So you’re thinking about getting a pool? Great. Congratulations seriously, we’re happy for you. But, before you sign a contract with anyone make sure you’ve done your research. When vetting your pool builders we recommend following the pric method (and not just because we invented it and, its catchy). PRIC stands for;
- Payment Terms
- References & Experience
- Insurance and,
- Contract
It’s better to feel the PRIC now than the sting of a build gone wrong! Let’s look at these questions in turn.
P – Payment Terms
What payment milestones are required?
When planning your pool project, understand and be cautious of payment milestones. A reputable pool company typically won’t ask for more than a 10% down payment before work begins. If a contractor demands significantly more, it could indicate poor cash flow and potential financial instability.
The payments you make during construction should also reflect the project’s progress. Be wary of large up-front draws that don’t match the work completed; for example, if you’re asked to pay 80% of the cost when only 20% of the work is done, Being so out of pocket before work is completed leaves you at larger financial risk if the business folds before completion.
Finally, ensure that the final payment is substantial enough to incentivize the contractor to finish the job properly. A final draw of at least 10% is recommended.
Are All Costs Included In the Contract?
Don’t get stung by hidden costs and surprise extras. Make sure that you understand exactly what you are signing and what is being delivered in your contract. Grifters are crafty and have been known to leave out important details. You want to ensure that if you are signing a document for a complete installed pool ready to swim it includes any extras that are required for a finished product not just the pool shell or the concrete in the ground but the deck too (unless otherwise agreed). If it’s not in the contract, it’s not real and probably won’t be delivered.
When I make payment does the money go to a business or personal account?
It should worry you if you are paying someone to install your pool straight into their personal bank account. The post-Covid boom in cowboy contractors who left a lot of unfinished (or never started) pool projects and walked away with the money is long. Don’t pay anyone who is asking for money deposited directly into their own bank account, no matter what assurances or excuses they give.
R – References & Experience
Can You Provide References from Clients with Similar Projects?
This is standard for most businesses you interact with especially for large sums of money like a fibreglass or concrete pool is worth. Ask for client references and don’t just rely on Google ratings or testimonials on the website to ensure that the company that you want to sign with
How Long Have You Been In Business and Under What Business Names and Ownership?
This information can be crucial in uncovering a non-trustworthy business. A pool builder that has changed their name and ownership multiple times can be a big red flag. When in doubt go with your gut and be sure to trust but verify. You’re about to invest a significant portion of money into their business its important you know they can be trusted. Services like this one can help you get a company history.
I – Insurance
Who is your insurer? Can you provide a copy of your insurance to me?
There will be many moving parts when having your pool installed and it requires a diverse crew some with experience in only some areas of installation to complete a project. With lots of people, machinery and tools on your property to make your dream pool a reality there is also the increased risk of things going wrong. If an employee, you, your family or a contractor is injured by accident you want to know they are covered.
Beyond your property and project, it’s important to know your pool builder has insurance. Insurance that could cover their business from going under if, on another project, someone is hurt or injured, if their workers get in an accident if their business (and your build) are interrupted by a fire or averse weather (the builder would need to still pay rent on facilities, salaries etc).
C – Contract Clarity
What warranties do you offer?
Warranties, everyone wants one but doesn’t want to have to use it. Which makes sense but do make sure you have one and, that you know what it covers. There are three types of warranties you should ask about when getting your pool installed and we like to think of them as the MEW warranties. MEW stands for Manufacturer, Equipment and Workmanship you’ll want to ask about each.
Manufacturers Warranty
When asking about the warranty for a fiberglass pool you want to remember that there are two manufacturer warranties; the gel-coat warranty and, the structural warranty. The gel coat is the weatherproof coating that keeps your pool color from fading over time due to the sun and chemicals in the water. The structural warranty will cover the shell itself from warping, bubbles or other serious issues.
When reviewing a manufacturer warranty you want to look out for the details that can leave you in the lurch if your fiberglass pool does need repairs. Ask things like; in the event that my pool needs repairs who covers the cost of draining the pool for repairs or replacement? And, who covers the cost of water and chemicals to fill the pool afterwards?
Equipment Warranty
Pools come with a lot of extra stuff. It’s not just a hole in the ground with water the entire pool ecosystem consists of machinery and equipment that should last you years before needing a replacement. Things like the pool pump, filter, lights etc. Each of those should have a warranty from their manufacturer.
Workmanship Warranty
This is the guarantee of the pool builder’s work and should cover major issues like leaks, cracks and structural settlement. A builder that doesn’t stand by their work and provide a workmanship warranty of more than 1-year is a red flag. In many cases, issues like the above won’t even begin to show until after that 1-year mark. Before accepting the workmanship warranty of any builder be sure to ask;
- What is the duration of the swimming pool builder’s workmanship warranty?
- What specifically does the pool builder’s workmanship warranty cover?
- What happens in the event that a repair is needed? (who pays to replace water, chemicals, repair yard, etc)?
Will you provide a plan showing how you plan to install the entire project?
This is as much for your benefit as it is theirs. The busy season for pools is Summer and in the helter-skelter of the busy season, things get overlooked. Pool builders should have a clear plan for your pool installation. They should know and be able to show you;
- The exact pool location
- The location of the pump and filter system
- The elevation (or height) of the pool in relation to your existing yard
- The planned patio dimensions
- The access lane for construction
- The fence layout or retaining walls
- Any deck and yard drainage
This company here has some great examples of CAD designs demonstrating a pool plan and what you should expect to see. Here is an example of a pool layout plan from their website;
Uncommon Questions From Other Pool Owners
Aside from the common questions found in our PRIC method, we scoured the internet in forums, Q&A’s and videos to bring you some lesser-known questions that pool owners have wished they asked their pool builders. I don’t recommend you ask all of these but, maybe sprinkle a few in if you can’t find the answers in your contract or it’s not covered in your sales call or site inspection.
- How much pool equipment does the contract cover and of what brand and model?
Knowing what you are agreeing to, and what will be installed can help you if things go wrong with you equipment (make sure you register things like your pool pump with the manufacturer too btw). Knowing how many pool lights and return jets before install can help you catch problems early like a pool with dead spots in circulation (requiring more jets) or one that doesn’t have enough lighting at night. - Will you be using a concrete pump truck or will the installers use wheelbarrows? (Pump truck was an additional 900).
This goes back to our contract clarity, as some builders will add on the cost of a pump truck for cement which they didn’t originally quote. Knowing that your contract covers ALL extras and that your pool builder has a plan to install your pool ahead of time can help you if something like this comes up. - Where will additional materials be disposed of?
Additional concrete (or any material) and its disposal should be agreed on. In some cases you might want any extra rock or concrete but in most cases people just want a clean install and to get on with swimming. Ask what’s standard for your pool builder when there are additional materials left over. - What methods will you use to avoid damaging my lawn as much as possible?
One person on Reddit reported they had about 4m of crushed rock placed on their lawn, which was all used as part of the installation, but in the ferrying to and fro it sounds like many of them landed on the lawn and was left there. Not pleasant when you’re mowing next!