How to Select the Best Pool Builder

When you’re investing in a fiberglass pool for your home, it can be intimidating to choose the best pool builder to suit your needs. Who you choose to work with affects everything from the pool shapes available, to the customer care you receive throughout the process, and the quality of the finished pool installation. If done well, a pool can add value to your property in hot weather climates (like in Raleigh, NC). If not, the pool becomes a hassle with continual maintenance and repairs needed.

With all of these factors, there may be some stress to make sure you choose correctly. We’re here to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when selecting a pool builder. Being diligent at the beginning of the pool buying process will pay off down the road!

Pool Installation Experience

Experience is the most important thing to look for when choosing a pool builder. A few things to keep in mind are:

• How many years has the business been around?
• Have they earned any local awards or recognition?
• How many pools do they install each year?
• Are they licensed with the appropriate board? In North Carolina, for instance, you can look to see if the pool builder has a general contractor license.
• Do they use products that have good marketplace reviews?
• Do they partner with reputable manufacturers?
• Do they specialize in certain types of pools?
• Do they have good reviews from satisfied customers?

Pool builders will state their range of offerings online whether they install concrete, vinyl, and/or fiberglass pools. While some do all, we believe in the long-term benefits of fiberglass pools and specialize solely in them. Doing some research in advance will ensure that your pool builder aligns with the type of pool you’re seeking, along with verifying their ability to complete the project with high-quality work.

Customer Care

Customer service is the cornerstone of any good business. As with any business transaction, the main things to look for are good communication and a willingness to stand by the product they sell:

• Is the pool contractor responsive via phone and email? (Online reviews are a good way to check on communication patterns.)
• Who will be answering the phone when you call?
• Does the pool builder show up on time for scheduled appointments? 
• Do they offer not only a warranty on their service but also workmanship?
• Do they offer a variety of financing options?
• Will they help you with the permitting process?

The easier a pool contractor makes it for you, and the more reliable they are, the less frustration you are bound to experience throughout the installation process. A common complaint within the industry is a lack of communication on the pool builder’s side. One way to avoid this is to confirm whether you’ll be communicating with the actual pool builder or an office assistant. It sounds backward, but you don’t want to be calling up the builder directly. When they’re out on site digging and dealing with cranes, they won’t be able to take your call or will be much less focused on your conversation! Having a full staff on hand ready to help ensures the best service.

Pool Installation Timeline

Especially during the pandemic, demand for pools increased dramatically. Some pool builders not only have to wait for materials but are also booked out for months before they could take on your project due to sheer volume. However, being able to get you on the calendar and finish your pool varies by pool builder.

Some things to consider are:

• Does the pool contractor have its own fleet of delivery trucks to cut out delays? 
• Does the company have enough crews to manage workflow successfully?
• Will the pool builder commit to a start date?
• How long does the pool take to install?
• Do their excavators have built-in GPS for accurate digging, which eliminates delays caused by digging?

Vinyl pools arrive at houses disassembled, which require three to four weeks to complete. Concrete pools take the longest to install since they don’t have any prefabricated parts. The timeline for a concrete pool is roughly three to four months. 

Fiberglass Pool Installation Timeline

Our company specializes in fiberglass pools not only because it’s a high-quality material, but also because the fiberglass shells are quick to get in the ground with just a couple of days needed for installation.

Knowing that there’s such a high demand for pools right now, we keep an inventory of fiberglass pools in-stock to avoid manufacturer delays. We also have three crews and our own fleet of delivery trucks to bypass additional delays. 

Once you’ve decided on the type of inground pool you want, you’ll want to compare apples to apples (comparing only your chosen pool type) when contacting the neighboring pool builders. You can ask how soon you can get on their calendar along with what safeguards they have in place to mitigate delays.

Transparency

Having a pool installed is a big financial commitment. When you’re investing that kind of money, you want to work with a pool contractor who is transparent about costs, what’s included, and project status.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing the contract or final bid for the project:

• Is there a breakdown of costs, including add-ons?
• Are you being charged only for the pool installation and not the cost of patios, retaining walls, or fence work? How much will these finishing details cost?
• Will the pool builder cart away extra materials like dirt and other construction debris?
• Is there a specified completion date? 
• Will you receive regular project status updates?

Installing a pool usually involves a complete upheaval of your backyard. There are several more components to consider than just the pool in order to obtain your backyard oasis. Your pool builder should clearly state what they’re responsible for vs a landscaper or other vendor. This will affect costs along with many other variables depending on the pool features and add-ons you request. We encourage transparency by using an app that lets you see your project’s status and communicate with the Parrot Bay team. That way, your questions are answered throughout the process and you’re not left in the dark.

Final Word: Choosing the Best Pool Builder

When you’re researching pool builders, keep these items in mind to make sure you’re getting the quality and experience you deserve. You’ll be able to say you chose right once you’re swimming in your beautiful new pool! Let’s make that happen. If you’re considering a fiberglass pool, see why we’re the best fiberglass pool builder in Raleigh, NC.