HOW DO
I SELECT THE RIGHT POOL BUILDER?
- Make sure to interview
your prospective builder carefully and in detail. Here are
a few things to consider:
- What is the company's
reputation in the community?
- Do you know a friend
or neighbor who has used the same company with good results?
If not, can the company provide you with dozens of reliable
references or customer 'report cards'?
- How does the company
treat you as a potential customer?
- How long has the
company been in business and have they done many pools in
your area?
- Will the company
provide you with a clear written estimate so that you're
not confused about what work will be done?
- Will they finish
they project on time?
- Is the company in
good standing with your local Building Department, the State
Department or Contractor's Board?
- Is the company financially
stable so that there's no risk you'll be left with an unfinished
pool if they go out of business?
IF I HAVE
A SMALL OR UNUSUALLY-SHAPED YARD, CAN I STILL HAVE A POOL BUILT?
- Of course, though
sometimes it takes a little more creativity to design to
envision but it's done all the time. Its really becomes
a question to you if it is worth the price to have a pool
built in such a yard.
I HAVE
SEEN ADVERTISEMENTS PROMISING POOLS AT VERY LOW PRICES. SHOULD
I CONSIDER THIS OPTION?
- It is actually
possible to build a pool at a low price but you should be
aware that to build a low-cost pool, equipment, structural
elements, craftsmanship and design are all compromised.
Besides ending up with a pool that doesn't fit your property
due to improper design, using pool quality construction
materials can also put you and your family at risk.
- The old adage is
still true: You get what you pay for. Some companies may
advertise a cheap cost but you almost never get the finished
product you were expecting or hoping for.
Here at
Pontchartrain Pools & Spas, I know the cost difference between
a great job and a poor job doesn't have to be significant. I
will work with you to determine a budget that meets your needs.
We can custom design your pool to fit your financial parameters
so that the end result is a beautiful and dependable custom
pool as well as affordable and within your budget.
I believe
in personally supervising the construction of your pool and
I believe that is one of the most important principles of professional
pool building. Unfortunately, a lot of pool builders don’t
really check on their sub-contractors after each phase. Volume
builders (companies that build hundreds of pools in a relatively
short period of time) are the worst offenders of this principle.
I know it seems that a big builder must be a good choice because
they are so popular, but if you can find a builder that has
good references and only builds maybe 15-20 pools per year like
I do, they will usually personally supervise the construction
of your pool and will be easier to contact regarding questions
or any problems you may have. It’s a lot better than being
lost in the shuffle.
There are
a hand full of pool companies out there, some of which are “national
volume builders”, that use unscrupulous tactics to collect
installment checks as the pool construction progresses. Upon
completion of the gunite phase, it is general practice to pay
the company 40% of the purchase price. After another phase,
they will have you pay 30% more, then another phase at 15% more.
That leaves a final check of 15%. The key word here is “final”.
You would expect upon completion of the pool and when you are
completely satisfied is when you would pay the final check but
that isn’t the case with some of the companies in which
I am referring. They will use that last phase, which is the
plaster phase, as leverage to collect the final check. They
make you pay the final check before plastering the pool, doing
the final cleanup or finishing up any other incomplete work
on your pool. In other words, “no check, no plaster”
I have heard similar stories from many upset customers who were
virtually at the mercy of the company by this point. Be very
clear when discussing these arrangements with your salesperson
about how the installments are to be paid. Get bids from several
different companies and make sure to check references. The permit
department keeps records of the permits pulled by the builders
and that is where you should try to get the references from
and not always from the company. You don’t think they
would give you a bad reference to check out, do you? Service
after the sale is as important as the service during the sale.
You will find that out if you ever have a problem and try to
get someone to fix it.
WHY DO
COST ESTIMATES VARY SO MUCH WHEN THE POOLS SEEM TO BE THE SAME?
The price of a pool
is determined by much more than just the size and shape of
that pool. Unfortunately, many contractors don’t include
important factors that affect cost in the actual estimate
they give you. This also means that you can get hit with hidden
charges after the construction has already begun.
Some
important things to consider are:
- Quality of materials
- Craftsmanship
- Design Expertise
- Underground strength
and durability
- Customer service
- Time required for construction
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT
THE COST OF MY SWIMMING POOL?
Surprisingly, construction
costs for the pool structure itself do not vary greatly from
pool to pool. Prices can be affected slightly by the ease of
access onto your property, demolition requirements prior to
construction and local permit costs. The size and design of
your pool affect the cost as well, but not as much as you might
think. Much of the variation in price is based on what is called
“hardscape”. Hardscape is what is placed around
your pool to enhance it’s design. The size and materials
used in your deck, patios, waterfalls, gazebos, planter walls
and other features can be simple or sensational. As the customer,
you have the greatest influence on your total budget as you
control the design of your pool’s hardscape.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL
OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ADD TO MY POOL?
Technology is changing
at an unprecedented rate and swimming pools are no exception.
Innovative water treatment options, fiber optic lighting, spa
products, remote controls, automatic cleaning systems and many
other options are now available to make your pool easier to
maintain and more enjoyable than ever before. Tell us what you
would like and we can show you how to do it.
I’VE HEARD HAVING
A SWIMMING POOL CAN BE A LOT OF WORK. HOW MUCH WORK IS INVOLVED
IN
OWNING AND CARING FOR A SWIMMING POOL?
In the past, pool maintenance
was more of a choice but with today’s technology and conveniences,
owning a swimming pool is easier than owning a car! Pool chemical
testing and maintenance, cleaning and pre-programmed filtration
and heating can all be automated. Automatic pool cleaners and
various sanitizing devices such as Salt Water Systems also make
your pool simple to maintain. Your only concern will be finding
more time to enjoy your pool or spa!
CAN OR WILL A POOL INCREASE
THE VALUE OF MY HOME?
Most studies show that
a pool will increase the value of your home anywhere between
7% and 15%, depending on where your house is located. It will
also continue to increase in value throughout the years just
like your home.
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