The Ultimate Swimming Pool Builder Vetting Checklist

The Ultimate Swimming Pool Builder Vetting Checklist

Finding A Pool Contractor | Fiberglass Pool Manufacturers

If you are seriously considering an inground swimming pool, you’ve probably discovered that there are a lot of decisions to make!

At the top of this list stands one preeminent question:

How do I select a reputable swimming pool builder?

This question is so important because the expertise and integrity of your pool builder will play a huge role in determining the final outcome of your project.

To assist you in this process, we at River Pools have put together a checklist to help you vet potential pool builders. This checklist is based on our years of collective experience within the fiberglass pool industry, but also from helping hundreds of folks who found us through the internet find reputable swimming pool builders in their area (see more about this below).

So, regardless of where you live or whether you are looking for a concrete, vinyl liner, or fiberglass pool, this checklist will help you identify various criteria to look for when selecting your swimming pool builder.

Okay, let’s jump right in!

The Ultimate Swimming Pool Builder Vetting Checklist

Contractor Name: ___________________________________________________________

1. Business Information and Experience

__ The company is licensed and insured

Note: ask if the name on the license is the same as the company name. If not, find out why.

__ Find out how many years the company has been in business

Years in business: __________

Note: 43% of contractors fail within the first three years after start-up

2. Customer References

Ask the following questions of the pool builder:

How many pools have you installed since in business? __________
How many were installed last year? _________
Of those installations, how many references can you provide? ________

Note: if the swimming pool builder provides less than half of their customers as references, we consider this to be a red flag. Our experience has been that the vast majority of people when asked are willing to go on a reference list. In our opinion, providing less than half of the customers as references equates to less than a 50% chance of being happy in the end.

__ Call at least 10 references

When Calling References, Be Sure To Ask The Following:

If you could do it over, would you use the pool builder again?
What did you enjoy about the experience?
What was least enjoyable?
What pool, options, and accessories did you choose?
What would you do differently?
How did the pool builder handle challenges and problems when they arose?

For more guidance regarding obtaining and calling references, read The One Key to Choosing a Swimming Pool Contractor Without Getting Ripped Off.

3. Reviews and Ratings

__ Collectively, the swimming pool builder has at least a 5:1 good review to bad review ratio

__ They responded reasonably to negative reviews when possible

4. Products Used By Pool Builder

__ The products the pool builder uses have good reviews in the marketplace

__ The customer references you called gave the products used by the builder positive ratings

__ The products are backed by competitive warranties

5. Workmanship Warranty

Note: a workmanship warranty would cover issues that could arise such as pool movement, plumbing leaks, structural problems with the patio, etc. The minimum workmanship warranty by law in most states is one year.

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)? _________________________________________________________________________

6. Installation Practices

Does the swimming pool builder have any installation or construction practices that distinguish them from the competition? ________________________________________________________________________
Are these practices relevant? ________________________________________________________________________

Our unique installation methodology literally locks your pool into place.

7. Design and Project Planning

__ The Swimming Pool Builder will present a plan to you before the project begins showing the following:

exact pool location
location of pump and filter system
the elevation (or height) of the pool in relation to your existing yard
patio dimensions
access lane for construction
fence layout if applicable
retaining walls if applicable
deck and yard drainage if applicable

For a more detailed explanation, check out Inground Pool Planning Meetings: The Key To A Successful Project.

8. Pricing and Contract

__ Whenever possible, the price for all work is included in the contract or at the very least as a formal quote.

Note: try to avoid going into an agreement with the understanding that patio, retaining wall, fence work, etc., will be priced by the square foot after the project has began. This is a tactic some pool contractors use to make the initial price of the project seem lower than what it will be.

__ Estimated completion date is listed on the contract

__ All "throw-ins" are listed on the contract

To learn more, check out these articles:

9. Things That Are NOT All That Important

The size of the company: great swimming pool builders come in all sizes :)
In-house construction vs sub-contracted work: at the end of the day, great pool builders get it done either way and make sure you are happy in the end.
Website and Marketing: Shiny brochures and updated Facebook posts are nice, but not necessarily an indication of integrity or expertise.

We hope you will find this helpful on your quest to finding the perfect pool builder.

If you'd like to see a variety of design examples, take a look at our fiberglass pool designs.

Get in touch with an independent installer in your area for pricing on an inground fiberglass pool by River Pools.

If you have any questions or comments feel free, as always, to leave them below.

Thanks and good luck!

Up Next:

A Guide to Inground Swimming Pool Size, Costs, and Prices: Everything You Should Know

Fiberglass Swimming Pools 101: Manufacturing, Cost, and More

Your Swimming Pool Color Options: Concrete, Vinyl Liner, and Fiberglass

Editor's note: This blog article was originally published in January 2016 and has been updated and revamped for accuracy and appearance.

Editor's note: This article was updated on December 7, 2023.