SELECTING A POOL & HOT TUB CONTRACTOR

The decision to add a swimming pool or hot tub to enhance your lifestyle will impact you and your family long after the installation is complete. Invest some time before you invest your money to help ensure many years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Even before a shovel is put in the ground, the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada wants to ensure that your experience is a positive one. We offer some tips to help you find the contractor that will deliver to your expectations and completely fulfill the dreams of you and your family.

Selecting A Contractor-Helpful Tips

Whether you are putting in a pool, getting your furnace fixed, or renovating your bathroom, the process of selecting a contractor is a key decision. A pool or hot tub is a major investment for your family and selecting the right contractor deserves careful consideration. Here are some guidelines to help ensure that you are dealing with the best in the business.

1. Narrow your list of potential contractors.

• Ask neighbours, friends, relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done recently by a pool contractor.
• Research local companies and their reputations-be sure they have expertise in the kind of work you need. Contact the Better Business Bureau and the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada to see if the builder is a member in good standing.
• Look for an experienced builder who is familiar with your particular requirements.
• Narrow your list to about three companies that you will interview.

2. What to expect from a good dealer.

• Prompt and professional response
• Do not expect to get proper quotations on the phone
• An on-site first interview may require a couple of hours.
• The best contractors promote the quality of their services rather than just low rates and fast turnaround.

3. Interview outcomes

• A good contractor will listen to what your family needs are.
• A reputable contractor will provide you with references of past customers to call.
• Be sure they establish their business stability and experience, professional reputation and credibility and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Determine if they have properly trained and certified personnel on staff.
• Ensure that they carry proper liability and property damage insurance and produce a certificate of good standing from the Workplace Safety Insurance Board.
• Get an estimate that is clearly written and easy to understand. Large jobs can be very complex, but a proper estimate will include all work and materials to be provided as well as necessary permits and licenses.
• A thorough estimate takes time, so don’t be surprised if the contractor needs a few days, especially if drawings are to be prepared.

4. After the interviews

• Be sure to check the references thoroughly. Visit job sites wherever possible.
• Make sure the details of work to be performed and materials used are of comparable quality when comparing estimates.
• Remember – the lowest price is not always the best deal.

5. Select a contractor you are comfortable with.

• Good contracts will state all responsibilities for work and materials provided, including warranties, approximate start and completion dates and price and payment terms.
• Manage all expectations by keeping communications open
• Be sure that any and all changes to the contract are written down.

6. When your pool or hot tub is completed...

• Enjoy!