Don't Build a Swimming Pool Until You’ve Asked These 10 Questions! So after many months…
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How to choose a pool builder and compare pools?
Want to know how to choose a pool builder?
Do you have three swimming pool quotes but have no idea what to base your final decision on? A swimming pool is one of the smartest investments you can make; yet it is also one of the most difficult products to understand and compare.
It is not uncommon for potential pool owners to become overwhelmed with information as they try to understand their options and pricing when researching pools. Unfortunately, some even choose not to get a pool as the decision becomes just too hard.
Whether your reasons for wanting a pool are driven by property investment, health benefits or enhancing your family’s lifestyle, I have found emotion often plays a large part in the decision making process. Similar to a house extension, you cannot return a swimming pool nor can you take it back for a refund. For this reason, it is important the final decision be made largely based on facts more so than emotion.
So you now have three pool quotes, what next? Apart from the pool price (which is important), how do you compare each pool quote? My advice, investigate each pool type quoted (is it a pre-engineered, concrete or fibreglass pool) and also look into the corresponding pool builder’s reputation.
How to compare swimming pool types?
You may choose to base your comparison on the overall aesthetics of a pool and although the look of the pool is definitely important, there is other key criterion worth consideration. The pool warranty, maintenance and after sales support offered once the swimming pool is complete should also be high on your list. The Pool Comparison Table below touches on a number of points worth consideration when comparing pool types and pool quotes.
| Pool Comparison Criteria | Pre-engineered Swimming Pools | Concrete Swimming Pools | Fibreglass Swimming Pools |
| Design | |||
|
Design Flexibility
- Any Pool Shape
- Any Pool Size
|
Yes | Yes | No – must choose from predefined shapes and sizes |
|
Choice of Depths
- Diving Floor Profile
|
Yes | Yes | No – depths are fixed in a fibreglass pool and the depths quoted are usually shell depth not water depth |
| Choice of Colours | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Bench & Step Design | Yes – pre-engineered pools feature a unique gently padded underlay creating a cushioned effect | Yes | No |
| Pool Structure | |||
| Self Supporting |
Yes
*The pool can be emptied without voiding the structural warranty.
|
No | No |
|
Ideally suited to volatile soil types
- pool structure won’t crack, warp or lift
|
Yes | No | No |
| Can be built on a slope | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transport Costs and Crane Required (can add between $1,500-$3,000 to the pool price) | No | No | Yes |
| Ideal for Poor Access | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pool Interior | |||
| Non-Slip Pool Interior | Yes |
Yes
*Pool Tiles are the exception
|
Depends on the brand of the fibreglass pool |
| Smooth to Touch/Non-Abrasive Pool Interior | Yes | Depends on pool interior chosen | Yes |
| Resistant to Algae |
Yes
*Inbuilt fungicide
|
No
*All pool interior options for a concrete pool are porous and are prone to algae and bacteria growth
|
Yes
*Can get ‘black-spot’ or Osmosis under the Gel Coat
|
| Low Maintenance Pool Interior | Yes – in fact Aqualux requires no cleaning at all |
No
*All pool interior options on a concrete pool are porous and therefore require more maintenance
|
Yes |
| Pool Installation | |||
| Who Installs the Pool – Manufacturer or Franchisee | Manufacturer | Not Applicable | Franchisee |
| Construction Time Frame | 5-10 days |
6 week minimum
(average 3-4 months)
|
2-3 days |
| Quality Controlled | Yes | No | Yes |
|
After Sales Support
Pool Shops/Bricks and Mortar Locations
|
Yes – Open seven days a week year round | Depends on pool builder | Depends on franchisee |
| Pool Warranty | |||
| Pool Structural Warranty | 10 years | 6 years and 9 months |
Depends on the brand of fibreglass pool
*Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty – what a lifetime warranty actually means is worth investigating as well as what voids such a warranty i.e. the water level drops by 30%.
|
|
Pool Warranty Entity
- Name of entity which provides pool warranty
|
Pool Manufacturer | Pool Builder | Split Responsibility – Pool Installer and Pool Manufacturer |
| Split Responsibility Warranty on Pool Structure | No | No |
Yes
|
| Pool Interior Warranty | 10 years |
Depends on the pool interior chosen
For Example:
Pool Tiles – 2 years Render 2-8 years depending on the brand
|
Depends on the brand of the fibreglass pool |
How to choose a pool builder?
Now that you know how to compare swimming pool types, the next and final step when comparing quotes is to examine each pool builder’s reputation and history.
There are some pool builders not prepared to make the long-term investment in the industry and to their clients and choose to operate from home. Contactable on mobile only and with no office or display centre, it is very easy for these types of pool builders to vanish in difficult economic times leaving their clients with no support and more importantly, no warranty.
There will always be plenty of bargain-basement operators, there will be pool builders laying claim to being the biggest and the best, and there will be those who use gimmicks or 24-hour super specials to make the sale.
The real test lies in how long the pool builder has been in business and what their clients have to say about them and their product. When deciding on a pool builder, be sure to do your homework and look into:
1. The Pool Builder’s Reputation – talk to family, friends and colleagues who have a pool, seek out referrals, testimonials and recommendations. Review websites and forums are also another platform to gain insight into a pool builder’s reputation.
2. The Pool Builder’s Creditability
- Are they a member of SPASA and the Building Commission of Victoria
- Do they have a physical work address, website and landline or do they work from home
- Are they a registered licensed builder
- Do they have the appropriate insurance and liability cover
- What experience do they have, how many years have they been in business and how many pools have they built (both in total and annually)
- Can you see samples of their work i.e. display centres
3. The Pool Builder’s Custom Ability
Can the pool builder custom design and tailor your swimming pool to achieve what you want instead of what they want to sell you?
4. The Pool Builder’s Pricing
As with most things, quality comes with creditability and price. If the pricing quoted is too good to be true, then it probably is. If you are comparing two or three quotes, be sure to compare like-for-like (the same size, shape, optional items etc) – there will certainly be large differences in price if each quote is for a different pool size.
Armed with an understanding of different types of pools available and each pool builder’s reputation, you can now make an informed and final decision. Be comfortable with this decision and enjoy the exciting times ahead relaxing by your soon-to-be-built swimming pool.
If you haven’t received an obligation free swimming pool quote from Albatross Pools, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you before you make a final decision.
Very Informative post. It’s going to be much helpful who are in need of a pool construction. Thanks for share!