How to Hire the Right Swimming Pool Contractor

Find a reputable professional to install or renovate your swimming pool

By Sabah Karimi

Photo by iStockphoto.com

When you're building or renovating swimming pool or spa in your home, you will need to find a licensed and experienced swimming pool contractor. State laws require all work performed on swimming pools and spas to be performed by a qualified swimming pool contractor who holds certain permits, licenses and has completed specialized training. You may need to consider several candidates before you find the best contractor for your project.

• What You Need to Know
• Some states allow you to complete the license verification process online or over the phone.
• Don't be afraid to shop around for several bids before making your final decision on a contractor.

Step 1:

Ask for a recommendation from a local builder. Many building contractors work with or have worked with qualified and licensed swimming pool contractors in the area. This can be a good starting point for finding a reputable contractor who you can count on.

Step 2:

Verify the contractor's license. Every state requires a contractor to hold a current, valid license in the swimming pool classification for construction or repair work. You can verify that the contractor's license is valid by submitting the license number to your state's licensing board.

Step 3:

Find out if the swimming pool contractor has a history with the Better Business Bureau. Check for any complaints filed against the contractor or his or her team in the past few years. This is a simple way to screen out fraudulent or unreliable contractors.

Step 4:

Verify if the swimming pool contractor is a member of any professional organizations. If the swimming pool contractor is a member of any swimming pool and spa associations in the state, he may be more reputable and trustworthy.

Step 5:

Ask for referrals. Ask the swimming pool contractor for contact information of past clients or employers so that you can verify her work history and quality of her projects. You can follow up with each contact over the phone to determine if the contractor was able to complete the project by the proposed date.

Step 6:

Set up a brief interview. Arrange for a face-to-face meeting so that you can learn more about the swimming pool contractor and explain the details of your project. This will give you a chance to build rapport with the contractor.

Step 7:

Request a bid for your swimming pool or spa project. Request a formal proposal from the swimming pool contractor and start shopping for the best bid. Some contractors will be able to send this to you over email or by phone, while others want to meet with you again in person.

Step 8:

Review and sign a contract. After you've found the best bid for your project, you can request a formal contract from the swimming pool contractor. Review all of the deposit requirements, project timelines and payment schedules, then sign on the dotted line.

• Tips & Warnings
• Make sure you are aware of all contractor fees and the deposit amount before you sign the contract.
• You don't need to tell any contractor what another swimming pool contractor has bid for your project.
• The lowest bid may not always be the best choice. Make sure to consider the contractor's experience and past work when making your final selection.