5 Questions to Ask Swimming Pool Contractors Before Starting Your Pool Project
What homeowner doesn’t dream of a pristine poolscape they can dive into during the hot summer? The only thing standing between you and this dream is finding the right pool contractor. Hiring a trusted professional for pool construction or pool restoration is essential to getting the most out of your backyard renovation.
But how do you know you’ve found the right pool contractor? Fortunately, we’ve compiled a guide to the top questions you should ask a potential pool contractor to determine whether they’re right for you. The answers to these questions will inform you of the quality and experience you’ll get from a given company. Use this guide to find the pool construction services needed to create or update your backyard oasis!
What is the estimated timeline?
As you may expect, constructing or updating your pool will take significant time. Your swimming pool may be unusable for weeks, so it’s important to ask your pool contractor how long their service will take. Based on their answer, consider which season would be best for pool restoration or construction so you can plan for the least disruption possible.
While a shorter timeline may be appealing, it may signify subpar service. These contractors are either unrealistic about what’s needed or — even worse — prone to rushing, which will produce a less-than-optimal poolscape. Get multiple quotes and compare timelines to ensure they’re all within a reasonable range.
What warranties do you offer?
You want to ensure that your pool is covered after construction is complete, which is why it’s important to ask about which warranties a company offers. These offer reassurance that, should something go wrong or issues go unnoticed during pool restoration, you can get them fixed without spending more money.
Learn whether pool warranties solely cover pool finishes or if they also cover equipment like filtration systems and speed pumps. You should also ask about the duration of these warranties, what work they cover, how to make a warranty claim, and what exceptions, if any, exist. This information empowers you to make the best decision for your home.
Which suppliers do you work with?
You can learn a lot by knowing which suppliers a pool contractor works with and whether they frequently change suppliers. The suppliers provide clues as to which pool finishes and other materials they use, and whether they offer high-quality pool tiles and advanced pool coping or cheaper alternatives that aren’t worth investing in.
If a pool contractor continuously changes suppliers, this may indicate poor business practices or a habit of paying suppliers late, which doesn’t inspire confidence in their construction practices. You’ll want to choose a pool contractor who maintains high business integrity, pays their suppliers on time, and utilizes honest practices.
How do you handle unexpected problems or delays?
No matter how prepared they may be, even the best pool contractors experience issues or delays. The important thing is how they handle these unexpected problems. Ask your potential contractor what contingency plans they put in place to handle defective components, delayed supplies, and other possible issues.
Knowing that your contractor has contingency plans will inspire greater confidence in your investment, reassuring you that they have the tools and experience to handle your pool restoration project. It may go without saying, but avoid any pool contractors who don’t have contingency plans, as this indicates ignorance or overconfidence — neither is good!
Do you offer ongoing pool maintenance?
Over time, your pool will need regular maintenance to preserve its appearance, cleanliness, and functionality. Discussing whether your builder provides ongoing maintenance will prepare you ahead of time for these necessary pool repairs. You may also be able to work out a special deal with your contractor if you hire them to complete regular pool restoration services.
An expert pool contractor should also inform you of the daily maintenance practices you can complete to prevent deterioration. These include cleaning practices that help your pool stay fresh throughout the seasons and reduce the frequency of professional maintenance and repairs.
If you need pool restoration and repair services, SoCal Pool Plaster can help! We have over 15 years of experience with residential and commercial pools. Our exceptional service is backed by high-quality pool finishes and a meticulous, detail-oriented process. If you have questions or concerns about pool construction, our friendly customer support specialists are happy to offer their expertise. Call SoCal Pool Plaster today at 714-617-8182 or contact us online.