Questions to Ask Swimming Pool Consultants

Investing in a swimming pool is a big commitment. Both in the short and long term.

Whether the dream is hosting weekend pool parties, a serene backyard spot or a place for kids to enjoy their hot summer vacation days, choosing the right consultant is where it all begins.

Not all pool professionals are created equal. To make sure your investment doesn’t turn into a money pit, you need to know what to ask.

From design expertise and permitting to maintenance plans and hidden costs, the right questions will uncover a consultant’s true experience and knowledge.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the key questions you should ask that make sense before committing dollars to an aquatic system.

What are the economics and return on investment of a pool or aquatic system?

These can vary widely depending on the type (residential, commercial, municipal), location and how it’s managed.

Residential pools cost around $35,000 to $65,000 on average in the United States but can go much higher depending on features and materials. Expect maintenance, including insurance, to total $1,000 or more per year.

Homes in warmer states with pools tend to offer better return on investment because they can be used year-round, and if you live in a neighborhood where most homes have pools, it will help keep you competitive when it’s time to sell.

Commercial and municipal aquatic facilities can range from simple pool facilities to wave pools to full aquatic centers. These require much more significant capital investment, but they also open the opportunity for revenue streams.

Swim lessons, fitness classes for seniors and lifeguard certifications are a few sources of income. Facility rentals for parties and competitions. Using an aquatics operations software can cut labor costs, improve safety and streamline maintenance, while energy-efficient systems and an automated water management system can reduce operational costs.

What types of building material options are available?

When it comes to building a pool, materials will shape everything from durability and maintenance to aesthetics and cost.

Pool shells most commonly come in some form of stainless, fiberglass, concrete or a vinyl liner.

Stainless pools come in the form of wall panels with concrete floors. Their long life and low maintenance make them a good choice to consider when selecting structural materials.
Fiberglass offers quick installation, low maintenance but limited shapes and sizes since shells are pre-manufactured. Fiberglass also comes in fiberglass wall panels with concrete floor construction or a one-piece fiberglass wall with concrete floor construction. Each has its benefits and challenges.
Concrete is highly customizable in shape and depth as well as extremely durable. Maintenance tends to be higher, though, and there’s a rough finish. Concrete is a popular form of construction in many geographic areas but long term maintenance requirements can be extensive and difficult.
A vinyl liner has lower upfront costs, flexible shapes and a smooth surface. The liner needs replacing every 7-13 years depending on care and the quality of the original installation. Liners are easily changed when needed.

Considerations for interior finishes include paint, plaster, tile, fiberglass and vinyl.

Then there is the deck, which is most often stone, concrete or pavement. Wood looks great, but is high maintenance over time and can splinter. Wood is not typically allowed on commercial applications.

How do you determine the size of the pool we should build?

Determining the right size for a residential or commercial pool depends on how it will be used, who will be using it, the shape, intended function and budget.

Residential pools typically are 16-by-32 feet, 18-by-36 or 20-by-40. Consider 10-by-40 for a lap pool and something smaller – say 12-by-24 – if it’s just for leisure, not swimming. Standard depths are 3 to 5 feet, though it should go to at least 8 feet if there is a diving board.

Commercial pools start at 20-by-40 feet with 25- or 50-meter options for lap swimming. The planning for these facilities must include local health and safety codes, ADA accessibility and zoning.

In both cases, the best size balances function, aesthetics and cost.

How do we secure a builder we can trust?

Finding a trustworthy pool builder is a bit like dating. You want someone reliable, transparent and who won’t ghost you halfway through the project.

Do your homework. Check licenses and insurance. Ask for references and review their portfolio.
Ask informative questions. This blog should give you plenty of start with this. Also, ask them how many pools they built last year, what is their typical timeline and whose responsibility is it for delays or overruns.
Look for red flags. Vagueness or reluctance to provide references is a big one. Insist on a written contract and warranty. Never offer more than 10 to 15 percent of payment up front. Beware of contractors asking for large deposits.
Use trusted resources. Beyond personal references or Facebook groups, check out PoolPad for customer reports. Consider online research for lawsuits and complaints filed against the contractor.
Who’s hired? Find out if the contractor uses subcontractors or in-house employees.
Get it in writing. When possible, get a completion date guaranteed by a per diem penalty if the project is not completed on time.

How should payments be structured to protect our interest when paying a contractor?

Structuring payments wisely is one of the best ways to protect yourself during a pool build. Take an approach that balances fairness with financial security.

A modest initial payment of 10 to 15 percent should be enough to allow the contractor to begin planning and order materials.
Payments should be tied to milestones, such as excavation, onsite material deliveries, installations, and start-up with a hold back in some instances.
The final payment is held until the entire project is complete, including water filling, systems tests and inspection.
Be certain to use the pool and inspect the condition of the bottom of the pool before final payment. Look for the presence of a non abrasive finish and a sound structure.

Never pay for work that isn’t done, and get everything in writing. A draw schedule will link payments to the actual value of completed work, not just elapsed time.

And never, ever pay in cash.

How do we know if our pool needs to be replaced or can it be repaired?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your pool comes down to a mix of age, condition, cost, and how well it still fits your needs. Here’s how to tell which lane you’re swimming in.

Signs a pool can be repaired

Minor cracks or leaks in the shell or plumbing.
Tile or coping damage that’s localized, not widespread.
Simple equipment issues such as a faulty pump, heater or filter.
Surface wear such as fading or staining that can be resurfaced or acid-washed.
Liner issues (for vinyl pools) where the liner is still rubbery like finish, not dry rotted and hasn’t torn extensively.

Repairs are usually the better option if the structure is sound and the fixes are less than 50 percent the cost of replacement., so long as it still meets its intended function.

Signs that it’s time to replace the pool

Frequent repairs where you are constantly patching leaks or replacing parts. It may be more cost-effective to start fresh.
Pools more than 20 years old, especially concrete ones with structural cracks or outdated plumbing, may be nearing the end.
If the pool no longer fits your lifestyle (e.g., too deep, too small or lacks features like ledges or steps), replacement might be the only way to modernize.
For community pools, when the cost of operation and repairs over time merit the cost of a new pool, that will be less expensive to maintain over time. In many cases, this can be a five-year payback and provide many years of savings.
Major shell damage such as severe cracking, shifting or erosion.
Safety or code violations, including ADA compliance, if this is a commercial pool.

How long will the existing pool last if we repair it?

A well-built pool with regular maintenance and upkeep will last 20 to 35 years. Much depends on the contractor’s installation and material selection.

Our contractor won’t call us back and the pool isn’t finished, what are our options?

This happens too often in the industry, and you never want to find yourself here. But if you do, here are some steps to take, including steps during the build to protect you in case it gets to this point.

Review your contact. Look for completion dates and payment schedules. Check to see if there is a force majeure clause for uncontrollable events. Identify a termination clause.
Document everything. Keep a written log of all work done, delays and attempts to contact the contractor. Take date photos of the site to show progress. Save all texts, emails and voicemails.
Send a formal demand. Write a certified letter to the contractor stating they are in breach of contract. Provide a reasonable deadline to resume work, typically two weeks, and say you will pursue legal remedies if they do not respond.
Consider engaging a mediator. This method may save you much time, money, and emotional stress when communication can be restored without litigation. This also provides motivation for the contractor to avoid the cost and damage of litigation brought against them.
Legal action. If there is no response, consult a construction attorney. You may also be eligible to file a complaint with the state licensing board or Better Business Bureau.

Don’t pay another penny. If you’ve already paid for incomplete work, cancel the check and withhold any remaining payments until the job is finished to your approval.

How do we please as many people as possible in our HOA when making decisions about our swimming pool?

Homeowners associations typically are governed by well-intentioned volunteers who care about their community. Two challenges they face are:

Not having the background needed to make educated decisions about swimming pool actions that need to be taken. The lack of knowledge may cost them dearly.
Trying to please what is often several hundred families so everyone is happy.

There is a process where professional consultants can assist with both of these challenges when engaged as an advocate.

Lakeside Consulting is a nationally known pool and aquatic consulting expert. Whether as a for-hire designer mediator, expert or as an educator who works with private individuals, homeowner associations, aquatic centers and other facility managers, Lakeside Consulting can help you select a qualified contractor and identify potential pitfalls ahead of time.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us, and we will help.