How to Choose the Best Pool Builder: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the weather might be chilly and wet at the moment, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to make your dream pool a reality. Besides budgeting and assessing your yard’s suitability, that means starting to look for the best pool company near you. Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and good old-fashioned referrals can all help you find a company that offers comprehensive service and has a track record of success.
If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, there’s no better company to turn to than White’s Pools. We’re a team of third-generation pool builders, and our designers and constructors have worked alongside Atlanta homeowners to build award-winning pools and spas for years.
Today, we’re here to walk you through the essential questions to ask a pool contractor, as well as what the swimming pool construction timeline looks like. Read on to get started!
The Essential 10 Questions to Ask Your Pool Builder
When trying to find the best pool builder, there are several questions you’ll want to ask before committing to a company. These include:
- Are you licensed and insured?
A reputable pool builder should be licensed and carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects your home and everyone on the job. - Can you provide a detailed, written estimate?
Written estimates are essential and should outline costs, materials, labor, and allowances. You want to know exactly what you’re paying for! - What is the projected swimming pool construction timeline from start to finish?
While timelines can vary and are dependent on weather, permits, and design, a professional builder should still be able to offer a realistic schedule. They should also keep you updated throughout the process in the event of any changes. - Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
You should have a dedicated representative to answer questions, coordinate crews, and relay progress. - Do you handle the permitting process?
Most experienced pool builders manage permits and inspections on your behalf. They should factor this into the swimming pool construction timeline they provide. - What does your warranty cover and for how long?
Warranties should clearly explain coverage for workmanship, materials, and equipment, along with their respective timeframes. - Can you provide a list of recent references in my area?
Online reviews are great, but local references allow you to hear firsthand accounts of a builder’s quality, reliability, and customer service. - How do you handle unexpected issues or delays?
The best pool builder will clearly explain how they communicate challenges, adjust timelines, and work towards solutions if issues arise. - What is not included in this quote?
Clarifying exclusions upfront helps prevent surprises related to upgrades, landscaping, utilities, or additional features. - What type of pool finish/equipment do you recommend and why?
An experienced builder will recommend options based on durability, maintenance needs, energy efficiency, and how you plan to use your pool.
Understanding the Swimming Pool Construction Timeline
Once you choose a pool builder, you can transition to the exciting part: working with them to build the backyard oasis of your dreams!
While every project is unique, most residential pools follow a similar sequence. Barring special circumstances, you can expect a build to take around 8-12 weeks. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Planning and Design (1-3 Weeks)
During the first few weeks, you’ll meet with contractors for consultations, site evaluations, and design development. The company will also select materials and finishes and finalize the budget. Afterward, plans for permitting will be prepared.
Permitting (2-6 Weeks)
Local permits and inspections are required before construction can commence. Timelines can vary greatly here, but our experienced team can keep the process moving as quickly as possible.
Excavation (1 Week)
Once contractors secure the necessary permits, they’ll mark the pool area and begin excavating. This is the first stage where you see your backyard begin to transform.
Structural Work (1-2 Weeks)
This stage includes everything from forming and steel reinforcement to plumbing and electrical rough-ins. Following inspections, the pool shell is installed.
Curing Period (1-3 Weeks)
Curing is a crucial part of the swimming pool construction timeline \– it’s where the finish hardens, helping ensure long-term strength and stability. This is an important step that should never be rushed.
Decking/Finishing (2-4 Weeks)
By this point, the bulk of your pool will be in place, and the team will begin to add decorative elements like tile and surrounding decking. This will help connect the pool with the rest of your outdoor space.
Equipment Installation and Final Touches (1-2 Weeks)
Final \– but important \– touches like pumps, filters, heaters, lighting, and automation systems are installed, followed by interior finishes and final inspections.
Fill and Startup (1 Week)
The final step of the process involves filling the pool, testing its systems, and making sure you have everything you need to operate and maintain it moving forward.
Our team at White’s Pools loves staying connected with homeowners after installation is completed. We can help with future maintenance and are always just a phone call away to answer questions.
Red Flags to Avoid
Not all pool companies are created equal. While the best organizations prioritize professionalism, transparency, and integrity, less reputable ones do the opposite.
As you evaluate pool contractors, watch out for the following red flags:
- Demands for large upfront deposits: While a deposit is normal, be wary of builders who demand a large percentage before work begins. This can sometimes signal cash-flow issues.
- Vague contracts: If costs, materials, or timelines aren’t outlined in writing, it can lead to surprises down the road.
- High-pressure sales tactics: Pools are investments, so if someone tries to force a quick decision without giving you time to review design, estimates, and contracts, it’s a bad sign.
- Lack of communication: Pool construction involves many moving parts. You should always have a point of contact that provides regular updates and is there to answer questions.
- Unrealistic timelines: Quality pool construction can take weeks. Be wary of any promises that sound overly optimistic – you don’t want the builders to cut corners.
- Lack of verifiable references: A strong local presence and recent projects in your area are usually solid indicators of reliability.
Why White's Pools is the Right Choice
While figuring out how to choose a pool builder can feel arduous, we’re here to make it easy. At White’s Pools, we’ve helped Atlanta homeowners bring their dream pools and spas to life for decades. Family-owned and operated, we pride ourselves on making the entire construction process as simple as possible, while offering top-tier customer service along the way. Whether you’re looking for something simple or elaborate, we’re here to help.
Ready to ask us these questions? Schedule your free consultation today!