Top Tips When Buying a Swimming Pool

If you are thinking about buying a swimming pool, you may think it is as simple as walking into a contractor's office, throwing down some cash, and waiting while it's done. The truth is, finding the perfect pool, and making sure you get the best deal, takes a little research, time, and effort, especially on your part. After all, it's your knowledge and discretion that will ensure you wind up with the perfect product, and won't get conned into making the wrong choice, or spending more than you have to.

When you go in to buy your own swimming pool, there are a few tips that may help you along the way, both to make the right choice, and to protect yourself from scams. While some will require you to know a bit about the business, most is just common sense, and will turn you into the prepared, savvy consumer you should be.

• Know your prices. The cost of your swimming pool will depend greatly on what kind you decide to buy. An above ground pool will cost a lot less then most, usually around $1,000 - $5,000, depending on the size and depth. An inground model will be considerably more, with the cheapest between $5,000 - $15,000 for vinyl, up to $25,000 for fiberglass, and up to $50,000 for concrete. All of these prices are based on standard pool designs, and something fancy may cost you much more.
• Check on your contractor. Never hire a contractor without knowing about their background. For instance, you will want to get multiple quotes from at least three sources, preferably more. Once you have gotten those, check up on the contractor's business history, asking to see samples of past work, references, and doing an online check on any fraud reports that may have been filed against them. Never go with anyone who doesn't have adequate proof of their skill, no matter how trusting they may seem.
• Pay attention to features. Don't buy anything without knowing about the special items that can be added to the package, such as pool covers, filters, and automatic chlorine devices. These items can make maintaining your pool much more simple, and many companies will actually offer them for a discounted price, or even for free. You should also ask about any deals on additional purchases, like spas, pool furniture, or waterfalls.
• Know your city's laws. Never buy a pool without first checking out the local ordinances that have to be followed, such as steps, fences, or depths. While a pool will usually increase your home's value, an illegal swimming pool will decrease it, as well as make you vulnerable to legal action, which can result in your pool being filled, and fees being paid. Make sure the contractor you hire is aware of local ordinances, and follows by them as well. Never trust anyone who does something you know to be against code, even if they say that no one will notice, or it isn't a big deal. Educate yourself first, so you don't end up paying later.