Are you dreaming of having a pool installed this year? You're not alone. According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, there are currently 10.7 million pools in the United States. That number has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, before you can have a pool installed, you need to find a reliable and reputable pool builder to complete the installation process for you. Here are some of the most important tips to follow if you are looking to find and hire a reliable pool builder.

Always Ensure the Pool Builder is Licensed and Insured

The first tip to finding a reliable pool builder is to always ensure that a pool builder you're considering working with is licensed and insured. It's important to note that business licenses don't carry over from one state to another. As such, you should always ensure that the license for the contractor you are working with is valid for the state you reside in.

Learn What Types of Pools The Builder Installs

There are different types of pools, including fiberglass pools, concrete pools, and vinyl pools. There are pros and cons to each type of pool. Because of this, it's important to thoroughly research the various pool options to determine which one is ideal for you. Once you know what type of pool you want, you need to find pool builders who build that specific type. Not every builder builds every type of pool, so always ask a contractor what type they specialize in.

Ask Family and Friends Who They Used to Build a Pool

As mentioned above, there are over ten million pools in the United States. Chances are, you know at least one family member or friend who has had a pool installed. If you're looking to have a pool installed, always ask your family and friends who they've used to build their pool and if they'd recommend their builder. Family and friends are honest in their feedback to you and aren't likely to recommend a contractor who did poor work. As such, this can be a great way to find an honest and reliable contractor.

Check the Reputation of Pool Builders Online

Once you start to narrow down your search for pool builders, you'll want to start searching for the reputation of the builders online. Unfortunately, it's rare for a company to have perfect feedback. So a few negative reviews should not deter you. However, if you start to see the same types of complaints over and over, or if the feedback is exceedingly negative, you should avoid the company.

Find Out When the Company Can Begin and How Long the Process Will Take

Supply chain issues have hit pool building companies hard. There's often a wait to get a pool built. Prior to hiring a pool builder for your project, ask the contractor when they can start on your project and how long it'll take to complete. You can then compare their answer to other companies to find a company that may be able to install your pool within the timeframe that you'd like.

Look at Pool Builders' Portfolio and Talk to Past Customers

The final tip that can help you find reliable, reputable, and dependable pool builders is to look at a pool builder's portfolio and talk to their past customers. As you look at their portfolio, ask yourself if you'd be happy with the final project. When you talk to their past customers, ask those individuals if they are happy with the pool, if the project was completed at the estimated price, if they'd recommend the contractor, and if they have had any issues with their pool since it's been installed.

The idea of building a pool in your backyard may seem like a dream. A pool can transform your outdoor space and make your home feel more vacation-like. Finding the ideal pool builder for your needs is important, or your dream of building a pool can turn into a nightmare. Luckily, the above tips can help you find a dependable and honest pool builder to install your pool. Do your research to start the process of obtaining estimates. If you're looking for a trusted contractor, contact BlueWave Pools & Spas today!