Guide to Choosing the Best Pool Contractor in 2024

If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a resort-style oasis, you first need to choose the best pool contractor for the type of pool you want to be installed! We’ll be the first to let you know: not all inground pool builders in North Carolina are the same. And the differences could cost you!

That’s why we’ve put together this 2024 guide to choosing the best pool contractor for your needs! If you haven’t found the best pool builder that you feel you can trust, then review this checklist on how you can choose who to work with. 

Or contact Parrot Bay Pool contractors in North Carolina! Our experts in fiberglass pool installations are here to help you by providing tips to choose the best pool contractors. If you’re in Raleigh, Holly Springs, Pittsboro, Greensboro, Benson, or the surrounding areas, visit our pool design showroom or contact us today! We can start the pool installation process on our in-stock fiberglass pools in as little as 30 days! 

How to Choose a Pool Contractor in North Carolina

The best way to start the pool installation process is to know what you want, what your property has space for, and what your budget allows. This goes hand-in-hand with choosing the best pool contractor for your needs. If the company in question doesn’t offer pool installation financing or the water features you want in your new inground pool… then you can rule them out.

The overall criteria for choosing your pool contractor should be to choose the candidate who: 

• Works within your budget while giving you realistic expectations of the final result. 
• Has availability to fit into the timeline you want. 
• Can provide references and images of pools they’ve installed in the area. 
• Your gut tells you is trustworthy. 
• Does not sound “too good to be true” (because it likely is). 

1. Pool Financing

An inground pool is an investment in your future. Whether you want to host block parties, exercise, or create a space for the family to spend time together, a pool is always worth the investment. That said, it’s imperative that you know your budget before choosing to install an inground pool. A quality pool contractor will offer various pool financing options, but it still comes down to your wants and what your space will allow. 

2. Pool Size & Water Features

If you want an Olympic-sized swimming pool with multiple water features, tanning ledges, and a swim-up bar… but you live on a quarter-acre lot, you’re going to need to revisit your game plan. Take measurements of your property and how much space you want your inground pool to claim. Once you know how much space you have for an inground pool, you can think about the types of water features that will complement your new lifestyle. 

3. Know the Type of Inground Pool

At Parrot Bay Pools, we only install fiberglass pools. Why? Because fiberglass pools are lower maintenance than other types of pools and are extremely durable. A fiberglass pool is your long-haul option. There are other types of pools such as concrete or vinyl, but we always urge potential customers to think about the long-term benefits of a fiberglass pool. 

4. Look for Reviews

It may sound obvious, but the best first step in finding inground pool contractors is to look online at reviews. How many reviews have been left and how high is the company’s rating? Are there customers that have had major issues such as a pool builder abandoning the jobsite? Look for customers who update their reviews over time to check on the quality and durability of the pool installation. 

Narrow down your top three choices of pool builders in your area. Looking at their websites and reviews from other locals who have worked directly with the business is a great way to get a first glance at the kind of work and customer service you can expect with each specific inground pool contractor. 

If you do not trust the word of strangers, reach out to any friends or family members in the area who have had a pool installed within the last few years– getting referrals for good work done or getting warnings against nightmare contractors you want to avoid will come easily from anyone who has gone through the experience of having a pool installed. 

Either call the pool installation business directly, or visit their local pool showroom to discuss your needs, ask any initial questions, and set up a time for an inground pool consultation. 

5. Get Several Estimates

Consulting with a few different recommended or positively reviewed contractors is a great way to start narrowing down your search for the best inground pool installers for you. While one business or contractor may not be “better” than another, each pool company will likely have a different approach to how they design and install inground fiberglass pools and how they work with their clientele. 

You are making a large purchase on something important to you– so it’s vital that you give yourself some options by looking at a few highly recommended pool installers in your area and narrowing your search down further based on a few criteria. When you get several estimates, you are able to discern among the pool installers to pick the one that best suits the need of you, your family, and your home. 

FAQ: Choosing the Best Pool Contractors

What kinds of questions should I ask a pool contractor?

To choose a quality swimming pool builder or contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions. 

Some of the initial questions you should ask prior to committing to a pool installation expert are: 

• How many years of experience do your company and your contractors have building swimming pools?
• Will you work with me on the design of my pool?
• Is your company licensed and are your contractors certified to install inground pools? 
• Do you warranty your workmanship?
• What’s the price to build the pool I want?
• What is the timeframe for building the pool I want? 
• Do you have a portfolio and list of references of pools you’ve installed that I can see? 

Is it better to work with a large pool installation company or a smaller, local pool builder?

Great pool contracting companies come in all sizes. Don’t rule a company out just because you think it’s too big or too small. 

If it seems like they are not trustworthy or do not respond to your attempts at communication within a reasonable time frame or if they seem very eager to please you and promise you everything you want, it’s important to tread lightly and listen to your instincts, no matter the company size.  

Should I work with a pool contractor that uses subcontractors?

Many pool contractors use subcontractors. However, this can be a major red flag in their reliability and consistency. Be wary when looking into companies that work with subcontractors.

Should I ask my pool installer for references?

Yes! A reputable and trustworthy pool contractor will not only encourage you to read online reviews about their company but also can provide you with references of people they’ve installed fiberglass pools for in the past. 

What types of questions should I ask the references provided by a pool installer?

The references of pool contractors should have some valuable insights into the quality, timeliness, and professionalism of the contractor and business. 

Some of the questions you might ask pool installation contractor references are: 

• If they recommend this pool builder, and if they’d use them again.
• The type of pool and options they had installed.
• What went well during the construction experience– and what did not go so well. 
• If the project was completed on time and on budget.
• If there were any problems with the project, and how the contractor handled those obstacles.
• If the builders showed up on time and were courteous while they were there.
• If the business responded to communication efforts or avoided and failed to return your calls. 

Should my inground swimming pool installer have insurance?

Yes! Ask your pool installers if they have liability insurance and worker’s comp insurance, as well as what licensing and certifications they have. Professional pool installers will not flinch when asked these questions– they’ll be happy to prove to potential clients of their professionalism and credentials. 

What should I know before signing a contract with a pool installer?

Reputable pool installers will provide you with a good amount of written documentation about their products and service– including a contract that ensures they will get paid for their work. It’s important to take the time needed to read through and understand all of the written communications and documents provided by your pool installation company. 

It’s equally important not to sign a contract or any document if you are not satisfied with the quality of communication or the answers to the questions you’ve asked. Just because you have an initial consultation with one pool contractor does not mean you are in any way required to sign a contract and hire them for their service. You should feel comfortable with the decision to agree to a legally binding contract where you pay for the work provided. 

Schedule a Consultation with Our Fiberglass Pool Contractors!

Are you ready to take the plunge? Schedule a consultation with our pool installation company! We want to help you get a better idea of how an inground fiberglass pool can help you change your life. Contact us today by calling (919) 888-0327, visiting our pool showroom in Benson, or scheduling a virtual consultation online.