HOW CAN I BE SURE TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION WHEN CHOOSING A POOL BUILDER?
Referrals can be the most valuable source of information. If a builder does not provide a list of names you should be concerned. You should call old customers and ask about their experience. Ask if they had any problems and if they did, did the company take care of them? Make sure that they are a member of NSPI (National Spa and Pool Institute) and always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure all complaints, were handled properly. – Go to how to pick a pool builder for more information
WILL WE BE REQUIRED TO BE HOME THE ENTIRE TIME DURING CONSTRUCTION?
No. There are only a few times that we need you to be home during construction – the day the swimming pool is excavated and the day that the electrician and gas companies are there. You will also need to water down the gunite structure 2 to 3 times a day for about 7 days as well as turn the water off after the pool is filled to the middle of the tile line.
WHAT ABOUT WARRANTIES? IS MY INVESTMENT WELL PROTECTED?
Warranties are very important. Make sure all warranties are in writing, not verbal. Remember one thing: the warranty is only as good as the company and their reputation. If the builder is not in business for the duration of your pool warranty, then you do not have a warranty.
ARE THERE ANY CARE FREE SWIMMING POOLS?
Most pool companies can build the pool so you only have to spend about 20 minutes a week on maintenance. However, most builders build them so you have to spend about 2 hours a week on maintenance. They feel that price is the only thing that matters and that your time is not valuable. All of the things that make the pool easier to take care of is an option and of course costs more money. Downunda Pools includes all these things in our pools because we know that you want to spend time in the pool, not working to maintain the pool.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SMALL OR DIFFICULT YARD TO WORK WITH?
You will be surprised at how a small backyard can have the most innovative design. Good builders can design an enjoyable backyard no matter the size.
DOES A SWIMMING POOL ADD VALUE TO MY HOME?
Yes, it does. Normally you will receive an estimated 75% of the value of the pool. Keep in mind, the more you decorate the backyard with landscaping, the more money you will get back on the pool.
WHY DO COST ESTIMATES VARY WHEN POOLS SEEM TO BE THE SAME?
The price of a pool is determined by much more than just the size and shape of the pool. Many pool builders do not include some of the most important factors affecting cost in their proposals. Because there are so many factors that go into building a swimming pool, there are many ways to cut corners. Here are some of the ways pool builders may cut corners:
- Craftsmanship
- Quality of materials (smaller pumps, filter, etc.)
- Design
- Underground strength
- Ease of maintenance
- Warranties
- Service
- Is irrigation repair included
- Is Re-Sodding ingress / egress included
Remember: GOOD WORK IS NEVER CHEAP, AND CHEAP WORK IS NEVER GOOD. – Go to how to pick a pool builder for more information
I SEE ADVERTISEMENTS PROMISING POOLS AT VERY LOW PRICES. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
it is not possible to build a pool at a very low price. Most of these “incredible deals” are nothing more than a bait-and-switch tactic to get you to call. You should be aware that to build a pool at a low price, quality will be compromised. The cost of the pool may be cheap, but your time and money spent to upkeep the pool could be 4 to 5 times more if the pool was not built right to begin with. Remember the old adage “IF YOU PAY PEANUTS, YOU GET MONKEYS” – Go to how to pick a pool builder for more information.
WHAT DOES “LIFETIME STRUCTURAL WARRANTY” REALLY MEAN?
A lifetime structural warranty means that the gunite structure will hold water for as long as you live in the home. Remember that this warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Note, that not all structural warranties are transferable.
ARE SOME SWIMMING POOL SHAPES LESS EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS?
The shape of the pool really has no impact on the final cost. Pools are priced by the total cost of materials required and the quality of the trades people doing the work. Go to the pricing page to see pools and the cost for more information. If you would like an estimate, Contact us online or call our office.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A SWIMMING POOL?
The time it takes to build a pool varies depending on many different factors (size of pool, pool features included, decking and size of deck etc.) From the day of excavation it should take a minimum of 90 calendar days, which is about 12 weeks. Remember though, from the day you sign the contract other things have to happen before the pool can be excavated, such as:
- Financing (if applicable)
- Home owners associations
- Marking and finding utilities
- Permits from your city or county
Permits can sometimes hold up the process, it all depends on what city you live in and the time of year. Ask your Downunda Pools Staff Designer how long your city normally takes at that time of year.
