Finding the best pool builder

Summer is probably the best time of the year in Sydney. But when everyone’s flocking to the beaches to beat the sweltering Australia heat, your best bet for a peaceful summer vacation could be right in your backyard. Whether you want to keep fit or to have a place to spend quality family time, building a pool is an investment that can benefit you in the years to come. Not to mention that the right pool design can complement the stunning architecture of your home.

The pool builder comes into play here, when bringing your dream backyard into a reality. Selecting the right pool company can determine whether or not you have a good experience during your project and after. Luckily, there are a range of local pool builders in Sydney NSW that can cater to your needs. Building a pool requires an extensive amount of planning, expertise, time, resources, and budget to complete your vision. You have to have an idea of what you want and communicate this early on to maximise the results.

What is the best pool design for you?

For starters, selecting the type of pool you want will help narrow down potential pool companies based on specialisation. Consider the space you have and its surroundings. What size pool will fit? Where is the best location to place your pool so that it is both functional and visually appealing? What is your landscaping plan? Ask yourself the right questions to determine what is the best pool design for you.

Besides functionality, a major aspect of your dream pool is the aesthetic appeal. As such, there are several pool types to choose from that can meet both functionality and aesthetic purposes. Some types of swimming pools are: plunge pool, lap pool, and family pool.

Fibreglass or concrete?

Another major factor is the material of your pool. Most Australian homes nowadays go for fibreglass pools for a number of reasons. While fibreglass pools are a popular choice, it is important to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons. Building a fibreglass pool will significantly cut down on your installation time: it takes about a week or two for on-site installation, compared to a concrete pool which can take months. This is because fibreglass pools are pre-built in the factory before bringing them to your property. Another great thing is that fibreglass pools come with a gel coat surface that prevents the growth of algae and other bacteria. Besides the ease of maintenance, this is an incredibly durable material that is built to last.

However, when it comes to flexibility of design, concrete pools are more customisable since they are built on-site. Because the fixing happens in front of you, you can opt for changes or add-ons as the installation goes. Fibreglass pools come ready-made and the customer has less control over specific features. Thankfully, our designs at Compass Pools have been refined over the years to suit a range of preferences and needs of every customer. We also offer several customisations such as addon Sunpods, beaches, spas in an extensive colour range to choose from.  So you’ll find that with the many styles and size, finding your right design of fibreglass pool can be easy!

Finding the best pool builder for the job

Before deciding on who you want to build your pool, you also have to determine your budget. With your pool design requirements and budget in mind, the next step is to look for a suitable pool builder to carry out your dream. It is normal to have requirements that may not necessarily be conventional. More importantly, you have to discuss this with the contractor to see how feasible it is.

There are a ton of reputable local pool builders in Sydney NSW with a portfolio of satisfied customers. It can be overwhelming to settle on one if you are unsure of what you’re looking for. Don’t worry, we have come up with a guide to finding the best pool builder for you.

Thorough research to find the best pool builder

The first thing is to gather all your options in one list where you can start narrowing down to the best choice. A good place to start is through search engines like Google, or online forums. Remember to do thorough research on each pool company you shortlist by looking through their website. Do they have any testimonials? What kind of projects have they done? You can often get good recommendations from asking around your social circles also. Referrals are a great form of prospecting as they come from other pool owners who are familiar with the process.

Once you have gotten a comprehensive list of all the potential pool contractors, you can ask yourself a few important questions.

Do they specialise in building the kind of pool you want?

A job well done is one that focuses on details. With the many types of pools in the market, most pool companies will have the resources and knowledge in building them. However, there are pool companies that are more well-known for building certain types of pools. For instance, a website may list fibreglass and concrete pools as an option, but most of the testimonials are about fibreglass pools. Knowing where your contractor’s expertise lies will help you in your search for the one.

Of course, reputable companies in Sydney will have a substantial amount of experience under most categories. But this step will narrow your focus to the pool builders that get you the best results.

Is this a reputable contractor?

It seems like an obvious question to ask, right? However, there are customers that look past this step for several reasons: to cut down on budget, want to add certain features that are not available in the market or recommended by a friend.

While reputable contractors may not be able to beat the prices or promises of some sellers, there are also reasons as to why. For example, if you are looking to get a specific landscaping feature installed, this may not be the safest thing to do or comply with your area’s regulations, which is why reputable contractors do not offer that option. In terms of cost, established swimming pool builders like Local Pools aim to bring the best value with reliable services and materials.

Do they tend to take on more than they can handle?

Good pool contractors do not only focus on quantity but quality. You may come across builders that are juggling several projects at a time. While this is normal, you also have to make sure that they will not prioritise other customers over you. Handling several pool installation plans at once can be a good thing, as they can provide you with real-time fresh perspectives from their experience. However, if you think that your pool contractor will neglect you due to their workload, it may be better to look for someone else.

Will they take care of all back-end matters?

Building a pool on your property is a huge home project that will require legal permits and meet the regulations of your city. Most reputable swimming pool builders will have this taken care of, but it is always crucial to enquire first. Experienced pool builders should be familiar with the legal requirements needed for pool planning and installation and have the capability to deal with the necessary board.

Pool builders should also be equipped with the right knowledge on the property and safety laws surrounding home renovation plans in the state. In this case, in Sydney NSW, homes are supposed to act in accordance with the Australian Standard 1926. Having all the building specs in your contract will put your mind at ease. So whether you are looking for a Liverpool, Bankstown or Maroubra pool, it is important to keep this in mind.

Are they covered?

This is more of a “in case” situation, where a worker gets hurt on your property. It also relates back to the point about reputable pool builders, as professional companies are always covered with proper insurance plans for accidents. It is also to protect you in the case where you are caught in legal battles. Engaging a pool builder without the necessary protection and contingency plans runs you the risk of shelling up huge fines if things go wrong. It is important to speak to your potential pool builders to find out what they are covered for.

What are customers saying?

Most of the time, what a company’s website claims cannot beat the words of their customers. Take a look at the work they have done with their past customers and whether they were satisfied. Reputable pool builders usually have an extensive gallery, awards and testimonials on-hand for your perusal. If you want to delve deeper, search for online reviews and take note of how your potential pool builder has handled past projects. Do they overlook important aspects? Are they meticulous with their work? How often do they finish on time? Do they keep within the budget?

Can you communicate with your contractor?

Above regulatory requirements, expertise and papers, you have to look at intangible factors such as communication. Ultimately, your contractor will be someone you have to talk to for the duration of your project. Getting a pool builder you have a good rapport with will ensure that you get a pleasant experience and are comfortable with conveying your expectations for the pool project.

Some customers prefer contractors who can make the important decisions for them or offer expert advice, while others may want to take control of the pool building process. Whatever it is you want, make sure that your contractor knows how you feel and can accommodate your needs.

Last tip: listen to yourself!

The last thing to note is to always follow your heart. Ultimately, your new pool will be something you use often, look at all day and can be the star feature of your living space. If at any time you feel that something is off-perhaps you realise that your contractor is not listening to your needs, then it can be worth looking for another pool builder. Remember that you are not binded to any agreements unless there is a contract signed. Detecting issues earlier on can avoid the future costs of reparations.

Build your dreams together with Local Pools & Spas

If you are searching for the best pool builder to take on your pool planning and installation, look no further than Local Pools Australia. We aim to provide a fuss-free and efficient experience for all our customers. With a diverse range of fibreglass pools, special addon features and the best materials, our customers get a tailored project plan to get their ideal pool to enjoy at home. Reach out to us for a personalised plan now.