Before You Build a Pool
Avoid these 7 mistakes and find the best pool builder for you
1
Avoid getting ripped off
2
Know the questions to ask
3
Find the right pool builder
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How do you know if a pool builder is any good?
We've helped over 2,500 Australians to find the best pool builders. Whether you're researching pools or choosing a pool builder, make sure you avoid these 7 mistakes.
MISTAKE #1
Waiting for pool prices to drop
I'm sorry to say, but waiting for a significant drop in pool building costs is wishful thinking. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows (see the graph) that prices only ever go in one direction - what varies is the rate of price increases. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this trend. The fact is, pool prices rarely decrease; they tend to follow an upward trajectory over time.
So, if you're contemplating building a pool, the best time to start is now. Taking the plunge ensures you secure the most competitive pricing available.
So, if you're contemplating building a pool, the best time to start is now. Taking the plunge ensures you secure the most competitive pricing available.
MISTAKE #2
Not getting multiple quotes
I'm not just plugging our free service here - I'm sure you get multiple quotes for most big purchases, so why should a pool be any different.
By gathering quotes from different companies, you gain valuable insights into pricing, allowing you to make an informed decision. Beyond cost considerations, multiple quotes help you assess the quality of work and the value each pool builder offers.
Once you shortlist your favourite pool builders, I highly recommend you read our free Risk Management Checklist and follow the recommendations to build your dream pool with greater peace of mind.
By gathering quotes from different companies, you gain valuable insights into pricing, allowing you to make an informed decision. Beyond cost considerations, multiple quotes help you assess the quality of work and the value each pool builder offers.
Once you shortlist your favourite pool builders, I highly recommend you read our free Risk Management Checklist and follow the recommendations to build your dream pool with greater peace of mind.
MISTAKE #3
Saving money in the wrong places
I strongly recommend you be wary of opting for the cheapest quote without considering these critical factors.
Standard costs in the industry: Most pool builders use sub-contractors for tasks like excavation, concreting and tiling. Consequently, the costs are fairly standard across the industry. If a quote is substantially cheaper, it may indicate compromises in crucial areas.
Cheaper usually comes at a cost: If one quote is drastically cheaper than the rest, there's usually a catch. Quality and reliability come with a certain price tag. Builders offering remarkably low prices may compromise on materials or workmanship.
Considering long-term costs: A pool is a long-term investment and opting for a cut-rate pool upfront may lead to higher maintenance and repair expenses over time.
Protecting your home's value: You home is your biggest asset. Installing a subpar-quality pool can diminish your property's overall worth and visual appeal.
Smart savings strategies: There are smart ways to saving without sacrificing on quality or aesthetics. Explore options like using your boundary fence on one or two sides of your pool instead of pool fencing, going with more softscaping over hardscaping and locating free local tip sites for excavation waste.
Our top cost-saving tips are detailed in this free download, Building Your Dream Pool: The Ultimate Cost-Saving Handbook.
Standard costs in the industry: Most pool builders use sub-contractors for tasks like excavation, concreting and tiling. Consequently, the costs are fairly standard across the industry. If a quote is substantially cheaper, it may indicate compromises in crucial areas.
Cheaper usually comes at a cost: If one quote is drastically cheaper than the rest, there's usually a catch. Quality and reliability come with a certain price tag. Builders offering remarkably low prices may compromise on materials or workmanship.
Considering long-term costs: A pool is a long-term investment and opting for a cut-rate pool upfront may lead to higher maintenance and repair expenses over time.
Protecting your home's value: You home is your biggest asset. Installing a subpar-quality pool can diminish your property's overall worth and visual appeal.
Smart savings strategies: There are smart ways to saving without sacrificing on quality or aesthetics. Explore options like using your boundary fence on one or two sides of your pool instead of pool fencing, going with more softscaping over hardscaping and locating free local tip sites for excavation waste.
Our top cost-saving tips are detailed in this free download, Building Your Dream Pool: The Ultimate Cost-Saving Handbook.
MISTAKE #4
Not asking the right questions
Knowledge is your most potent tool when dealing with pool builders. Shonky pool builders are less likely to take advantage of a homeowner who is well-informed.
Empower yourself by asking the right questions and independently verifying information. Various resources are available to help you validate what pool salespeople tell you. If you can't find the answers online, don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
Our free Pool Buyers Checklist covers everything you need to discuss with your pool builder.
Empower yourself by asking the right questions and independently verifying information. Various resources are available to help you validate what pool salespeople tell you. If you can't find the answers online, don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
Our free Pool Buyers Checklist covers everything you need to discuss with your pool builder.
MISTAKE #5
Not using a contract with fair progress payments
There is a very easy way to avoid becoming the star of a TV horror story where you're left out of pocket and without a swimming pool (a quick google search will reveal how many people have made this mistake, here are recent examples in Melbourne and Sydney).
Simply ensure your pool building contract includes staged progress payments. This arrangement allows you to retain control over your finances and the project outcome. With each completed milestone, your pool builder will seek your approval for payment. By following this approach, you only pay for work that has been satisfactorily completed and shouldn't find yourself starring on Today Tonight.
Simply ensure your pool building contract includes staged progress payments. This arrangement allows you to retain control over your finances and the project outcome. With each completed milestone, your pool builder will seek your approval for payment. By following this approach, you only pay for work that has been satisfactorily completed and shouldn't find yourself starring on Today Tonight.
MISTAKE #6
Not understanding the 'extra' costs of different pool types
Many assume that prefabricated pools (e.g. fibreglass pools or prefab concrete pools) are the most cost-effective option. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.
Limited access, a large crane lift and pouring a concrete foundation can quickly make a prefab pool the same price, or even more expensive than a comparable custom concrete pool.
Additionally, the days of fibreglass pools being considerably cheaper than concrete are over. Increased materials, manufacturing and transport costs mean that fibreglass pool pricing is basically the same as a comparable custom concrete pool.
To make an informed decision and build the pool of your dreams, it's critical to understand all the costs associated with different pool types. To start, I suggest you first understand what pool types will suit your family and property using our free download, The Poolz Matrix.
Limited access, a large crane lift and pouring a concrete foundation can quickly make a prefab pool the same price, or even more expensive than a comparable custom concrete pool.
Additionally, the days of fibreglass pools being considerably cheaper than concrete are over. Increased materials, manufacturing and transport costs mean that fibreglass pool pricing is basically the same as a comparable custom concrete pool.
To make an informed decision and build the pool of your dreams, it's critical to understand all the costs associated with different pool types. To start, I suggest you first understand what pool types will suit your family and property using our free download, The Poolz Matrix.
MISTAKE #7
Not understanding all the options & when to get them
Pools can have loads of optional extras. Some must be added during the initial construction phase to avoid additional costs, while others can be incorporated later without penalty. The availability of extras can also vary based on the type of pool you choose.
Not all pool builders explain these options clearly, which can cause an inflated pool building cost, when in fact, some costs could easily have been delayed until after the pool is built.
To ensure you're well-informed about what to include and when, we recommend downloading a free copy of the Pool Options Pricing Guide available on our website.
Not all pool builders explain these options clearly, which can cause an inflated pool building cost, when in fact, some costs could easily have been delayed until after the pool is built.
To ensure you're well-informed about what to include and when, we recommend downloading a free copy of the Pool Options Pricing Guide available on our website.
BONUS: DON'T BE MISLEAD BY THE WARRANTY
Read the warranty fine print
Pool salespeople will often use their warranty as a major selling point, particularly when it's a Lifetime or 25 Year Warranty.
I highly recommend you take the time to read the warranty document, paying particular attention the actions required by the homeowner to keep the warranty valid.
For example, some pool warranties require that homeowners keep a log book of water chemistry testing performed by a professional every month for the warranty to be enforceable.
If you are concerned your warranty may not be worth the paper it's written on, feel free to send us a copy and we'll let you know how it stacks up.
I highly recommend you take the time to read the warranty document, paying particular attention the actions required by the homeowner to keep the warranty valid.
For example, some pool warranties require that homeowners keep a log book of water chemistry testing performed by a professional every month for the warranty to be enforceable.
If you are concerned your warranty may not be worth the paper it's written on, feel free to send us a copy and we'll let you know how it stacks up.
Poolz's network of builders is outstanding. They connected me with a highly skilled team who have been amazing to deal with. So much better than the last pool we built 10 years ago which was a disaster due to selecting the wrong builder.
—
William Phillips
Queenscliff
I thought getting a new pool would be a minefield, getting 3 quotes from Poolz meant I could actually compare apples for apples. We ended up going with a concrete pool for less than a fibreglass.
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Phil Orhen
Noosaville
Poolz exceeded my expectations! Their pool builder selection was top-notch, and the personalised guidance throughout the process made me feel confident and supported.
—
Emma Johnson
Southport
Thanks to Poolz, I found a pool builder who perfectly captured our vision. From design to construction, the entire experience was seamless and stress-free.
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Liam Anderson
Paddington
Poolz's platform saved me time and energy. Within days, I received quotes from experienced builders and have now selected one to build our family pool. We are all very excited for summer!
—
Ava Davis
Geelong
Using the Poolz website to get quotes from pool builders was a game-changer. Their pool builder recommendations were spot-on, and the project was completed with utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
—
Mia Harris
Moreton Bay
What’s included when you use Poolz?
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Our friendly Australian customer service team is available to answer all your pool questions and help you deal with any challenges. From start to finish, we are always in your corner.
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Poolz works with over 500 of Australia’s best pool building professionals. Every Poolz certified professional has a proven track record of meeting our high standards for quality and customer service.
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