What you need to know when selecting a pool builder
The demand for backyard, in ground swimming pools has never been higher. With public pools likely to be closed again for the summer and travel to beaches and warmer locales still being in question, many families are making the decision to finally build the pool they’ve talked about for years – only to find that one pool company after another is booked into calendar year 2022.
That’s not the case with Liquid Assets Pools. We have multiple crews and a talented team of designers ready to still get more families swimming sometime in the summer of 2021.
Recently, we have not been encountering our traditional competition when we’re bidding for a job. Instead, a number of new companies have emerged, some from out of town, others consisting of converted building or landscape contractors who are suddenly touting themselves as experts in building pools.
We welcome the competition. But we also believe that if you do your homework, you’ll ultimately choose Liquid Assets Pools to be your builder. You should select a pool contractor or dealer as carefully as you would an architect or builder for your home.
The Better Business Bureau, along with the National Pool and Spa Institute, have a few suggestions you should follow before signing a contract:
- Obtain at least three bids and compare them. Make sure the contractor’s bid specifies the materials to be used, including quantity, brand, size, color, etc. That applies to the pool equipment the type of tiling or finish that’s being used and if you’re getting something like an outdoor kitchen – what type of appliances are being recommended as well. Keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best.
- Make sure the contractor’s paperwork is in order. Ask to see the contractor’s license and certificates of insurance. You should do that at the first initial meeting. Then contact the licensing board to verify. Contractors are required to obtain licenses from state, city and/or county agencies. If they don’t have their licenses, you don’t want to be working with them.
- Ask for references and check them out. Most pool builders are happy to oblige. If they balk at your request, that’s a good sign to look elsewhere.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor or builder has any complaints against it – and if so, were they resolved?
- Find out who will be doing the actual work – the contractor’s employees or subcontractors. Liquid Assets Pools uses a mix of both but takes responsibility for all work done from concept through completion. Make sure you know who will be building your pool before construction begins.
- Find out if the builder can make any necessary site and soil evaluations of your property. The contractor should also know about existing zone, building and grading requirements. Since Liquid Assets Pools has been building throughout the metro St. Louis area on both sides of the river, that’s a definite advantage that many of these newer companies simply do not have.
- Some pool builders offer financing, but you should probably shop various lenders to find the best terms.
- Do not be pressured into signing a contract right away. Take your time and review the contract carefully. If you do not understand the contract, do not sign it!
- Make sure all warranties for labor and materials are in writing.
- When paying for your pool, never pay in cash. Use your credit card, check or money order. And, never pay the full amount up front.

No matter who you build with, we hope you get the pool you want. It’s a major investment in your home and can provide enjoyment for years to come. Be smart about your decision. Think it through. In the end, we hope that Liquid Assets Pools will be your builder of choice – and we will not let you down!
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