Tip #2 of 10 tips on buying and selecting the right contractor to build a swimming pool

TIP # 2: Get at least 3 references to help you accurately assess the pool builder’s workmanship and customer service.

Ask the references about how and why they picked this contractor and about their experience work with the contractor. Find out if any issues came up during the project and how they handled the issues. Ask if they would have done anything differently in hindsight. If you cannot see the finished swimming pool project first hand, ask the pool contractor for pictures. The nature of references is that almost every reference will be positive. Do not depend on references to be a critical analysis of the pool contractor. The reference should give you an idea of how the contractor works on the project and how specific projects and issues were handled. Also, ask for trade references to show relationships within the pool industry, ask for architects, engineers and project managers that have real working relationships with the pool company to show the strength of the pool company’s business.

Snow Blizzard of 2010- Dreaming of warmer days

I think we are ready for the Spring and Summer to arrive. Here are a couple of links that will help you dream of the warm days of summer.


http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/beach/clusters/ocean-sunset-summer

http://www.rhapsody.com/playlistcentral/playlistdetail?playlistId=ply.8615888

http://www.elitepools.com

FLICKR site is up and running

Elite Pools has created a FLICKR site for managing the ever changing portfolio of new inground pool pictures. Please click the site below to see pictures of vinyl, concrete and fiberglass swimming pools.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitepools/

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns that you would like to see posted to the blog!

Tip #1 of 10 tips on buying and selecting the right contractor to build a swimming pool

Tip#1- Seek out at least bids from pool contractors.

Swimming pool construction is handled by specialized swimming pool contractors who are experienced in ground conditions and climate of the region. Make sure that your contractor has experience building swimming pools especially the type of swimming pool that you are interested in installing. When you get your bids, look carefully at each swimming pool estimate to assure that you accurately compare one estimate with the next. It is very easy to miss details when comparing estimates. You may even want to create a swimming pool spreadsheet to compare one pool estimate to other pool estimates. Pay special attention to the types of materials that the contractor will use to construct the pool; project extras such as water to fill the pool, special features, energy efficient pumps, going green, salt systems, patio/decking; warranties on the swimming pool and equipment; project timelines and the types of pool equipment that the pool contractor will use such as pool filter, the pool pump, number of skimmers, returns, turnover rates, number of lights, steps, swimming pool vacuums, etc. Many companies will entice a buyer with low prices and then increase the price dramatically with extras that may be included in another pool company’s base pricing- make sure you compare the bids equally across the board. Try to use a company that sells the pool as a whole package to get better pricing or has an all-inclusive policy.

Graduate Level Pool Building

Elite Pools is proud to be featured in Aqua Magazine’s February Issue. This article features 3 high-end pool builders that use “graduate-level” pool building techniques to accomplish beautiful projects.

Please click the link below to read the complete article. The article featuring Elite Pools starts on Page 54.

http://www.aquamagazine.com/digitalissue/0210