Swimming pool construction is a big business. In fact, it involves digging a large hole inside your garden and your wallet. Therefore, if you plan to have a pool, it should at least look attractive. Swimming pool construction is something that requires effort not only from the contractor you intend to hire, but also from you.
If you need a pool and it’s your first time into this construction business (heh!), Here are several guidelines to make sure your money, time, and effort are well spent.
• Choose the style of your pool. Will your pool be a no-frills sports center-type pool, or are you adding rocks and plants in the pool to make it look like a pond? Determine if you prefer a regular pool (rectangular, circular, or square) or one that is more irregular in shape.
• Calculate your reasons. You should already have an idea of how much space your pool will take up before hiring a contractor. Do you want a pool that consumes a large part of your backyard or just a part of it? Will your ideal pool fit the room you have, or will you have to scale it down a bit?
• DO NOT rely too heavily on your contractor’s opinion, but DO pay attention to ideas. It’s still your pool, not theirs. That said, contractors know how to make your vision look better (or more doable). Defer your judgment on things like better resources, etc., but be aware of when it is necessary.
• Ask your friends or someone you know who has built a pool in the past about excellent pool construction companies. Ask for reviews and recommendations. Find out if concerns were raised and how they were resolved.
• Visit contractor websites and look for reviews and testimonials.
• DO NOT employ a builder without getting feedback from previous customers. We understand this can be difficult (especially in areas where businesses don’t advertise online), but if you can’t get a printed review, at least have a spoken one.
• DO NOT hire contractors without confirming if they are registered.
• You MUST put all agreements in writing so that you have something to hold on to in the event your contractor breaks an agreement.
• Have a practical method for building swimming pools. You don’t have to be there every day (especially if you have work and / or other things you have to do), but at least maintain a regular presence.
• Monitor the progress of the pool construction. Ask about explanations for each delay.
• Keep track of your expenses. Numerous pool construction projects exceeded the simple budget as the owner had not monitored the contractor’s expenses. Your builders should talk to you before purchasing materials that exceed your budget. If you see construction delays, check how much it is going to cost you.
