Building swimming pools in Atlanta is a big deal because it’s not a cheap endeavor. Of course, you already know not to choose the lowest bidder for your custom pool project, but how can you tell if you’ve found the right contractor? You will have to do your research, but there are 4 tips you can follow.

Look for Experience with Custom Work

Experience is important, whether you’re hiring a heart surgeon or a pool builder. But you’re not looking for experience in general. The pool builder you’re considering may have been building pools for 20 years, but maybe they have done very little custom work.

Ideally, you’ll look at their portfolio to get a feel for the type of work they have done. A pool builder may have lots of experience with installing a fiberglass pool, but if they haven’t built a variety of custom pools, then they may not be the right builder for you. Essentially, you’re looking for someone who has designed and built a large variety of pools, and someone who often uses the material of your choice.

The Right Tools and Materials

The best pool builders have invested in state-of-the-art tools to build your pool efficiently. Using the latest technology in pool building can save a lot of time and money. But your perfect pool builder should also have experience using the type of materials you want your pool to be built with. That doesn’t just include the pool itself, especially if you’re going to ask them to tile the deck, too.

Get Everything in Writing

When you’re hiring any type of contractor, it’s important to trust the person you work with. But even more important is to put everything you agree upon in writing. That includes the estimate, the bill of materials, and the contract. You don’t have to sign the contract during your initial visit, because you should take the time to look it over, but before any work starts or any deposits are paid, you need to have written paperwork detailing the job to be done.

Talk to Previous Customers

Every custom pool builder will be proud to show you pictures of the work they have done. Reputable, successful pool builders also don’t mind passing along contact information from their previous customers. If you can talk to someone else who had a custom pool built by the builder you’re considering, then you should take it. This is your chance to verify that they’re trustworthy and will get the job done right.