Is Your Pool Builder the Perfect Fit?

We are certainly experiencing some interesting times. While we’re embracing this new way of living, there has been a marked increase in the need for backyard pools. Staycations are on the rise, and people want to invest in their homes, creating a space where they feel safe, comfortable, and at ease. Unfortunately, with the rise in demand comes an increase in “pool builders,” only many aren’t reputable, nor are they here to stay. Many of these pop-up builders are leaving customers sinking in their investment. But there are ways to ensure you’re choosing the right pool builder when you vet them out carefully. Be sure to read on to learn more about the right questions to ask and the necessary answers needed in order to find the perfect fit. 

Know Your Project Goals
Finding the right contractor for you is impossible if you do not know exactly what you will need them to do. Narrow down your search by finding a builder who can build the pool you’re looking for. Research the most common materials and installation methods, and make tentative decisions about what the final product will look like. You don’t need to know exactly what you want, but some builders may not even specialize in the kind of pool you’re looking for.

Gather Referrals from People You Trust
Residential pool builders can tend to be a small community. Chances are, if you know someone who has a great-looking backyard pool in your area, they can refer you to a pool contractor who did the work or the remodel.

Research Alternatives Online
In addition to the direct word-of-mouth referrals you gather, you will want to see what Google can dig up on the pool builders in your area. Write down these company names below the referrals since word-of-mouth recommendations often carry more weight than online reviews.

Check Their Credentials – Make Sure They Are Licensed & Certified
Any candidates that have made it this far should be quickly reviewed for legitimacy. Ensure that their license is up-to-date and includes any specialty work they may perform, such as land grading and electrical wiring. You can also check the number of permits a pool company has pulled, which oftentimes will show how steady they are and whether or not they’re here for the long run. 

Have a Chat
Give the contractors you like best a call or arrange a consultation. Let it serve as an interview, if you will, to determine if the contractor seems friendly, honest, and easy to work with.

Ask for References
No matter how great a contractor seems in person, you will want to judge them by their work. Ask for a list of references as well as photos of recently completed projects. Really look through their portfolio to ensure they will be able to complete the kind of pool you’re looking to incorporate into your backyard. 

Review Their Bids
When you feel like you have one or more contractors that might fit the bill, request a bid, which will contain an estimate of cost, a list of needed materials, and a projected timeline for the project to be completed.

Making the Final Decision
With one or several bids in hand, you can begin making the final selection decision. Again, price alone shouldn’t be your only indicator. Remember to balance price along with quality and reputation — the cheapest builder may cost you more in the long run if their construction was faulty, or if they left you high and dry. 

Your Rio Grande Pool Builder
Hamlin Pools was established in 1952, and remains the leading family-owned and operated pool builder throughout the Rio Grande Valley area. We’ve remained an industry leader because of our innovative designs, quality construction, and an extensive network of like-minded professionals. We hold our reputation in the highest regard and continue to dedicate ourselves to bettering our craft, earning certifications through the National Swimming Pool Foundation, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly known as the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals), and Wet Edge Technologies. We’ve also earned a number of industry awards and recognitions, including a Top 50 Pool Builder in 2020 from Pool & Spa News magazine. 

Give us a call to learn more about how Hamlin Pools can make your backyard dreams come true or to schedule your backyard design consultation today! 

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Since 1952, Hamlin Pools has been a family-owned and operated pool company serving the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Brownsville, Harlingen, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi. Hamlin Pools is the largest pool builder south of San Antonio and is proud to have built nearly 4,000 swimming pools for its customers. 

Hamlin Pools is an industry leader combining innovative designs with construction know-how. Through an extensive network built over the past 5 decades of building swimming pools in the Rio Grande Valley, Hamlin Pools has the ability to deliver a better pool at a better price. Hamlin Pools also does pool renovations, pool remodels, outdoor living, custom outdoor kitchens, weekly pool maintenance, pool equipment repair, pool chemical retail sales, and commercial pool construction. 

Hamlin Pools, with its main office Pharr, has received numerous awards for pool design and construction and are members of every major industry group dedicated to upholding high pool construction and service standards. Contact them today about building the backyard of your dreams.