Hello guys,
We’re thinking about getting a new pool and need advice on choosing a builder. For those who have been through this, what should we look for in a pool builder?
Is it better to go with a local company or a bigger, established one? How did you decide, and would you make different choices if you did it again?
Also, do you feel like you get what you pay for, or should we be shopping around more?
On a related note, I’m also being advised to replace my single-speed motor instead. I need to fix this before closing the pool in a couple of weeks. What do you think I should do?
Thanks for your help!
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I checked out a bunch of pool companies, and I’d say it’s really important to compare options. Most of them were nice, but here’s the thing: if you tell them exactly what you want for your pool and they agree but then their plans don’t match what you discussed, it means they weren’t listening to you. For me, that’s a dealbreaker, and I move on to the next one. Once you get close to finalizing your design and features, it’s more about trusting the company, since they’ll be working in your yard for a while. Make sure to do your homework, research the products they use, and read reviews to help you decide.
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Most of the fancy lights, fountains, and waterfalls in a pool are only used once in a while, maybe when guests come over. Think about whether it’s worth spending extra money on things that will hardly be used. Don’t let the builder pressure you into buying upgrades. Do your own research.
I’ve worked in pool service for over 25 years, and I see what people actually use and what just sits there. More features mean more things that might break or need fixing. Avoid extras like laminar jets, bubblers, and waterfalls. A pool/spa combo isn’t a good idea; most of my customers regret getting one. If you want a spa, go for a portable hot tub instead.
Also, skip the in-floor cleaning system. In my experience, only one out of many works well, and if it leaks, it’s a big problem since the plumbing is under the pool.
Plan for the future with variable speed pumps, LED lights, and maybe solar if you have the space. In California, there might be a ban on gas pool heaters starting as soon as 2027, and a complete ban by 2031. They haven’t said what will replace them yet, and electric heat pumps aren’t great right now.
When choosing contractors, check if your city or county has a Reddit group. Ask locals about their experiences with companies. Join local Facebook or Nextdoor groups to see pictures of their work and get recommendations.
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@BreaststrokeBuff While the advice is sound, there is a beautiful spa combination for the 25% of people who enjoy it. Since kids can swim in any temperature, a spa serves as a comfortable hangout for parents.
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@BreaststrokeBuff Why are bubblers and the pool/spa, not a good combination?
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@CurrentCraze A combination spa’s temperature can’t be maintained continuously. It will take up to an hour to heat up whenever you want to use it. All the bubbler is is spare change. Not necessary for the operation of the pool. That’s precisely what I think.
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Are you in a hot place or somewhere cooler? I’m in Toronto, and my pool is open from early May to mid-October.
Here’s my advice: unless you really want to dive, don’t go for a super deep pool. A pool that’s 8 feet deep isn’t much better than one that’s 5 or 6 feet deep. It just means more water to heat and treat with chemicals. In a hot climate, the water might not get much warmer in the summer anyway.
My pool has an odd shape because the builder said it looks more “interesting,” but I wish I had gone with a regular rectangular shape. It would be easier to use a solar cover.
Definitely get a saltwater chlorine generator. It makes pool maintenance much easier and cheaper, especially since chlorine prices have gone up a lot.
When you get your pool, get a good Taylor test kit. Don’t use test strips or depend on pool store testing.
Get a robot cleaner for your pool so you won’t have to vacuum it yourself. With a robot and a saltwater system, you won’t need a pool service. Skip the robot with a smartphone app—those apps are usually useless and cost an extra $150-200. But if you’re getting an in-ground pool, you’re probably spending over $100k anyway.
Just my two cents.