When choosing a swimming pool contractor, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is going with someone just because they can meet your deadline.

This time of year, it’s worth the wait for a quality pool builder. If you’ve dragged your feet and waited until the heat has hit Atlanta to plan your swimming pool project, you could make the wrong choice when it comes to choosing a pool builder.

We’ve seen it time and time again, the heat hits Atlanta in May and all of a sudden, everyone wants a pool. You call a reputable pool builder in Atlanta and they tell you that they can’t get started for two to three months. You call another, not so reputable pool builder, and they can start tomorrow. You let your excitement get the best of you and you decide to go with the company that can start tomorrow. It turns out, this pool builder doesn’t know what he is doing and your swimming pool project has become an instant costly nightmare.

Now, you have to find out how you can cancel the contract, but the pool builder has your money. What are you going to do now? You then have to go back to the reputable pool builder and pay more money just to get the pool working correctly. It’s now three months down the line. You’re still not swimming in your pool. And you realize that had you should have gone with the reputable pool builder in the first place. It would have saved you time, stress, and money.

To make a long story short, do your homework when choosing a swimming pool builder in Atlanta, or anywhere for that matter. Here are some things to consider when choosing a pool contractor:

1. Ask for references. Also, ask to see current projects that are under construction. It would be helpful to interview past and present clients. Past clients can tell you if they experienced any problems with the company and you can see the completed project. A present client can tell you if they are currently experiencing any problems with the pool contractor. You can see if they are causing damage to the existing landscape, their workmanship, and neatness of the the job site. A reputable company should be fine with any of these requests.

2. Ask them if they are insured and how much insurance they carry. You may even want to ask them for a certificate of insurance, if you suspect they are shady.

3. Ask them about their warranty. Make sure that the warranty offered meets industry standards. Read the fine print on the contract in reference to the warranty, before signing.

4. Make sure they will be obtaining a building permit. You cannot build a swimming pool without a building permit.

5. Do not go with the cheapest company out there. There is an adage that states “If you think the cost of a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.”

6. Ask what the down payment will be and what the payment terms of the contract will be ahead of time. It should be a red flag if they are asking for more than 15% before they even start the project.

7. Are they pressuring you with high pressure sales tactics? This is another red flag…..run!

8. When comparing bids from other companies, make sure you are comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges. Some companies pull the bait and switch tactic. They will lure you in with a good sales price, then add costly changes later. Make sure you ask questions.

9. Do your research on the internet. Look on the internet for horror stories about the company. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints against them.

So, as you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a pool contractor. After all, an inground swimming pool is a big investment. You want to make sure you are getting quality craftsmanship and a high level of professionalism. Don’t go with a company simply because they can start tomorrow! You may regret it later.

Please share your swimming pool project success stories with us. Or, your nightmare stories. We at Watercolors Custom Pools would love to hear from you!