When you are thinking about building a pool in your backyard, there are many items to consider-  Should I build it myself?, How much will it cost?, Who should I trust to build it? Can I find someone cheaper from out of State to build my pool?, Can my Buddy's Cousin or Friend from out of State come and build my pool for less?, and so on.

Unfortunately there are many things to consider when you are building an In-ground Swimming Pool.  The first thing is what type of pool should I build? There are three different types of In-ground Pools.  The least expensive is a Vinyl Liner Pool, I have seen these pools built anywhere from $18,000.00 to upwards of $60,000.00 plus, depending on size, shape and features.  Next are Concrete Pools these are also known as Gunite Pools. This type of pool has unlimited shapes and features that are available. This is also the standard pool for Commercial Pools.  I have seen these pools anywhere from $30,000.00 and upwards to several hundred thousand dollars depending on size, shape, and features. Last but not least are Fiberglass Pools, this type of pool is being very heavily marketed on the internet through Fiberglass Pool  Manufactures.    

There are quite a few Companies on the internet that are willing to travel to your home and do a basic install of a swimming pool.  Typically these companies are installing fiberglass pools.  Now while you may think that it is the easiest pool to install, you would be wrong.  There are quite a few steps to installing a Fiberglass Pool correctly.  The first and one of the most important steps is the excavation and the grade must be right.  Your Pool Builder must make sure that the hole is excavated properly, if not your pool will not be level.  It takes time and patience to properly prepare the hole before the pool is properly installed. I cannot tell you the number of fiberglass pools that I have seen that are not level.  The next important step is that it must be plumbed properly. Most Pool installers are still using flex hose, this type of pool plumbing is quick and easy but it can have numerous problems down the road. From there we go to proper backfilling and filling with water at the same time.  If this is not done correctly, you can have bulging walls and voids under the floor, seats, and steps that can cause settling problems and cracking in the future. The next common pool install by out of town pool companies are vinyl liner pools, these can be quick and easy to install, but require quite a bit of time to properly settle before the deck is poured around it. Yes even concrete pools are sometimes installed by out of town companies. 

Now you may think to yourself, "so what, if I save thousands of dollars, it would be worth it". That would be your first mistake.  Swimming Pool construction is actually pretty diversified. First of all you have to be able to dig a hole correctly, now that you have stopped laughing. I am serious, the hole has be planned in reverse to make sure that the top of the pool is where it belongs. You also have to make sure that the bottom and sides are shaped correctly.  The next part of the equation is making sure that your structure is built correctly.  The last thing that you want to have happen is to watch your side walls crack or cave in, no matter what type of pool you are building. From there we go to the circulation and filtration of the pool water. It is takes a lot of proper calculations in hydraulics to make sure that the water flows properly, efficiently and safely.  If this is not done correctly you can have entrapment and entanglement issues.  You can also waste a lot of money on electricity to run your pool. On to Electricity,  yes you will have electricity and water. I don't know about you but I have always been told that electricity and water don't mix. You will need a Qualified and Licensed Electrician to wire and bond your pool. This is a very important step, electric shock is the second leading killer in swimming pools. Last but not least is the decking around the pool. This is the first part of the pool that everyone will see when they are at your home.  An ugly and poorly done swimming pool deck makes for an ugly pool.  I know your buddy does concrete on the side.  Most people who do concrete work are not experienced at doing pool decks, this is not a driveway. 

Your next concern will be licensing, insurance, bonding, workman's comp, and permits.  These companies may not be licensed in your State or town to build swimming pools. They may ask or tell you that the Pool Permits are your responsibility and it is no big deal we do it all of time, or we don't have the time to go and pull the permit, or it we will have to charge you way more to pull the permit.  If you pull the permit you are now liable for any and all issues with building your swimming pool.  You will have no recourse if things go dramatically wrong.  It will be up to you to make sure that you pass all inspections and that they are scheduled properly. Let's not forget that you will have to be the one there to meet the inspector.

Last but not least who will warranty the pool? I know they told you that the pool has a lifetime warranty through the manufacture and the equipment is warrantied through local authorized Service Centers.  No manufactures warranty covers Workmanship issues.  All manufactures will tell you that their product is flawless and that if it was installed correctly there would not be a problem. I am sure that you have heard this before. It is always best when possible to Contract with a Local Qualified Contractor. When you have a problem (not if, but when) you will know where to go and get the proper help. This being said make sure that you get several estimates, referrals of past and present projects, copies of the following- State License, Workman's Comp Certificate, Proof of Insurance, and when you move forward with the project- copies of permit and all inspections.

I hope that this has helped and you have an enjoyable time having your Pool built by a Qualified and Licensed Swimming Pool Contractor.