5 Things Every Pool Buyer Should Know
Are you considering adding a swimming pool to your backyard? If so, please read on. Here are 5 things every pool buyer should know:
1. Know the General Difference Between Vinyl, Concrete, and Fiberglass. I find in general that the Internet is much less biased than pool people when it comes to explaining the pros and cons about different types of pools. I look at my job as to inform and educate my clients and help them make a decision that is right for their family; one that meets their needs, wants and budget.
With that said, all three in ground pool types have their place in the market and there are pros and cons to each type. But the fact is, fiberglass, although it fits the needs of most consumers, isn’t right 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.
2. Are you sure you want a pool? 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.
Let me segue for a moment and tell you a story about Rick and Monica in Rhode Island. They used to take a family vacation every year to Hawaii – all seven of them. But they decided as a family that they would rather have a pool installed instead of their annual family trip. In fact, they had a family picture that they gave to our hard-scape designer and he matched the concrete patio to the red rocks in their Hawaiian Family Portrait. So in essence, every time they enjoy their pool, they are remembering their family vacation that now lasts as long as their pool is open, rather for two weeks a year.
I mention this because the other day, I had a woman call me and tell me how much she wanted a pool but that her husband wasn’t so sure. My Rhode Island client made the decision as a family that they wanted the pool. If you really want a pool and your spouse or significant other does not, show them pictures, take them to see installed pools. Do what you can to get them on-board, but as much as I would love to convince someone that a pool is right for them, only a family deciding together can make that call.
3. Know What’s MOST Important to You about the Pool.
- Maintenance or lack thereof
- Aesthetics, color, shape, design
- Features & Options – heaters, lights, etc.
- Warranty on the pool, equipment, service issues
- Customization
- Patio Area, Entertaining, Sun bathing
- Water Features, Slides, Depth
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.
4. 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?
- What is the company’s reputation?
- Do they offer references – and what do those references say?
- Do they have display pools/showrooms?
These are incredibly important questions that every pool shopper should answer before they meet with a pool company. In fact, I believe the question of price is maybe the most important question a shopper will ever ask themselves. This is because if a consumer is solely price-motivated then they likely don’t even need to have a bunch of pool people come to their home for estimates. 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 pool company and give the best workmanship and quality.
5. 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. 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. This is why I strongly suggest to homeowners to seek out your financing resources before you sit down with the pool person. I can assure you that if you do this neither your, nor their, time will be wasted.
