Whether your pool needs a small pick-me-up or a full overhaul, you want to choose the contractor that you know will get the job done on time and to your satisfaction. Whether you’re worried about customer service, the quality of the finishes, or the cost to replaster pool surfaces, everyone has their own checklist for choosing the right pool repair expert. If you’re not sure where to start on your search, here are five basic things you should always look for when hiring a pool contractor for your pool restoration project.

1. Good customer reviews

This is often the first thing that homeowners look at when assessing potential contractors, and for good reason. Looking through customer reviews on third-party websites such as Yelp and Google will help you gauge the company’s workmanship, customer service, and timeliness. Many companies will have testimonials on their website, but these are hand-picked by the company to paint them in the best light. They can be a valuable resource for seeing the best projects that each company is capable of executing, but they shouldn’t be relied on as an unbiased source of customer criticism. When choosing a pool repair service, opt for one with largely favorable online reviews.

2. Years of experience

It’s not enough to just have a 5-star rating; you want to make sure that your potential contractor has a large number of ratings and years of industry experience. A contractor that’s new to the field and has two 5-star reviews may have a higher average rating than someone with thousands of ratings averaging 4.5 stars, but the consistency in their workmanship and the years of invaluable experience make the latter contractor a clear choice. The more projects a contractor has done, the more knowledge they have to implement when replastering your pool. Navigating the project and preparing for potential delays or obstacles will be easier for them, and therefore easier on you. So Cal Pool Plaster has been in the industry since 2007 and has completed thousands of diverse projects throughout Southern California. 

3. Competitive estimate

The cost to replaster pool surfaces can vary widely, so it’s important that you choose a pool contractor that is within your budget. It’s usually not advised to choose the contractor with the highest estimate, but it’s also ill-advised to choose the cheapest estimate just because it’s the cheapest. Sometimes the most affordable rate can be the best choice, but that’s only if it’s paired with other factors such as consistently good reviews, years of industry experience, and a satisfaction guarantee. Look for a pool contractor that ticks all of these boxes and offers a competitive estimate within your price range.

4. Licensed & Insured

Another important factor to verify before you hire a contractor is whether they’re fully licensed and insured. Never hire an unlicensed contractor. If they don’t have their license number clearly listed on their website and if they refuse to give it to you upon inquiry, be very wary. Trustworthy contractors will always provide their license number and insurance information upon request, if it isn’t already readily available on their website.

5. Satisfaction Guarantee

Another crucial thing to look for in a reliable pool repair specialist is a satisfaction guarantee or warranty. Any installed finishes should come with a manufacturer warranty, and the information should be provided to you or clearly listed somewhere on their website. If they don’t offer any kind of warranty or satisfaction guarantee, choose a different contractor. 

So Cal Pool Plaster has provided residents of Southern California with reliable, 5-star service since 2007. We are fully licensed and offer a limited warranty on all of our pool restoration services. If you’d like to know the cost to replaster pool surfaces or learn about any of our other restoration services, give us a call today at (714) 312-3898 for a free estimate.