Questions To Ask A Pool Store Before Purchasing Your Swimming Pool

With the rewards you get from having a pool, it’s a major purchase you need to take seriously. A pool can either add to or decrease the value of your home, so buying the right pool must be carefully analyzed.

Don’t impulsively buy a pool without doing your research for you may purchase the wrong one. To help you decide on what to buy, here are questions you must ask a pool store:

How many years have you been in the industry?

Before delving into further questions or conversations with a pool store, ask them about how long they’ve been in operation. You’ll detect a shady pool store when they evade this question, which can basically eliminate unscrupulous pool stores with a bad reputation from your list.

In contrast, when pool stores are legitimate or have a good standing, they’ll gladly answer your question. They can even help you verify it by showing you documentation of their company, such as certifications, registration, history, and other pertinent data on their operation.

When you know how many years they have been in service, you’ll be able to check whether they’re experts or newbies. More years of experience likely mean that the staff are more skilled and talented in handling their job. Moreover, you need to consider whether to hire the services of a pool store that has just opened or has been operating for less than three years. This may mean that they’re not yet tested with a lot of trials, such as bankruptcy. When they do encounter this, your pool warranty may disappear as it relies on the existence of such a business.

Instead, choose pool stores with a ten-year and above mark as it entails a trustworthy and strong company. Moreover, these ten-year mark businesses show that they are capable of withstanding bankruptcy or change of management. It’s better to be safe with more experienced companies.

Are you currently registered in the BBB and APSP?

The Better Business Bureau or BBB is a non-profit organization that evaluates businesses according to their ethical standards. They’re responsible for looking out for scams and sales tactics. Moreover, it also investigates complaints from consumers, as well as rate businesses.

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals or APSP, on the other hand, is responsible for standardizing the construction of pools. It also issues a high level of certification for current members, such as the “Certified Building Professional.”

When a business in the pool industry is a member of both organizations, they’re expected to apply ethical business practices and standards mandated by both associations. Since being a member of these groups have a high membership fee, a legitimate pool builder or pool store has no problem joining them.

So if you choose pool stores with such membership, you can ensure that they guarantee you quality and ethical pool services.

Swimming Pool-purchase

What types of pool do you buy or build?

Since building or installing a pool can take up space, knowing the type of pool suitable for your place is a must. It’s also important to consider your city regulations when acquiring a pool in your area. Some states have specifics about pool installation, especially when you want an above ground or deck pool installation.

Whether or not you have made a choice about which pool to get, ask the pool store to provide you with the types of pools that they offer. With their years of experience, you can get the best recommendations to suit your space and city regulations. Some stores may have one or both of these pool types:

Above Ground Pool – Considered the cheapest kind of home swimming pool since it doesn’t need excavation and the materials used are also less expensive. For instance, walls that can have a warranty of 20 years to a lifetime can be made up of steel or aluminum.
In-Ground Pool – As it requires machinery, long periods of planning, and excavation, this type of pool can cost up to 22,000 USD. An in-ground pool is excellent as long as water won’t seep into it to avoid contamination.

Can I get a copy of your certificate of insurance from your insurance company?

It’s also vital to ask whether the store has an insurance coverage. Without insurance coverage of the pool store, you’ll shoulder medical expenses if their workers acquire an injury. Don’t take their yes lightly—you have to confirm it. If they provide you with a certificate, don’t accept it as a confirmation because dates in the certificate can be altered. Instead, ask for the name of their insurance company and personally verify if they’re currently covered.

If the store keeps on forgetting to give you information on their company’s insurance provider, then consider it a warning.

Conclusion

If you want to invest in a swimming pool, it’s vital to hire the services of a pool store with a good reputation. When you hire services from a reputable store, you’re more likely to get a high-quality product. Since your pool can affect the value of your home, it’s best to hire the services of a store that can give you the best outcome for your pool.