How to Hire a Swimming Pool Installer

An in-ground swimming pool is a great addition to your backyard for summer fun and exercise. When hiring an installer, consider both the quality of the work and the style of the pool.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Yellow Pages
• Contractor Referral Services
• Swimming Pool Contractors
• Personal Organizers

1. Determine where you want to install your new pool. Take into consideration the location of any underground utilities or systems that may be in the way - a well, a septic, or sewer, water, gas or electrical lines.

2. Contact several pool installers. Ask friends or relatives for recommendations or check the yellow pages.

3. Decide what type of pool you want. Discuss the offerings of the various contractors to help you decide.

4. Make sure the contractors have experience with the type and style of pool you want. For example, if you want a natural-style pool with a waterfall, don't hire a contractor who handles primarily plain concrete pools.

5. Ask for references and check them. Were customers happy with the quality of work? Did the contractors meet their deadlines and manage the project well?

6. Have each installer quote a price for the project. Make sure the price includes tree removal, all necessary equipment and final cleanup.

7. Make sure each contractor is fully and properly insured.

8. Make sure the installers offer a satisfactory guarantee.

9. Select a contractor based on price, experience and your impressions.

10. Execute a contract that clearly sets forth the job (including the type, size and specifications of the pool), price, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date. Make sure the contract calls for the contractor to remove all debris.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're considering an elaborate pool, consider calling a contractor who advertises similar projects in local home/style magazines. (Keep in mind that these contractors will probably not be among the least expensive.)

• Expect a typical pool construction to take three to six weeks from start to finish (notwithstanding weather-related delays).

• Pools come in many shapes and styles (round, square, kidney, natural-look) and can have a number of special features, such as whirlpools and waterfalls.

• The installer will need to get an excavator into your yard to dig the hole for the pool. Consider how this will be done and what damage may be caused to landscaping.

• Most pool companies subcontract out some or all of the work. Be prepared for the fact that subcontractors may not show up when they're supposed to, sometimes causing delays. This is simply a fact of the business.

• Always try to minimize deposits and up-front payments. Try to negotiate a payment schedule that matches the progress of work and delivery of materials.