1. Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number and a business license. A professional swimming pool builder will have these readily available.
2. Make sure they show you a valid State License. All pool builders are required to have a Contractors license (CPC-Certified Pool Contractor).
3. Look for a company that shows you proof of General Liability Insurance and Workers' Compensation Insurance. Check the limits of the General Liability Insurance. These insurances protect you if workers are injured on your property.
4. Make sure any subcontractors have a specialty license in their trade. Ask the subcontractor or your pool builder show you proof. Make sure the subcontractors are insured also.
5. If your pool builder uses subcontractors make sure you get a lien release from all subcontractors after their work is finished.
6. Make sure the contractor is financially stable. Check how long in business. Some advertisements are misleading they'll say 25 years experience when in fact; they are using the sum total of experience of their employees.
7. Find out who the pool builders main suppliers are. Call them and ask if the builder is paying their bills on time.
8. If a pool builder ever asks you to pull a permit do not use them. They are probably not properly licensed. Do not fall for the proposition from the builder that it will save you money to pull your own permit.
9. Insist on a written proposal on company letterhead. Before you sign a contract make sure you understand all the terms of the agreement and make sure it provides detailed information on the work to be performed. If they promise you something make sure it's in writing. If it's not in writing it might not happen. You have 72 business hours to rescind any signed agreement.
10. Look for a company that fully explains their warranties. Most warranties offered our backed by the pool company. Some have manufacturer warranties. Make sure you know which is which. Warranties like "lifetime pool shell" are backed by the pool company. If the company goes out of business the warranty is gone. Usually pumps and filters have manufacturer warranties.
11. Make sure you understand exactly what each of your warranties cover and what it excludes. For example, a 10 year filter warranty normally only pertains to the filter housing. All internal parts are not covered and usually the internal parts need replacing from time to time.
12. Look for a company that is a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) or any other trade organization. This is not an absolute guarantee for the consumer; however it shows a commitment by the builder to their industry.

Questions to ask when selecting a company in this industry:

1. What kind of debris will be left on my property, and what kind of clean-up procedures does your company follow?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Will you let me call some of your past customers?
4. Ask references if they built their pool in a timely manner?
5. How many pools has your company built in the local area?
6. What type of warranty do I receive?
7. Will you explain my warranties in detail?
8. Do you subcontract out your work, or will you bring only employees to my job site?
9. Will I need a permit? Does your company provide the permit?
10. How long will this job take?
11. Can you give me financial references that I can call?
12. Have you ever declared bankruptcy as an individual or as a pool company?

What to avoid when selecting a company in this industry:

1. A company that is not financially stable.
2. A company that does not provide proof of insurances.
3. A company that does not have a valid state Contractors license.
4. A company that asks for a large deposit before starting a job. Around 10% is the norm.
5. A company that pushes hard for a decision on the first visit.
6. A company that does not present you with a detailed estimate on company stationary.

201 Specialty Point
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone (407) 339-5800

E-mail:

generalmanager@southernpooldesigns.com

www.southernpooldesigns.com