If you are seriously considering an inground swimming pool, you've probably discovered that there are a lot of decisions to make!
At the top of this list stands one preeminent question:
How Do I Select a Reputable Swimming Pool Builder?
This question is so important because the expertise and integrity of your pool builder will play a huge role in determining the final outcome of your project.
To make the process easier, we’ve put together a checklist to help you compare pool builders, ask smarter questions, and spot potential red flags before signing a contract.
Whether you’re considering a fiberglass, vinyl liner, or concrete pool, this checklist can help you feel more confident as you evaluate your options.
How to Use This Checklist
Use this guide while interviewing swimming pool builders.
- Print this page
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Fill in answers during sales meetings
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Compare multiple pool companies side-by-side
Pro Tip: Don’t rely on memory alone. A written comparison can help you avoid expensive mistakes later.
Let's get started
The Ultimate Swimming Pool Builder Vetting Checklist
| Pool Builder Name: |
1. Business Information and Experience
| ☐ The company is properly licensed and insured. |
Note: Make sure the name on the contractor license matches the actual company name. If it doesn’t, ask why.
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☐ Ask how long the company has been in business.
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Note: 43% of contractors fail within the first three years after start-up.
2. Customer References
Ask the pool builder the following questions:
| 1. How many pools have you installed? | → |
| 2. How many were installed last year? | → |
| 3. How many customer references can you provide? | → |
Note: If a pool builder provides references from fewer than half of their customers, we recommend proceeding cautiously.
Questions To Ask the Customer References
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☐ Speak with at least 10 customer references |
When calling references, be sure to ask the following:
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1. If you could do it over again, would you hire this pool builder? |
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2. What did you enjoy most about the experience? |
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3. What was the least enjoyable part of the project? |
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4. How well did the builder communicate throughout the process? |
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5. What pool features or accessories did you choose? |
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6. How did the company handle challenges or unexpected problems? |
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Notes from reference:
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3. Reviews and Ratings
As you review the pool builder’s online reputation, look for the following:
| ☐ Collectively, the swimming pool builder has at least a 5:1 good review to bad review ratio |
| ☐ They responded reasonably to negative reviews when possible |
4. Products Used By Pool Builder
The quality of your pool project depends not only on the builder, but also on the products and materials being installed. Before moving forward, make sure the following standards are met:
| ☐ The products the pool builder uses have good reviews in the marketplace |
| ☐ Customer references gave positive feedback about the products used by the builder |
| ☐ The products are backed by competitive warranties |
5. Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty covers installation-related issues that could arise after construction, such as:
- pool movement
- plumbing leaks
- patio or structural issues
In many states, the minimum required workmanship warranty is only one year.
Ask the pool builder:
| 1. How long is the workmanship warranty? | → |
| 2. What does the warranty specifically cover? | → |
| 3. If repairs are needed, who pays to replace water, chemicals, yard repair, etc)? | → |
Note: Don’t just ask how long the warranty lasts. Make sure you understand exactly what is, and is not, covered before signing a contract.
6. Installation Practices
Some pool builders use installation methods or construction techniques that they believe improve the quality or longevity of the pool.
Ask the pool builder:
| 1. Are there any installation or construction practices that make your company different? | → |
| 2. Why do these practices matter? | → |
Note: don't just ask what makes a builder different, ask why their process matters and how it benefits your project long-term.
7. Design and Project Planning
Before construction begins, the pool builder should provide a detailed project plan showing the following:
| ☐ Exact pool location |
| ☐ Location of pump and filter system |
| ☐ Pool elevation (or height) in relation to the existing yard |
| ☐ Patio dimensions |
| ☐ Construction access path |
| ☐ Fence layout (if applicable) |
| ☐ Retaining walls (if applicable) |
| ☐ Yard and deck drainage plans (if applicable) |
8. Pricing and Contract
Before signing a contract, make sure the following items are clearly documented:
| ☐ Pricing for all agreed-upon work is included in the contract or a written quote |
| ☐ Estimated completion date is listed on the contract |
| ☐ Any included upgrades, accessories, or “throw-ins” are clearly listed in writing |
Note: Be cautious of agreements where items like patios, retaining walls, fencing, or other features will be “priced later” by the square foot after construction begins. Some contractors use this approach to make the initial project price appear lower than the final cost.
9. Things That May Matter Less Than You Think
While researching pool builders, it’s easy to get distracted by things that don’t always reflect the quality of the final experience.
- The size of the company: Great swimming pool builders come in all sizes. A larger company isn’t automatically better, and a smaller company isn’t automatically less qualified.
- In-house vs sub-contracted work: Some builders use in-house crews, while others rely on subcontractors. Either approach can lead to a successful project when managed properly.
- Website and Marketing: A polished website, active social media presence, or impressive brochures can be helpful, but they are not necessarily indicators of integrity, communication, or construction quality.
Choosing the Right Pool Builder
Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who’s experienced the pool-buying process firsthand.
Before becoming a pool builder himself, Jeff Sebek was a homeowner dealing with delays, poor communication, and the frustrations that can come with a bad pool-building experience. Having now seen both sides of the process, he shares some of the biggest things homeowners should look for, ask about, and pay attention to before choosing a pool company.
While no checklist can guarantee a perfect experience, doing your research and asking thoughtful questions can go a long way toward helping you choose a builder you can trust.
At the end of the day, a great pool builder should make you feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the entire process, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right pool builder?
Start by researching the company’s experience, reviews, customer references, warranties, and installation practices. A reputable pool builder should also communicate clearly, provide a detailed project plan, and answer your questions openly.
How many references should a pool builder provide?
A quality pool builder should be able to provide multiple customer references. We recommend speaking with at least 10 past customers whenever possible to better understand the company’s communication, workmanship, and overall customer experience.
What questions should I ask a pool builder before signing a contract?
Ask about licensing and insurance, years in business, workmanship warranties, project timelines, installation practices, and exactly what is included in the contract pricing.
What should be included in a pool contract?
A pool contract should clearly outline pricing, project scope, estimated completion dates, included features, warranties, and any additional work such as patios, fencing, or retaining walls.
From the Author
Choosing a swimming pool builder can feel overwhelming, especially when many companies appear similar at first glance. I’m Jason Hughes, a partner at River Pools Virginia and a fiberglass pool installer with more than 25 years of hands-on experience helping homeowners plan and build backyard pools.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much the quality of a pool project depends on the builder you choose. I’ve also spoken with countless homeowners who wished they had known which questions to ask before signing a contract. That’s why I put together this checklist.
My goal with this guide is to help you better evaluate pool companies, understand what really matters during the selection process, and feel more confident as you move forward with your backyard project.
From the Manufacturer
At River Pools, we’ve worked with homeowners across the country who are trying to make confident decisions about choosing the right pool builder. Over the years, we’ve seen how asking the right questions early in the process can help families avoid costly mistakes, improve communication, and feel more comfortable throughout construction.
Resources like this checklist are designed to help homeowners better understand what to look for when comparing pool companies, regardless of where they live or what type of inground pool they’re considering.
If you’re ready to start planning your backyard project, the next step is connecting with a trusted independent installer in your area who can help evaluate your space, answer your questions, and walk you through your options.
Ready to start the conversation?
