Lisa Johnson's House and Home - Articles on Home, Family, and Living

Lisa Johnson on Buying a New Swimming Pool

Chapter 3: Interviewing the Swimming Pool Contractor

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October 1, 2003

When the swimming pool contractor visits your home, you're actually interviewing them.   So, take note of their answers, their reactions, and their conduct.  Don't hire a contractor you don't feel absolutely confident about.   You can't take back an in-ground swimming pool.

Professionalism

This is the biggest give-away.   You want a contractor that takes their work seriously, and takes pride in their work.  Professionalism is totally indicative of that.   In my opinion, a contractor has professionalism when they use good manners, listen to you carefully, they don't talk over you, they dress appropriately, their paperwork and belongings are well organized, they are prepared to answer all your questions, they arrive for the appointment on time, they show patience, they have their contractor's license with them, I could go on and on, but I think you may get the point.  

Trust your senses on this.   These are all the little things that any contractor can do, but yet, they're the things that can reveal the most.  You're the customer; they should be treating you with the utmost respect.  

Knowledge

We hired Mission Pools, because their contractor knew the answer to every question we threw at him.  Other contractors didn't know how to answer every question, and would sometimes remark, "I can find that out for you".  

Back in Chapter 1, I mentioned about doing some research of your own regarding swimming pools.  The answers you get for your questions should be consistent with your research.  

A swimming pool contractor should be prepared to answer any question.  If you were to show up for a job interview, and not be able to answer a question, there's a good chance you won't get the job.   This should not be any different.

References

At the time the contractor visits with you, they should be able to provide references on the spot.  He or she should have a sheet of paper ready to give you with the name and phone numbers of three other happy customers.

Ask for references.

A contractor that says they don't think they can give out this information, is telling you a lie.  You can bet that other customers have asked them the same question before.  If they haven't thought about getting permission from some of their happy customers, then don't bother with them.  There are plenty of other contractors.

Next > Chapter 4 - Desiging the Swimming Pool

Suggested Links

·  National Swimming Pool Foundation

·  Swimming Pool Energy Costs

·  PoolSpa WebCenter

·  Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies

·  Swimming Pool Buyer Beware