Referrals are the biggest part of a pool company’s business. They should be eager to show off their work and provide lists of satisfied customers. If you can’t get this type of information, what other secrets are they keeping from you?
4 Things Pool Builders Won’t Tell You
The average cost of an inground swimming pool is $50.00 – $125.00 per square foot of pool bottom. Making a 400-square-foot pool cost up to $50,000.00. More for fancy. Quite an investment. Make sure you know as much as possible before signing a contract.
Expect and Plan For Surprises
Some pool construction companies don’t mention or explain possible construction problems. Things like delays, big rocks, underground utilities, size restrictions, permitting, etc. They fear losing a job because of extra costs. You don’t want a $10,000.00 additional cost surprise in the middle of the job.
Don’t Compromise On Style
Pool builders and/or designers may try to convince you that your ideas are too expensive, too complicated, or too something. This often reflects on a company’s competence more than on your vision. They can’t or don’t want to do that job. Don’t settle for OK.
Find a company that tweaks your design to make it better. Make sure they have a provable history of creating successful and beautiful pools.
All Pools Are the Same?
Some types of pools are just better than others. Some pool builders are just better than others. In-ground concrete pools are acknowledged to be the best but even those are not all the same. The quality of concrete varies. Rebar sizes and quality vary. There are different types and thicknesses of finishes.
Don’t accept that all pools are the same. Make sure you start with detailed quotes–at least three. Get an itemized detailed contract. The fewer surprises during construction–the better for both you and the contractor. Make sure you are informed of and approve any necessary substitutions. Your money is being spent, and you must live with the result long after the builder is gone.
The Importance Of Pool Decks
Swimming pools are a hole in the ground filled with water. Your deck is the focal point of the yard. Do not let yourself be convinced to throw in a cheap deck to save money. Decks last 5 to 40 years–depending on the material, maintenance, environmental conditions, and quality of installation.
Get detailed information on the types of decks available including the positive and negative aspects. Be prepared for the cost of resurfacing the deck–roughly every 10 – 15 years. Wood decks–more often. Composite decks–maybe never.
5 Things Pool Service Companies Won’t Tell You
You can clean the pool yourself. It isn’t difficult. Many homeowners don’t want to. It is just another chore added to a packed lifestyle of work and family. Better just to enjoy a regularly cleaned and maintained pool–as long as you get the service you want and need.
Weekly Service – Not Always
Pool service employees are often over-booked and fall behind schedule. It is hard work paying relatively low wages. Turnover is high. When running behind, they may skip cleaning your pool for a week or even two. Most homeowners are at work when the pool is cleaned–making it difficult to really know if the service person did his/her job.
Most reputable companies have service forms they can fill out and leave at the customer’s house. It details what they did and proves that they were there. It may not prove the job was done properly, but at least someone showed up.
Local May Be Better
Large national pool cleaning companies tend to pay lower wages and have high employee turnover rates. You may get a different pool cleaner every week–making it difficult to build a good working relationship.
Installing and maintaining a pool is a hefty investment. Smaller local companies usually have a more permanent staff. They may cost a little more but it is easier to build trust when the same service person returns each week.
Eco-Friendly Or Chlorine?
Most eco-friendly or “green” pool products do not work as well as chlorine but they cost more. Pools become murky or turn green quickly without chlorine. The green is algae growth, but it may also contain E. Coli bacteria. Getting convinced to pay more for eco-friendly products that could give your family an E. Coli infection is a bad bargain.
Pool Repairs
Shady companies may install used parts without telling you and charge the new price. Pump repairs can cost over $700.00. Pool liners over $3000.00. Don’t pay that kind of money for used parts with no warranty and a shorter lifespan. It is well worth taking a little time off work to ensure you get what you are paying for.
Privacy
Most pool service companies do not set appointments. They show up whenever they get there. Skinny dipping or working on an “all-over tan” by the pool may be rudely interrupted. Find a pool company that at least sets a consistent day–if possible.
Be skeptical of reviews and pictures. Both can be purchased online. Or a pool company may use questionable tactics to get 5-star reviews. Always try to talk to their previous or current customers in person. If, for privacy reasons, they will not provide any–ask them to have their customers call you. If no one calls, you may save a lot of disappointment by finding another company to work with.
