Are you considering building a swimming pool? Have you decided to invest in a backyard paradise of your very own? If so, you’ll likely be thinking about the process of selecting a pool installer. What criteria will you use? How will you choose which pool contractor to go with?
Brooks Malone, one of northeast Tennessee’s premier pool contractors, would first like to extend our sincerest “congratulations” to you! Your swimming pool and outdoor living area will be a source of fun for friends and family that lasts a lifetime.
We’d like to share some ideas on what to look for in a pool builder. These suggestions are based on our 25 years of experience helping out and talking with customers in this area.
The Importance of Planning
Planning is important whether you are in the beginning stages of your decision-making process or on the verge of taking the plunge. Be sure to start by setting a clear purpose of how a pool should meet your needs and who will use it. Read our blog article on 8 questions to ask yourself when planning a pool.
It is also a good idea to establish a budget and generally do a bit of research on pool types and maintenance. An expert pool contractor will be able to assist you with decisions regarding the type, design, and placement of the pool that best suits your property and lifestyle.
Brooks Malone is here to help you through the process to ensure you are making informed decisions — about everything from the big picture to the smallest details. We’d love to earn your business. We feel like that starts with providing you with the education you need to make the best decisions for your family.
To make good plans you need good information. Let’s make sure that building your backyard dream is as wonderful an experience as owning one. Here are a few things worth considering when choosing a pool contractor…
Licenses and Insurance
Is the Pool Installer licensed and insured?
It may seem basic, but don’t get lost in the excitement of building your dream pool. You can’t neglect to make sure your contractor has a current contractor’s license and is insured.
Any reputable company is happy to share the documentation necessary to validate its licensures. Subcontractors who are used for the project should also have valid and up-to-date documentation.
Brooks Malone is family-owned and operated, and has exponentially grown from a small plumbing business. Over the years, we have developed the business to include home construction, hardscaping, landscaping, and plumbing. We have modified our business model in order to put more emphasis on the installation of pools and the creation of outdoor living spaces. We are committed to performing the best construction and business practices possible. We are a licensed general contractor and maintain all necessary insurance policies.
Pool Installation Experience
How long has the Pool Installer been established in the construction business and can references be provided?
It is important to select a pool contractor who is well-established in the pool installation business. Choosing a recognized installer provides you with peace of mind that the company has gained valuable knowledge and experience along the way. Stability and expertise in pool installation ultimately equals customer satisfaction.
A pool contractor who is firmly established within the market will have lots of references. Research those to help select the right installer for your job. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from the pool contractor and even ask to visit a finished pool installation.
One of your best resources for finding a qualified pool contractor is to ask your family and friends for a referral. Again, legitimate contractors, who do quality work and provide superior service, are happy to share this kind of information.
In short, talk to some local people and pool owners. Then, schedule a free estimate, which will give you a chance to get some general information and a sense of the pool installer.
At its core, Brooks Malone is a construction business that focuses on the installation of swimming pools. We have built over 100 homes and installed over 200 pools over the past 25 years. We have gained the knowledge, experience, and reputation to be regarded as one of northeast Tennessee’s premier pool contractors.
Our design and craftsmanship have been recognized nationally by High Velocity magazine and we have won many awards including Pool & Spa News “Master of Design Award,” the pool industry’s most prestigious award, and Latham’s “Builders of Excellence” Award annually since 2012.
Pool Industry Affiliations
Is the pool contractor a member or associated with any trade or business organizations?
If the pool contractor participates in any trade or other organizations within the pool industry, it demonstrates a commitment to the trade itself.
This means you are choosing a professional company willing to invest time, effort, money, and other resources in order to make their business and product better. Being involved within pool industry shows dedication that, in turn, benefits the consumer as unmatched expertise and premium product.
Brooks Malone is honored to be a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association. Owner David Brooks has been a member of Latham Pool Product’s Advisory Board from 2015 to 2018. We feel it important to support and contribute to these organizations by our membership and feedback. Additionally, these kinds of memberships help to keep us aware of what is new within the market and up-to-date on the latest pool industry trends.
Pool Equipment
What type of products and equipment does the pool contractor offer?
There are many things to consider when installing a pool and creating an outdoor living space. Do not forget to find out what kind of products and equipment the pool contractor offers.
Remember each pool is unique and you usually get exactly what you pay for. When designing your dream pool, be sure your pool contractor works with you to find the right equipment for your particular job. You want to invest in your project with quality products and equipment.
Brooks Malone takes your investment seriously. We are committed to using only the highest quality equipment and products to install and service your swimming pool. We are proud to offer fiberglass and vinyl liner pools and equipment from industry-leading companies. We use Latham Pools, the largest manufacturer of fabricated pools, pool components, and pool accessories in North America, for all of our fiberglass and vinyl liner pool material options. Latham Pools has an impressive six decades worth of experience in manufacturing pools and their components. Also, we recommend and install Pentair mechanical equipment, which offers the finest, most efficient cleaning, heating, and pumping systems on the market.
Quotes and Questions
Have you obtained multiple quotes? Has the pool contractor been willing to help educate you about swimming pool choices? Have all of your questions been answered?
In order to find the contractor who you are most comfortable with entrusting your pool installation, you may need to get several quotes. Reputable contractors committed to your success should offer free estimates and education. Just be sure to compare “apples to apples.”
Make an educated decision based on your interactions with the company, the research you have done, and the references you’ve gotten. Also, keep in mind that the durability and longevity of quality products are often a bit more expensive.
These varying product price points may make quotes appear farther apart. However, investing in a solid pool contractor, who uses exceptional products and equipment, will probably be cheaper than replacing or repairing them in the future.
Has the pool contractor adequately answered all of your questions and reviewed the contract with you?
More than likely, you will have numerous questions about the pool building process. We encourage you to ask lots of questions to the pool contractors you are considering.
Here are some to get you started:
- What are the differences between fiberglass, vinyl and concrete pools and what are the benefits of each?
- How long will the construction approximately last and is the construction site always supervised?
- What is the payment schedule?
- What types of products and equipment are used and why?
- What warranties are offered on the pool products and equipment?
- With proper maintenance and care, how long should I expect my pool to last?
- How do I maintain my pool?
- Do I need a heater?
- Should I install a pool with a chlorine or a salt system?
- Do I need a cover?
- When do I open and close my pool?
- How many months of use should I expect to get out of my pool throughout the year?
- What measures can I take to ensure water safety?
- Is there financing available to make your dream pool attainable?
- What are the local safety codes that I am required to comply with?
- What are the approximate costs of operating a pool over time?
- Will your company be available for future questions and pool maintenance?
You may have other questions about design, plumbing, building permits, water features, decking, lighting, fencing, retaining walls, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and additional amenities depending on your needs.
You and your pool contractor will agree upon many decisions, including price points, payment schedule, and an estimated construction period. Make sure these are not only discussed, but outlined clearly in the contract. The contract is a measure of protection for both parties. Make sure you understand the terms of the contract clearly and that work proceeds within its guidelines.
Also, be cautious of individuals who require you to write multiple checks to different parties such as subcontractors, suppliers, and pool manufacturers as this kind of activity could show indications of fraudulent behavior, which could put your transaction in jeopardy.
Brooks Malone completes everything in-house to ensure your experience is as smooth and seamless as possible. We are firmly committed to sharing our expertise and knowledge with prospective customers. We want you to make the best decision for your family. If you select us as your pool contractor, we’ll put everything in writing and make sure that you are taken care of satisfactorily from our first meeting, where we give you a free estimate, to our last meeting, where we provide you one-on-one personal instruction on how to properly maintain your swimming pool.
Warranties
What level of warranties is the pool contractor able to offer on the pool? On the mechanical equipment? On additional work or products provided?
You will find that pool builders offer different levels of warranties based on the quality of equipment, their commitment to customers, and their standing in the industry. Consistently providing quality service and equipment allows the builder to offer longer warranties.
Brooks Malone simply offers the best extended warranties in the area. Based on our unrivaled 100% satisfaction rate installing pools, we have been acknowledged as a Premier Company by Latham Pool Products. In fact, we are the only company in the area able to offer a lifetime warranty on our in-ground swimming pools. Through Pentair, we also offer a full 3-year warranty on parts and labor on mechanical equipment. Finally, we offer a full 20-year warranty on the pool liners we install — another area exclusive.
Closing Comments
In the end, having honest conversations and setting clear expectations with your professional pool contractor will help ensure a smooth construction process from beginning to end! Pools are a source of entertainment the whole family can enjoy while making memories that will last a lifetime.
The construction phase of building your dream pool should not be any different.
Brooks Malone is an award-winning construction company, with more than 25 years of experience and strong community involvement. We have stood the test of time and have the customer reviews and references to give you confidence.
In northeast Tennessee, we are your one-stop source for all of your swimming pool needs. This might include a pool cabana, landscaping and hardscaping, an outdoor kitchen and more. Put our construction expertise to work for you!
We want you to be confident in your choice of working with a qualified pool contractor and would love to earn your business. Call us today for your free estimate and give us the opportunity to build your dream swimming pool and outdoor living space!
