5 Things Every Pool Shopper Should Know BEFORE They Receive an Estimate

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Ok, so you've finally decided this is the year for a swimming pool in your back yard. Great, because as I sit here at my kitchen table and consider the words for this article I want you to know this article is specifically written for you, the inground pool shopper.

Because buying a pool is something we don't get much practice at, many people frankly go about it the wrong way. This is understandable; especially considering "How to Buy a Pool" is not currently part of high school curriculums across the country. But we live in a day and age where information abounds at every corner. And with such information now available to everyone, the pool shopper of today is nothing like the one of just 5 years ago.  But with more availability of information comes with it more of a responsibility on the pool shopper's part. Such is the focus of this article and the responsibilities of you, the shopper, are laid out as follows:

5 Things Every Pool Shopper Should Know BEFORE They Receive an Estimate

1. Know You Want a Swimming Pool (all parties involved)

I know, you probably think this sounds silly but trust me it's not. In fact, knowing that you do or do not want a swimming pool in your back yard is the key to your ability in making sound and rash decisions on what will be a pretty expensive project. Just the other day, I had a lady call me and tell me how much she wanted a pool, and all I had to do was convince her husband that he also wanted a swimming pool. Although I certainly empathized with this lady's dilemma, I simply told her that such wasn't my job. That's just not what I do. I help people, who know they want a pool, choose the right pool with the right options that will meet their needs not just today but years from now as well. So in the case of this lady, I sent her our educational company DVD and also referred her to multiple articles on our website, but as far as the ‘convincing' was concerned, that would be contingent on the husband's intrinsic efforts to seek the right answers.

2. Know What's MOST Important to You about the Pool

Low maintenance? Aethetics? Customization? Warranty? Designability? Play Area? Water Feature Etc, Etc?  These are just a few common goals pool shoppers normally have when considering what they want their pool to be. This is why every pool shopper should consider what's important to them about their pool and then rate these in order before they meet with the pool installer. Trust me when I say that by doing this your ability to focus on the right pool with the right options will be enhanced drastically.

3. Know What's MOST Important to You about the Pool Installer

Are you looking for turn-key? Are you solely focused on lowest price? How much do quality and workmanship come into play regarding your decision? These are incredibly important questions that every pool shopper should answer before they meet with a pool guy. In fact, I believe the question of price is maybe the most important question a shopper will ever ask themself. This is because if a consumer is solely price-motivated then they likely don't even need to have a bunch of pool guys come to their home for estimates. And to be honest, I've had pool shoppers tell me their biggest concern was getting the lowest price to which I responded we probably weren't the company for them. I say this because it is impossible to be the lowest priced guy and give the best workmanship and quality. The whole idea is contradictory and simply not feasible when running a business.

Over the years, I've given well over 1000 swimming pool estimates and on most of these, our company was the middle or top guy in terms of how much the quote was. Notwithstanding, I've also witnessed roughly 60% or so of the pool companies I've competed with go out of business during this time. Fact is companies must make a profit in order to establish longevity and be able to offer great service down the road. So please consider these questions as you shop for your swimming pool. Write down your priorities and let these priorities be your compass as you seek to find the best pool installer for you and your family.

4. Know Your True Budget

Times are very different than they were just a few years ago. Today, it's much more difficult to get loans for items like swimming pools because property values have gone down, meaning equity lines and second mortgages can be very tough to come by. I wrote an in-depth article about pool financing recently but the key is that you, as the homeowner, take the time to get your financing in order before you actually start getting pool quotes. I know for many this might seem like putting the cart before the horse but in reality the exact opposite is true. For example, last year I had over 20 customers give me deposits, get on our install schedule, and then find out the financing wasn't going to be available to them. This is why I strongly suggest to homeowners to seek out your financing resources before you sit down with the pool guy. I can assure you that if you do this neither your, nor their, time will be wasted.

5. Know the General Difference Between Vinyl, Concrete, and Fiberglass

I find in general that the internet is much less biased than pool guys when it comes to explaining the pros and cons to different types of pools. Personally, and anyone who has dealt with me can attest to this, I try not to be ‘that guy'. Despite the fact that my company only sells and installs fiberglass swimming pools, that doesn't mean I haven't told people before that we simply didn't have a product to fit their needs. Fact is, fiberglass, although it fits the needs of most consumers, isn't for everyone.

If a homeowner has a distinct idea as to the pros and cons of each type of pool before they receive an estimate, they will be more able to make logical decisions on the type of pool that will fit the needs of their family for years to come. So do your research on the different types of pools and I can assure you it will greatly help you as you go about this pool shopping experience.

So there are 5 things you should know before you receive a quote for your inground swimming pool. I've literally given this advice to pool shoppers all over the country with great results and I hope you implement these suggestions into your pool buying experience as well.

Marcus Sheridan

5 Ways to Buy an Inground Swimming Pool for Less than $30,000 in 2010

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5 Ways to Buy an Inground Fiberglass Swimming Pool for Less than $30,000 in 2010

As I've spoken of in recent articles, swimming pool financing can be difficult to come by these days for those persons serious about swimming pool ownership. The reason for this is quite simple. Since the economy sputtered in late 2008, home values have gone done drastically, meaning that many people who had equity at one time to borrow against (for such items as a swimming pool) now find themselves without the ability to apply for a second mortgage or home equity line.

For these persons, often times the only answer to swimming pool ownership is via an unsecured loan, or some other type of ‘home improvement' style loan. The problem with unsecured swimming pool loans that we have noticed in 2010 is the fact that most financial institutions do not lend more than $30,000. And as many people are well aware, purchasing a fiberglass swimming pool, with concrete patio and electrical hook up, is almost always going to cost more than $30,000.

So the question is-What's a person to do that has a 30k budget but wants a fiberglass pool? Understanding that this is a dilemma for many of our customers, we at River Pools have set up packages this year to accommodate this type of consumer. And in my discussions with pool builders across the country facing this very same issue, I know many that are offering similar packages. But if you are the shopping for an inground pool and 30k is your maximum budget, I'd suggest you consider the following:

1. Pool Size: I've mentioned this in other articles about pool sizes, but keep in mind that when it comes down to it, swimming pools are wonderful fun whether they are 25' long or 35' long. This is also why most people, with a 30k budget, need to choose a pool that is less than 30' long.

2. Minimal Patio: Patio can always be added later to a swimming pool. I've had many cases where my company has poured 3' of concrete around a pool and then a year or two down the road the homeowner added additional pavers. When adding additional patio after the fact, pavers are a great option and because of their flexible design capabilities, can be continually added upon over time.

3. Minimize Options: When a consumer wants to minimize their expenses, certain options that can be added later should be the first ones to go. As I discussed in my recent ‘5 Ways to Make Your Swimming Pool Purchase More Affordable' article, heaters and security covers can be added later very easily and will save thousands of dollars in up-front initial costs.

4. Homeowner Does Fencing: In just about every place one goes in the world, inground swimming pools are required to have fences due to safety precautions. This being said, fences can be somewhat expensive installed. For example, our average pool customer at River Pools will spend 5-6k on a fence, with powder-coated aluminum being the most common choice. Because fences are not terribly difficult to install, I've suggested to many, many homeowners over the years that they consider buying and installing their own fence. By so doing, most people only end up spending 2-3k in materials, which can be a big help when trying to stick with a tight budget.

5. Dirt Hauling: Although this doesn't apply to many jobs, hauling dirt from a job can be expensive, costing the homeowner anywhere from $500-$2000 depending on the amount of dirt as well as other variables. Obviously, if the dirt can stay on the property this is better off for everyone. But in cases where it must be hauled away, it's a great idea to find someone local who might want it or even be willing to take it away for you. I've seen homeowners save hundreds and hundreds in hauling fees simply because they took the time to look around.

So there are five suggestions that may help you purchase an inground swimming pool for less than $30,000 in 2010. Although there are other means of saving money, the key is that people who don't have enough equity in their homes simply don't give up on the idea of swimming pool ownership. I've had many customers that have received 30k unsecured loans already this year and I'm sure these types of loans will be an important part of financing in the swimming pool industry for at least 2 or 3 more years until the housing market has time to recover.

Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool

5 Ways to Make Your Swimming Pool Project More Affordable

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Ok, so rumor has it that the economy is currently not as strong as it was this time five years ago....And although I have not officially confirmed this rumor, I'll just assume that it's true, at least for the duration of this article ;-) .....

But seriously, just about every pool shopper has a budget. As a pool guy, I get this. And that's what this article is all about. After having personally assisted over 500 people in their inground pool purchase, the concept of meeting a budget but also being happy with one's decisions can be a fine balance. To meet this balance, I have listed 5 suggestions here to save money with your swimming pool purchase.

1.       Wait on the Heater: The most common option I've seen homeowners add over the years after having bought their pool is a heater. Adding a heater after having owned the swimming pool a season or more can be a great idea because pool owners can get a true gauge on just how much they need a heater, as well as what type of heater will suite them best. For example, most of our heater customers get heat pumps instead of a gas or propane heater. But  come in two options: With and without chillers. (A chiller is a component that will cool the water as well) After having owned a pool for a period of time, most people can determine which one of the two types of heat pumps is the better fit for their needs. Also, because heat pumps cost 4k or more, such a wait can save quite a bit of money initially.

2.       Add More Patio Later: In most cases, the most expensive option of a swimming pool project is the patio. This is why, when someone is on a very strict budget, getting only 3' of a concrete apron initially and then adding additional patio later is a great idea. When adding patio later, pavers tend to be the best option as they integrate well with older patio structures and offer unlimited flexibility.

3.       Size Isn't Everything: I've seen this over and over again. People (Dads in most cases) can get so caught up in the size of the pool that they end up not being able to afford the swimming pool at all. Such logic makes little sense considering most parents are getting the pool for their kids, and as we all know, children will use a swimming pool for hours upon hours no matter what size it is.

4.       Plumb for the Slide or Water Feature: Just like adding a heater later, slides and water features are easy to add to a pool down the road as long as the plumbing for these units is done during the pool's construction. Adding such options makes a lot of sense for those persons on a budget because a slide alone will usually cost 2k or higher installed. Same with certain water features. But having the forethought to install simple plumbing at the beginning of the project, pool owners can save thousands initially while enjoying the water feature or slide they always dreamed of down the road.

5.       Install the Cover at the End of the Season: This mainly applies to persons who purchase security covers (the ones that look like a trampoline). Because many people have their pool installed during the first part of the year, it makes sense in some cases to wait until the end of the season to have their security cover installed, as there is no use for the cover during the summer months. Considering that most security style covers cost over 1k installed, this expense can be delayed 3-7 months in most cases.

Although there are many more ways to make your pool project more affordable and budget friendly, this article hopefully has given you some helpful pointers in the right direction. To close, I want to reiterate one other point that I've made in other blog posts regarding pools, wants, and budgets-

‘Which would your children prefer-To enjoy a simplistic pool in the back yard or a dream pool that's in your head?'

As always, happy swimming in 2010 and don't forget to enter your email on the top of this page to receive future articles just like this one.

Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool

Swimming Pool Financing: How Can I Get a Pool Loan in 2010?

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Ok, so you've decided to get a pool. Obviously, I think that's a great idea. Notwithstanding, you're still going to have to pay for it somehow (in case you'd forgotten about that little part of it;-). But seriously, pool financing is an important point of discussion if you're getting ready to make such a purchase, and this article is meant to help you understand the task of pool financing and how it typically works for most homeowners.

After having installed a little over 600 pools, our customers have paid for their swimming pools in a variety of manners. Some of the routes typically taken are:

• Home Equity Line
• Second Mortgage
• Unsecured Loan
• Out of Pocket(cash)
• Credit Card

2^nd Mortgages/ Equity Lines

Of all listed, the most popular method has been 2^nd mortgages and equity lines. As we all know too well, with the inflated housing numbers of the 2000s it was easy to get a mortgage for many years. In fact, I've seen many people get a 2^nd mortgage literally days after buying their house. But for better or for worse, those days are over.

The housing market dropped drastically in 2008 and 2009, causing many people to lose quite a bit of equity in their home. This drop in home values has affected pool financing in a variety of ways. To give you an example, I had multiple pool shoppers give me a deposit in 2009 only to later find out that there wasn't enough equity in their home to get the loan. For this reason, I now have most of my 2^nd mortgage customers apply for a loan immediately after our first telephone conversation. This way, no one wastes time trying to decide on a pool and a pool contractor only to find out they do not have the necessary funds. A general rule of thumb for anyone considering a 2^nd mortgage is that unless you've been in your house for more than 6 years, or unless you've established quite a bit of home equity in a short amount of time, it's highly unlikely you'll qualify for this type of loan (in other words, you won't have enough equity).

Unsecured Loans

For those persons that cannot get a 2^nd mortgage or home-equity line, there is still hope. Unsecured loans do not require you to have equity built up in your home but you will need solid credit and you'll also pay a much higher loan rate than if it was a 2^nd mortgage. For example, most mortgages right now have a loan rate of 4-7%, whereas most unsecured loans have rates in the 10-14% neighborhood. Also, most unsecured lenders will not lend more than $30,000, which means that many pool shoppers may need to come up with additional cash to afford their swimming pool. When searching for an unsecured loan, I suggest you follow this pattern:

• 1. Check with your local credit union.
• 2. Check with your local bank, preferably one you have a relationship with.
• 3. Check with a national company. For example, we at River Pools use a company called Lyon Financial.

Here are some other common questions I receive regarding pool financing:

Q:           Does your company offer in-house financing?

A:            Pool companies do not offer true ‘in-house' financing. If they say they do, they're likely referring to an outside company that they work with.

Q:           Are second mortgages/home equity lines a tax write-off?

A:            In most cases, Yes.

Q:           What are the max terms for a 2^nd mortgage?

A:            We've seen many companies go as high as 30 years fixed.

Q:           How long do loan approvals take when dealing with pool financing?

A:            Most banks and financial institutions are able to do pre approvals almost immediately, but when it comes to 2^nd mortgages, home appraisals can take up to a few weeks.

So there you  have it folks. Hopefully, we will see more flexibility from the banks in 2010 compared to what we saw in 2009. But if you're serious about financing a swimming pool purchase, start the process now and be sure to check all your options. Good luck!

Want to receive a quote for your swimming pool purchase? Just click on this photo and no matter where you live in the US or Canada, we'll make sure you get contacted right away!

Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool

Photo Credit

Questions? Comments? As always, we love to hear from our readers.