather, delays in shipments, etc.).
Homeowners would never want an empty backyard hole for months or leaking/cracking finished pools.
6. Receive multiple quotes
Multiple quotes are necessary before making your final decision. It helps to compare the prices of each company and what they provide to find the best deal. Also, just because a company offers an inexpensive quote doesn’t mean the finished product will be any good. Some will use inferior-quality materials to reduce expenses.
This factor never bodes well for a homeowner. You always want the work to be done correctly and last for a long time.
7. Trust your intuition
While first impressions are essential, they are not always reliable. Don’t go with a provider prematurely based on positive first impressions. Be sure to research and examine how they conduct daily business. This indicates how they will work with you.
Potential warning signs include:
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Unrealistically low estimates
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No official business address
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Asking for cash payments or large upfront deposits
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Financing through an affiliated lender/pool company
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Pressure for a quick decision
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Lack of professionalism
8. Examine the company’s communication style
When finding the best pool installer, asking numerous questions is normal. Use the opportunity to evaluate your potential “swimming pool contractor”. Your evaluation should not solely be based on how the individual addresses the questions, but rather on how they respond.
Suppose the answers are unsatisfactory, they don’t attempt to address concerns, aren’t professional (for example, they’re rude, abrupt, abrasive, or evasive), or you don’t understand what they are communicating. In that case, you may want to go with another company.
9. Be aware of your rights
Signed customer contracts are not binding with a pool company unless they have a signature by the firm’s offices. Even then, the contract terms are subject to change.
If a customer signs a contract at the builder’s business but doesn’t finance the purchase, there is no three-day cooling-off timeline or rescission.
All finance contracts contain a three-day rescission clause. However, this doesn’t affect the contract. Customers who want to cancel their contract may incur penalties.
10. Get everything in writing and read the contract carefully
Once a contractor is selected, request that they include everything agreed upon in a contract. Some things that homeowners should consider include the following:
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What excavating work is included, and how are prices adjusted if issues occur after digging?
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How is the site prepared without damaging your property? Will landscaping be removed?
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What equipment do they use? How does it impact the property? What is done to remedy damages?
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If a fence installation is required, ask whether it is part of your bid.
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Receive an itemized pool cost, including for additional features like grotto caves, infinity edges, diving boards, slides, or pool covers.
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What landscaping and grading does the contractor perform after completion?
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What repair costs and maintenance are you responsible for covering?
Why choose Solda Pools for your pool installation company?
When it comes to pool installation companies, Solda Pools prides itself on finding the best solutions for our customers. We focus on construction solutions and quality designs that meet the customer’s preferences and budget requirements.
Our team takes the time to explain the process in detail and address their concerns.
If you want a company that will exceed expectations, email us for a free quote at sales@soldapools.com or visit our website for regional contact information.
