Your family has finally decided to get your very own swimming pool! A large one would mean years and years of joyful summers with your kids, while a small plunge one with swim jets would be nice for fitness and as a focal point for your beautiful backyard landscaping. Whatever reasons you have for investing in an in-ground pool, it is safe to say that it is a huge purchase for all homeowners. Since it is a big investment, you need to ensure that it ends up being the right fit for you and your family’s lifestyle.
Unlike other investments, a swimming pool cannot be returned or exchanged for something else if it doesn’t turn out to be what you imagined. Thus, it is essential that you do your research and take your time choosing and shopping for a new one. You need to carefully weigh your options before taking the plunge, pun intended.
When it comes to building your pool, it is a wise move to hire a professional. To help you choose pool builders to entrust with your plans, here are ten questions you should ask.
1. How long have you been in this business?
You need a trustworthy company with adequate experience in the field under their current name. This is important, as some companies simply change their business names whenever they run into some trouble or receive negative feedback from dissatisfied customers. Thus, the longer the company has been in business, the better. You should also make sure that they are a member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) of Victoria. Membership to SPASA shows that they are committed to upholding the code of ethics imposed by the association. You should also check if the company you hire does the job, or if they’re just hiring other workers.
2. Can I speak to your other clients?
You can ask for references from the company you’re interviewing, and you can also check the number of projects they have completed. You may also inquire if how many references they’ll be happy to give you out of all the pools they’ve finished building. If they are really reputable builders, they will have no problem with giving you details of their satisfied customers. You may speak to their clients and ask about the company’s work ethics and the quality of their projects.
3. What are the inclusions and what costs extra?
Visiting your home for a free site inspection before giving you a quote for your pool project should be no problem for any reputable company. In fact, if your builders refuse to do an inspection before formulating a quote, you should probably think twice.
Being on-site lets the company measure the area you’re planning to use and propose levels, placements, and installation techniques. If any problem arises during the inspection, the representative should be well-equipped to manage it via phone calls to experts, like engineers or construction managers.
The site inspection is also a good time to meet the members of your family. Building a pool is a big step for your loved ones since it can be a place where you will spend a lot of time together. Thus, it is very important that the pool will meet the demands of your lifestyle.
If there are any concerns about your land, the company’s representative might conduct a soil test. According to cityscapespoolsandlandscapes.com.au/, there might be other expenses that will be included in your quote, like “overburden” that covers earthwork costs, “boxing”, which is necessary when one end of the pool is above natural ground level and may need timber boxing for concrete installation, obstructions like gas lines, rock removal, sewer and stormwater pipes and cave-ins.
4. What’s your timeline?
Projects like swimming pools usually take a long time to complete, but you should always have an idea about the finish date. Make sure you have a proposed timeline for your pool before you sign any contract.
5. How can I customize my pool?
You’ll be using your pool for many years, and it will be used by your children and grandchildren too. It’s perfectly fine if you want to have it customized where possible. Ask your potential builder about customization available.
6. What will be the location of the pool?
Hiring a pool builder and starting your project without thorough planning is a recipe for disaster. It is essential that you plan your location carefully before starting the project. During a site inspection, your builder should be able to tell you the best site for your swimming pool, while considering council laws, existing pipes, and cabling and water run-off.
7. What about Landscaping?
You don’t really need to pick with your pool builder if you don’t care how your view will turn out. But if you want your pool to be aesthetically pleasing, you have to hire a company that will be able to deliver excellent results. Your pool should be an eye candy all year round, so make sure to incorporate your landscaping flawlessly to create a pleasing environment. You can always ask for your builder’s help in this aspect
8. What pool design should I use?
The most common answers to this question are rectangular and square pools, but you don’t have to stick with conventional pools. Your builders can help you create something unique that will fit your personality, combining it with the architecture of your home.
9. What should I do about maintenance?
Let’s face it: nobody likes doing maintenance work. Thankfully, today’s technology has decreased the burden of maintaining pools, with a wide array of multi-speed pumps, ionizers or floor pool cleaning systems. Your builders should be able to assist you in finding the best-automated maintenance system.
10. Lastly, what’s my warranty?
Warranties vary, but they are equally important. Coordinate with your builders regarding the scope of your warranty. Make sure to ask about the coverage, duration, and the process of making a claim.
Your swimming pool should be something you and your loved ones can enjoy for a long time. If you hire the right company, you’ll be able to achieve the pool of your dreams. By asking these questions, you will be able to find a company that you’ll be comfortable to work with, and you’ll be enjoying a quick dip in no time!
