Tips for Choosing a Pool Remodeler
If you have a pool in your backyard, you know how much fun and relaxation it can provide. But over time, your pool may start to look outdated, worn out, or damaged. You may also want to change the style or features of your pool to suit your preferences or needs. That’s when you may consider pool remodeling and choosing a pool remodeler.
Pool remodeling is a great way to transform your pool and give it a fresh and modern look. It can also improve the functionality and efficiency of your pool, making it more enjoyable and easier to maintain. However, pool remodeling is not a simple or cheap project. It requires careful planning, budgeting, and hiring the right contractor. See: Pool Remodel Checklist
So, how do you choose the right pool remodeler? We will share 5 tips for choosing a pool remodeler that can deliver the results you want. We will cover the following topics:
Table of Contents
How to Research the Type of Pool Remodeling You Want
Before you start looking for a pool contractor, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your pool remodeling. You should think about the following aspects:
The purpose of your pool remodeling. Do you want to change the shape, size, depth, or features of your pool? Do you want to repair or replace any damaged or outdated parts? Do you want to enhance the appearance or style of your pool?
The budget of your pool remodeling. How much are you willing to spend on your pool remodeling? What are the factors that affect the cost of pool remodeling, such as the size, complexity, materials, and labor involved? How can you save money or get financing for your pool remodeling?
The design of your pool remodeling. What are the current trends and styles in pool design? What are your personal preferences and tastes? What are the best materials and finishes for your pool, such as PebbleTec, which offers a wide variety of colors and textures? What are the best features and accessories for your pool, such as waterfalls, fountains, slides, jets, or lighting (accent, L.E.D., color changing)?
To help you answer these questions, you can do some research online or offline. You can browse online for inspiration, such as on Pinterest or Houzz, where you can find thousands of images and ideas for pool remodeling. You can also visit some pool showrooms or galleries in your area, where you can see different types of pools and materials in person.
How to Find and Compare Different Pool Contractors
Once you have a vision for your pool remodeling, you need to find a pool contractor that can make it happen. You want to find someone who is experienced, licensed, insured, and reputable. You also want to find someone who is reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
There are several ways to find potential pool contractors for your project. You can ask for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have remodeled their pools recently. You can also search online for reviews and ratings of local pool contractors on sites like Pool Pro X or Yelp. You can also check the websites of pool contractors in your area and see their portfolio and testimonials.
Once you have a list of potential pool contractors, you should contact them and ask for an estimate for your project. You should get at least three estimates from different contractors so that you can compare them. You should compare not only the price but also the scope of work, the materials used, the warranty offered, and the timeline proposed.
You should also ask for references from previous customers and check their work quality and satisfaction level. You should also verify their credentials and reputation by checking their license status, insurance coverage, Better Business Bureau rating, and any complaints or lawsuits filed against them.
How to Sign a Contract and Communicate with Your Contractor
After choosing a pool contractor that meets your expectations and budget, you should sign a written contract that details everything agreed upon. The contract should include:
- The names and contact information of both parties
- The description and specifications of the work to be done
- The materials and equipment to be used
- The start and completion dates
- The payment schedule and terms
- The warranty terms and conditions
- The change order policy
- The dispute resolution process
You should read the contract carefully before signing it and make sure that everything is clear and accurate. You should also keep a copy of the contract for your records.
You should also communicate regularly with your contractor throughout the process and address any issues or concerns as soon as they arise. You should be respectful and courteous, but also assertive and firm when necessary. You should also document everything in writing, such as emails, texts, or notes, and keep receipts and invoices of all payments and expenses.
How to Prepare for the Remodeling Process and Enjoy Your New Pool
Pool remodeling can be a disruptive and noisy process that may take several weeks or months to complete. You should prepare yourself and your property for the remodeling process and minimize any inconvenience or hassle.
Before the remodeling starts, you should do the following:
- Clear the area around the pool of any furniture, plants, or decorations
- Cover any windows or doors that face the pool area with plastic or cardboard
- Inform your neighbors about the remodeling and apologize for any noise or dust
- Secure your pets and children and keep them away from the pool area
- Follow any instructions from your contractor regarding water, electricity, or gas supply
During the remodeling, you should do the following:
- Observe their progress and check the quality of their work
- Give feedback and suggestions to your contractor
- Avoid making any changes or additions that are not in the contract
- Pay your contractor according to the agreed schedule
- Inspect the work and request any corrections or repairs before making the final payment
After the remodeling is done, you should do the following: (Only if the contractor is not completing these items)
- Clean and fill your pool according to your contractor’s instructions
- Test and adjust the water chemistry
- Check and operate all the features and equipment of your pool
- Enjoy your new pool with your family and friends
Additional Questions to Ask a Potential Contractor
It is important to ask the right questions of a potential contractor, but you can’t ask what you don’t know so we have listed a few questions that you can ask a potential contractor to help with choosing a pool remodeler.
- What steps will the contractor take to prepare the backyard and pool/spa for remodeling? Such as access via gates or walls.
- If backyard access is not adequate and walls/gates need to be removed during remodeling, will they be replaced/repaired after completion of the remodel?
- Will furniture be moved?
- Will the water be drained prior to the remodel?
- Where will the water be drained (yard, street, sewage drain-out)?
When the remodel is complete, will the contractor make you whole? It should be discussed and documented in detail whether or not the pool remodeler, when completed with their work, will make you whole. This means that when the work is complete will they: repair any damage to the backyard (walls, gates, landscaping), refill the pool, turn on the water leveler (if applicable), add startup chemicals (shock, stabilizer), do an initial cleaning of the pool, turn on all pool equipment, turn on any automation that has been turned off and reset any clocks to the current time.
Chemicals that may be needed to startup a pool
Shock to give the pool good kick-start and prevent the growth of algae.
Stabilizer, Conditioner (Cyanuric Acid [CYA]) protects the free chlorine from the sun, and essentially acts as a form of sunblock for the pool. It is recommended to add between 3ibs-4lbs of stabilizer per 10,000 gallons of water, for a minimum of 30 ppm of CYA.
Chlorine in either granular or tablet form. Once the pool has stabilized, the ideal reading is between 2 ppm to 4 ppm of (total or free) chlorine.
Bromine may be used as an alternate to chlorine, but due to it’s higher cost, you may decide to reserve it’s use for spas and hot tubs that act independently of the pool.
pH: Pool water should maintain a pH reading between 7.4 and 7.6
- Soda ash, baking soda, to raise the pH level
- Muriatic acid to decrease the pH level in the pool
Conclusion
Pool remodeling can be a rewarding investment that enhances your outdoor living space and increases your home value. By using the tips for researching the type of pool remodeling you want, knowing how to find and compare different pool contractors, communicating with your contractor and signing a contract, knowing how to prepare for the remodeling process as well as what questions you should be asking of a pool remodel contractor you can make the most of your pool remodeling project and enjoy your new pool for years to come.
Use our Pool Remodel Checklist to help with choosing a pool remodeler and calling references.
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