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Consumer Guide: Selecting A Pool Contractor

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From 8 On Your Side of News Channel 8

Published: April 2, 2008

ADVANCE PAYMENTS:

Be sure that what you pay is for the progress of the work done on the pool. Never pay in advance.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:
Do not sign contracts which have severe penalties invoked against the customer for cancellation of the contract.

VERBAL AGREEMENT:

Before signing up, be sure ALL agreements have been put in writing. Oral promises regarding water, power, underground obstacles, final cleanup, etc. can rarely be enforced.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Sub-contractors hired by the pool builder may place a lien on your property if they aren't paid. To avoid this, try one or more of these three steps:

A) Have the builder provide you with a performance bond. This is a signed statement that the work will be completed to your satisfaction, including payment to sub-contractors.

B) Have the builder provide you with a "mechanic's lien release," a document obtained from your County Building and Zoning office which states that sub-contractors have been paid.

C) Go to your insurance agent and buy insurance protecting you in case the sub contractors look to you for money. Most agents offer such insurance.

BUILDING EXPERIENCE:

Demand to see a list of pools your contractor has built. Then visit several of them and talk with the owners.

FLY-BY-NIGHTERS:

Be sure the pool company has a place of business, then visit it. This will tell you a great deal you need to know.

BLANK CONTRACTS:

Never sign them under any conditions, and make sure a responsible, authorized member of the contracting firm signs your copy of the contract.

GUARANTEES:

Make sure you get a written guarantee, and that the contractor will still be in business and financially able to back it up.

Know the terms and conditions of all warranties, who is responsible in the event repairs or replacements are needed, who will do the work, and who will pay for it.

LICENSE:

Be sure the contractor is properly licensed to do business in your area and can make necessary site and soil evaluations of your property. The builder should also know about existing zoning, building, and grading requirements. Call the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Customer and Call Center at 850-487-1395. In addition, consumers may visit www.myfloridalicense.com to verify if someone is licensed and in good standing with the department.

POOL MAINTENANCE:

Your pool builder should supply you with a booklet that tells you how to keep pool water clean, how to use poll cleaning equipment, and how to maintain the filter and heating equipment as well as pool surfaces.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:

Pools require certain basic items over the cost of the pool. A filter system to insure clean water, steps or ladders, and skimmers for surface cleaning are essential.

Local laws usually require security fences.

Pool buyers should talk to their insurance agents about additional homeowners coverage.

Your local taxing authorities should be contacted about possible property tax assessment increases so you will know what to expect when property taxes fall due.

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