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Home-pool filters
Guidelines on hiring
a pool builder
Do not hire a
person who is selling swimming pools door to door. It's hard to
believe, but there actually are pool contractors who conduct
business out of the back of their trucks. You need to be the one to
make the first move an to initiate the contact with a potential
contractor. Schedule a meeting with him to discuss the details,
including type of pool, cost, etc.
You should confer with at least three different contractors before
choosing one. You should hire the person you have the best rapport
with and one in which you get the best feeling, one who seems honest
and trustworthy. Go with your gut instinct. Also get references from
the builder. And remember, if a person has a big Yellow Page ad, he
may not be the best or the most reputable. He may be more concerned
with generating business than with building a beautiful, high
quality, and reliable swimming pool.
If possible, only hire contractors who are members of recognized
trade groups. These would include the National Spa and Pool
Institute (NSPI) because most of the trade organizations expect high
quality professionalism from their members.
Inquire as to the awards the contractors may have received. Awards
are given for design and recognition in the pool industry each year.
It is an honor for a builder to receive an award from organizations
such as the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), as well as from
trade publications such as Pool & Spa News. That particular magazine
publishes a list of builders whose work warrants special
recognition.
Request to look at the contractor's license and certificates of
insurance. Then ask for a photocopy of the license. By law,
contractors must attain licenses from their state, city and/or
county agencies. You may also inquire as to the contractor's license
by going online at the appropriate web site for your particular
state. You will be able to determine the authenticity of the
license. It is not recommended to hire a contractor who does not
have a current license. Also make sure the name of the person who
will be building your pool appears on the license. It is against the
law for a person to use another person's contractor's license. Also,
it is very important that the contractor has insurance for worker's
compensation and general liability in case of an accident. Ask to
see a copy of the contractor's certificate of insurance and note the
name of the agency. (It would also be a good idea to note the policy
number as well.) You may be able to call the insurance company to
verify the coverage. (You may need permission from the contractor to
do so, however.) The insurance coverage is extremely important so
that the contractor is liable for any accident or injury to his
employee. If the contractor does not have insurance in effect, any
accident or injury will need to be covered under your homeowner's
policy.
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