Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Pool Contractor

Not everyone is lucky enough to have their own private swimming pool. In some areas the winter weather makes the prospect of an outdoor pool downright ludicrous. But even if you live in a region that enjoys temperate climes year-round, you still need yard space large enough to accommodate a pool, as well as the cash or credit line to build and maintain this pricy aquatic structure. That said, if you’re keen to beat the summer heat with the aid of your own backyard oasis and you’re prepared to pay the price to install and support a pool, there’s no reason not to move ahead. You just need to find an appropriate contractor to design and construct your pool and the surrounding area. Of course, finding the right vendor for the job isn’t as easy as flipping through the Yellow Pages. There are several common mistakes you’ll want to avoid in the process. Here are a few to steer clear of when hiring a pool contractor. The first thing you need to do is comparison shop. As with any major purchase, you should take your time, do your research, and find the best product or service at the best price. A good place to start is by soliciting trusted referrals from family members, friends, and coworkers. Unfortunately, you may have a hard time finding others who have had a pool built. Even if your friends have pools in their yards, the majority likely purchased a property with a swimming pool already installed. In this case you could call your local Chamber of Commerce for suggestions on reputable vendors, and you should probably check into any contractors that interest you by seeking out reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, Yelp, or Angie’s List, just for example. You’ll also want to get several bids for your job. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for the person you plan to hire, and see a proposal for building, as well as an estimated price for the project. Before you go ahead and hire someone, however, there are a couple more important issues you need to attend to. First, you should make sure that any contractor you hire is licensed and bonded in accordance with your state laws. In truth, you probably want these criteria met even if your state doesn’t require it for the simple fact that licensed contractors are proved competent through testing, while those who are bonded take on the liability for their crew while operating on your property. As the homeowner, you could be held financially responsible in the event that a worker is injured on your property. A bonded contractor takes on this burden so you don’t have to. Finally, you need to make sure you have a signed contract in place before your pool contractor gets to work. This document not only outlines the work to be done, the cost of the project, and the timeline for completion, but it also acts as your legal protection in the event of a dispute. Without it you’ll have a hard time proving your case. You won’t need a contract later on to secure the Splash Super Center products that will keep your pool clean and your water balanced, but you definitely need one in place to ensure that your pool is built to your specifications and you don’t get charged a lot more than you originally agreed to pay.