What you need to ask your pool contractor
So you have hired a pool contractor. Now what?
We are taught from a young age that if we want the right answer, then ask the right question.
That’s sound advice.
Especially if you’re about to spend tens of thousands of dollars on installing a new pool in your backyard.
It’s easy to get excited and distracted from start to finish.
There’s so much going on that you could miss a thing or two or three — that could come back to haunt you after the project is complete and the contractor gone.
You see, once you acknowledge and sign off on the completion of your pool installation, you have basically agreed that the work is complete to your satisfaction and the contractor is good to go.
Finding a swimming pool builder to work with that you really trust can be a difficult
To help concerned homeowners looking to start their next swimming pool construction project, we’ve created this list of the top questions to ask your contractor ahead of signing a contract and starting a pool project.
10 Important Questions to Ask your Pool Contractor
#1: Are you getting all the necessary permits for the pool installation?
A permit is required for any above ground swimming pool that is capable of holding water with a depth of at least 24 inches.
Above ground swimming pools with sides that are less than 48 inches high will require a safety barrier like those required for inground pools.
For more details on planning for your swimming pool in Simi Valley, refer to this Simi Valley Pool Standard Notes to learn more.
Getting a permit is not difficult, but it does take time away from your day. Additionally, you may not get all the necessary permits.
To that end, ask your pool contractor to pull all the permits necessary to start work.
The added benefit is that your contractor will know exactly what permits to get from the city of Simi Valley so your project proceeds without delay.
#2: How frequent are you workers hauling away all the dirt and debris?
There will be a lot of dirt and debris once the excavation begins.
You need to make sure your contractor picks up the bits and pieces immediately after the digging.
Additionally, during the entire pool installation period, you contractor needs to remove all their trash from your backyard — this should happen every day as the workers complete their daily tasks.
Even though your backyard is under construction, it’s best to keep it as tidy as possible just in case you decide to have a pre-swimming pool backyard party.
The last thing you want is for your family or guests step on a nail or hurt themselves accidentally.
#3: Will you be bringing a portable outhouse for your workers? And if so, how frequently will it be emptied?
Unless you don’t mind dirt, and lots of dirt in your home — ask your contractor to place a portable outhouse so their workers can freely use it whenever they want.
But just having a portable outhouse in front of your isn’t enough. It needs to be cleared out regularly throughout the entire time of your pool construction.
Let’s face it — it stinks.
A sanitary waste truck should be at your home every other day to clean the outhouse. Hygiene is important especially if you have small children running around.
Additionally, respect your neighbors. You wouldn’t like it if your neighbor is undergoing a home renovation and left their outhouse for days on end without getting it cleaned. Right?
Extend that courtesy. Require your contractor to keep your property and it’s surrounding clean.
#4: What time will the day end for your workers?
If you are like me, you want to get things done as quick as possible.
But speed should not be compromise the quality you expect and paid for.
Here’s the fine line that you need to decide for yourself. If your contractor’s workers are willing to work past regular schedule, is that something that you would consider?
The immediate answer might be yes. Or maybe not. Why?
From experience, contractors’ schedule starts around 8am to 5pm on weekdays. In rare occasions, workers may stop by your home on the weekends to finish up odds and ends. But that’s the exception not the rule.
Homeowner tip: As much as the contractor is bonded or licensed, if you ever have to leave the house unattended, it’s recommended that you keep your doors locked. Not that the workers are going to rob your house and clean you out — but this safety precaution will leave no room for misunderstanding both sides.
#5: Do you have contractor discounts I can use to buy pool supplies?
Once your pool is complete, you will need accessories.
Yes, more spending.
You’ll need pool cleaning equipment, pool accessories, safety equipment, toys, and floats. It’s easy to go into a pool store in Simi Valley and go overboard (no pun intended) with everything you want to maintain your pool and enjoy it.
Therefore, after spending so much money on building your pool, you could use all the savings you can get on pool supplies.
Here in Simi Valley, there are three pool supply stores that we recommend.
You will find whatever you need for your new pool there. From pool maintenance and lights to floats and pool games.
Ask your pool contractor if they get discounts at pool supply stores. You could save 10% to 15% off your entire purchase if there’s a discount.
You could end up saving a couple of hundred dollars.
#6: Can you provide a copy of your contractor insurance?
Never work with a pool builder in Simi Valley or any other area without full licensing and insurance.
You can be liable for any number of potential accidents that could occur during your pool installation if you hire a contractor without a license or insurance.
If one of the workers fell down and broke his leg, you could be liable for the injury. Or if a worker dropped a hammer on his toes, you could be liable for his medical bills.
Any professional pool building company in Simi Valley will always have both, and you should be able to ask this question upfront and get proof without any issues.
#7: Will you be using subcontractors? If so, are they licensed and bonded?
Most pool contractors will hire subcontractors for plumbing and electrical, at the very least.
So you need to ask your contractor if their license is an umbrella, which covers their subcontractors as well. And if it does not, then you need to ask the subcontractors for their own license.
It is important to protect yourself and know that you are covered.
There is a slim chance anything will go wrong — these are professional reputable pool contractors.
In a city like Simi Valley, they want to keep their reputation pristine so you might give them a glowing review online and refer them to your friends.
#8: Can I get an itemized breakdown of all parts, materials, labor costs and services?
Don’t assume anything. Ask for an itemized breakdown of everything that you are paying for.
A reputable pool contractor will not fight you on this.
It keeps them on their toes — by reviewing where every dollar is spent.
Seeing a itemized report will give you an excellent idea about what your contractor is doing with your money.
Consequently, as you research pool construction and learn more about it, you will gain knowledge about certain brands and quality to look for.
For instance, if your contractor recommends you install a Hayward Swim Clear cartridge pool filter, you will not look at him starry eyed, pretending to nod your head but now having a lick of clue about it.
Or something as cheap as a pool basket.
If workers are putting in over time, make sure that your contractor notifies you. It’s also important that you negotiate in advance if you will be paying for the over time.
Generally, you are bound by the final price in the contract. So if workers need to work extra hours to meet your deadline, the contractor is responsible for the additional costs.
But it doesn’t hurt getting all labor costs itemized as well.
It doesn’t matter how cheap or expensive anything is — when it comes to spending money for your pool, you need to know about it.
A complete breakdown will give you complete visibility into your pool costs and hold your contractor accountable for their services.
#9: If there are any damages to the yard or landscaping will you repair them?
They better! Read your contract thoroughly and ask your contractor to point out and highlight the section that addresses this question.
If your drive way cracks during construction, or your potted plants get knocked over, or your side gate gets damaged — everything that has nothing to do the pool construction area must be in the same condition before and after the work is done.
Your contractor shouldn’t flinch at this question if they are truly bonded. That’s precisely why you need to make sure the pool contractor you end up hiring is covered six ways from Sunday.
#10: How will I be kept informed throughout the entire process?
Nobody likes being kept in the dark.
Especially when you are the one paying tens of thousands of dollars for your new backyard inground pool.
It is extremely important for the builder you’re working with to have a system of communication and organization that coordinates everyone involved in the project.
The project tool can be a note pad, emails, excel, whatever it is. But there must be one so everyone will stay on schedule and be accountable.
This helps keep everyone on the same page with each stage of construction until project completion.
Additionally, whether the communication protocol is frequent visits from the project manager to discuss each stage, or daily phone calls from the main salesperson, this communication is vital for everyone involved.
It’s important to work with a contractor that protects you, the homeowner.
#11: Do you offer pool maintenance
Pool maintenance will be necessary after it has been installed.
It involves regular cleaning, chemical balancing, opening and closing the pool each season and other steps.
If your installation company offers this service it’s an added benefit, and you may be able to save a little money by purchasing a long term maintenance plan through them.
There are many reputable pool maintenance companies in Simi Valley.
The costs of weekly pool maintenance range between $50 to $100 per month, depending on your pool size and what you want done.
#12: Can you give me any former client references?
Speaking with a satisfied customers is one of the best ways to get a good idea of what to expect and how your project will turn out.
Be sure to ask your contractor for a few phone numbers of customers who would be happy to speak with you.
Ask about their experience and how pleased they were with the final result.
Additionally, ask if there were any problems and how the contractor resolved it. Because, part of a great customer experience is about getting the pool completed as much as addressing any problems that may arise.
A smooth project means working through the good and bad moments throughout your pool construction.
Wrapping it up
Use these questions to vet your contractor and you’ll be more likely to work with a pool builder that’s right for the project.
Once you are satisfied with the answers, you have found the contractor that you can trust.
Get ready for your first swim!
