{"id":131,"date":"2014-04-23T17:46:16","date_gmt":"2014-04-23T21:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/?p=131"},"modified":"2026-04-23T01:19:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:19:18","slug":"installing-pool-7-steps-hiring-right-builder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/installing-pool-7-steps-hiring-right-builder\/","title":{"rendered":"Installing a pool: 7 steps to hiring the right builder"},"content":{"rendered":"

In part 1<\/a> of this series on installing a new pool, we looked at the different types of pools. Once you\u2019ve decided that, you have to make what\u2019s probably the most important decision of pool installation: Who\u2019s going to build it? Having an educated answer to that question can be the difference between enjoying your backyard pool this summer, or staring at an unfinished hole in the ground and being bilked out of thousands. This case out of Arkansas is a good example of how shady pool builders prey on gullible homeowners every year.<\/p>\n

\"pool<\/a>

Pools might increase the value of your property, but still, the costs involved range from high to eyewatering. Follow these 7 steps to make sure you don’t have sorrows to drown. From Bill Jacobus<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Even if the builder is on the up and up, the pool will only be as good as the person who built or installed it. Depending where you live, it can be difficult to make sure you\u2019re hiring someone you can trust on both counts. Unlike most other builders, pool builders are not required to be licensed professionals in all states. (I\u2019m looking at you, <\/span>Texas<\/a>!) Even if they are licensed, that doesn\u2019t always guarantee you\u2019ll get the best builder for you money.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that when you\u2019re hiring a pool builder, you\u2019re really hiring a foreman. The builder oversees the construction process and the many subcontractors who actually build the pool from plumbers, to guniters (depending on the type of pool) to electricians. If your builder isn\u2019t capable of managing all these workers, it can quickly lead to trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s a person to do? The Better Business Bureau is not a bad place to start, and the organization offers a good overview of considerations. Here are seven more steps to make sure you hire someone to build that pool of your dreams:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get at least three bids<\/b>. A pool is a major investment. Getting more than one bid will give you an opportunity to <\/span>compare builders not just on price but also on other intangibles, such as how comfortable you are working with the builder. Also consider whether they are members of the Better Business Bureau and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, which writes pool construction standards and <\/span>certifies builders.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Don\u2019t go by budget alone.<\/b> Yes, everyone has a budget, and it\u2019s reasonable to stay within a prescribed budget. But getting seduced by a builder whose bid comes in dramatically lower than other builders is a common <\/span>mistake.<\/a> As with all things in life, you get what you pay for.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Find out how long they\u2019ve been in business. <\/b>This is one of the many <\/span>questions<\/a> you should ask before hiring a builder. It\u2019s recommended the builder tells you how long they\u2019ve been in business under the current name and current owners. Unscrupulous builders often change the name of the business when they get into financial trouble, or go bankrupt. They may have left dozens of unfinished pools in their wake. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask straight out: Have you declared bankruptcy or gone out of business before?<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Ask for a lot of references.<\/b> Reputable builders should be able to give you 50 to 100 names of people they\u2019ve built pools for, and who are happy with the work that\u2019s been done. If the builder can\u2019t supply that many names, you may not want to work with them. Also, get names and addresses of client\u2019s who have had special features (we\u2019ll get to those in part 3) similar to the ones you want. Ask if the features work as expected, and how it was working with the builder on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Ensure the builder has worker\u2019s compensation and construction liability insurance.<\/b>Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/a> insurance protects you from having to pay for the subcontractor\u2019s lost wages. <\/span> Construction liability protects you from lawsuits and other liabilities related to the work and workers. Questionable builders may have neither of these policies, and put you at risk. Qualified builders should have both.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Make sure you understand the terms of the contract.\u00a0<\/b>It\u2019s difficult to know what builders will find when they start to dig. There could be unexpected rock, utilities or other surprises. Make sure you\u2019re clear about how these uncertainties will be handled and that it is clearly enumerated in the contract.<\/p>\n

<\/b>7.<\/b> Require lien waivers from vendors and subcontractors<\/b>. A lien waiver<\/a> is a receipt showing that funds have been paid to a supplier or subcontractor, and that they have no lien rights against your home. Without these waivers, you could be held responsible for unpaid subcontractor work if a builder skips out on you. When your pool is complete, you should have lien waivers from all vendors and subcontractors.<\/p>\n

\n

Like this topic? Check out our related products:<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n