Three Questions To Ask Your Custom Pool Contractor
When you're in the early stages of thinking about having a custom pool put into your yard, it can be a challenge to draw your mind away from pleasant thoughts of floating around on an inflatable chair sipping a summery drink. Before you reach this point, however, you'll need to find the right contractor for the job. It's beneficial to talk to some friends and neighbors who have had custom pools built to put together a list of contractors who are well-suited for the job. Spend a short time talking to each contractor to discuss your pool-related plans, the contractor's credentials and be sure to also ask these questions.
What Challenges Will You Encounter In My Yard?
If the contractor has build custom pools in your city in the past -- and, better yet, in your neighborhood -- he or she should have an accurate idea of any issues that will be faced when excavating for the pool. The average homeowner doesn't know what sits a few feet below the surface of their lawn, but an adept pool contractor should have a clear idea. Whether the contractor will face dirt and sand, backfill or bedrock plays a pivotal role in the cost of the project, given the different costs associated with excavating. Discussing this information early on in the project will help you get an idea of the budget.
What Unique Features Can You Offer?
It's likely that part of your reason behind wanting a custom pool is your desire for features that other pools don't commonly have; otherwise, you'd be content buying a generic pool shape from a pool contractor. If you're not entirely sure all the custom features you'd like to include, ask the contractor about the unique features he or she has worked with in the past. Whether it's an abnormal shape to suit the layout of your yard, specialized lights in strategic areas throughout the pool or even a waterfall element, your contractor should be able to open your eyes to the creativity that is possible.
Are You A Member In Good Standing Of The APSP?
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals is the governing body for setting pool-related standards for contractors throughout the country. Any reputable pool contractor should be a member of this organization and if there's any doubt, you can easily contact the APSP to confirm the contractor. Belonging to this organization shows that the contractor is up to date on pool-building standards and also that he or she complies with a code of ethics.
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