How to Buy a Swimming Pool

Buying a swimming pool is a major purchase and investment that can be almost as expensive as buying a brand new car. Knowing some simple facts, asking some important questions and shopping around are key factors to take into consideration when buying a swimming pool.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Pen and paper
• Telephone book
• Post it flags

Questions to ask Contractors and Salespeople

1. Ask the contractor how long they have been in business.

2. Request proof from the company that they are part of the Better Business Bureau and, if so, for how long.

3. Verify that they offer financing and what the interest rate and terms of the loan are.

4. Ask the salesperson if their prices include, delivery, setup, excavation, electrical and installation.

5. Have them provide proof that their contractors are bonded and insured.

6. Ask the company how many pools they sell each year.

7. Ask the salesperson if they offer a money back guarantee on all of their pools.

8. Ask the salesperson if they are offering any sales, special incentives or closeouts at the moment.

Buying the Pool

9. Take out your paper tablet and pen.

10. Measure the area where you want your pool to go and record these measurements.

11. Using the yellow pages in your telephone book, locate the swimming pool section and flag the contractors you would like to contact.

12. Call the swimming pool contractors.

13. Using your paper tablet and pen, begin to jot down the answers to the questions you ask each company.

14. Compile all of your information and narrow your choices down to three.

15. Call back all three and have them come out to your home (if needed) to give you an accurate estimate.

16. Choose the best swimming pool company to purchase the pool from.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have measured the area where you want to place the pool.
• Know before you call roughly what size pool you are wanting to buy.
• Eighteen foot, above ground oval pools are one the most popular pools on the market.
• Be sure to keep all questions separated on paper to avoid confusion and to make easier to compare notes and complete a cost analysis.
• Only purchase a pool from a reputable contractor who has references that they are willing to share with you.
• Be sure to hire a professional to install your pool if you have never done it before.