How to Choose a Pool Contractor You Can Trust

You wouldn't hire a wedding photographer who's never held a camera.

You wouldn't let your cousin's "handy" friend perform your root canal. So why hand over your backyard, and a five- or six-figure investment, to a pool contractor without first knowing if they're the real deal?

A pool isn't just a hole in the ground with water in it. Done right, it's your personal slice of paradise, the centerpiece of summer barbecues, and the reason your neighbors "drop by" more often. Done wrong, it's an expensive monument to regret (and questionable water chemistry).

We recently spoke with a homeowner named Sarah, who learned the hard way that hiring the cheapest pool contractor can come with a big price tag. When she started looking for contractors, her focus was solely on budget. She chose the lowest bid for her $40,000 dream pool, convinced she was making a smart financial move. But within just a few months of completion, the foundation had cracked, the pump barely moved water, and the contractor stopped answering her calls after collecting the final payment. Now she’s facing $15,000 in repairs, and no one is picking up the phone.

“I thought I was making the smart move,” Sarah told us. “Instead, I bought the world’s most expensive concrete planter.”

Here’s how to make sure your pool contractor builds something beautiful, safe, and built to last, without draining your wallet.

1. Start With the Paper Trail: Licenses, Certifications, and Insurance

Think of licenses as your contractor's permission slip to dig a massive hole in your yard. Without them, they're just a person with a shovel and a dream.

Verify licenses

Requirements vary by state, so check your local building department. Many states have searchable databases.

Look beyond basics

Pool builders often need multiple licenses: general contracting, plumbing, electrical, and sometimes specialized pool/spa credentials.

Check professional certifications

Organizations like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) or National Plasterers Council add credibility. Manufacturer certifications are a bonus.

Confirm bonding

This protects you if they abandon the job or fail to pay subcontractors. Without it, you could face liens even if you've paid in full.

Verify insurance directly

Look for at least $1M general liability coverage plus worker's comp for subcontractors.

💡 Pro Tip

If they hesitate to share this information, they probably have something to hide. And whatever “value” you think you’re getting now could end up costing you twice as much later.

2. Dig Into Their Real Experience

Experience matters. A seasoned builder has tackled everything from tricky dig sites to complex designs.

Ask:

• How many pools have you built in the past year?
• What's your callback rate for leaks, structural issues, or equipment failures?
• How do you handle local climate challenges (freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, high water tables)?
• Can I see a portfolio of recent projects in my area?

🚩 Red Flag

If their “portfolio” is one blurry photo from 2009, or the same pool photographed from three different angles, they’re probably better at dodging questions than building pools.

3. Read the 2-Star, 3-Star, and 4-Star Reviews

Online reviews are like neighborhood gossip, without the cookies. If you only look at the top reviews, it can give you a false sense of confidence when picking a contractor. The mid-range reviews often reveal the most useful details about what actually went wrong (or right). Watch for recurring issues in complaints, ten mentions of leaks usually means you’ll be dealing with one too. Check specialized sites like Houzz and pool forums for deeper insight, and don’t forget to search local court records for lawsuits, especially those tied to construction disputes.

4. Ask for References, and Call Them

Many homeowners skip this step, but it's your fastest reality check.

Ask past clients:

What surprises came up, and how were they handled?

Did the project stay on budget and schedule?

How were change orders managed?

How does the pool hold up two years later?

💡 Pro Tip

Photos can hide a lot. So, if possible, visit a finished pool in person. 

5. Scrutinize the Contract Like Your Wallet Depends on It

Because it does. Look for:

• Detailed scope of work, specs, and exact equipment models
• Payment schedule tied to milestones (never big sums upfront)
• Clear warranties (structural vs. equipment)
• Written change-order process
• Lien waiver requirements at each payment
• Penalty clauses for avoidable delays

6. Ask About Modern Pool Trends

The best pool contractors today offer:

• Digital project tracking portals with progress photos
• Energy-efficient equipment (variable-speed pumps, LED lights, solar heating)
• Smart pool tech for app-based control
• 3D renderings before digging (so "trust me, it'll look great" isn't the plan)

7. Protect Yourself Financially

• Never pay large sums upfront, just a small deposit.
• Budget an extra 10–20% for surprises.
• Learn your state's lien laws.
• Get at least three written bids from licensed, insured contractors.

Your Challenge

Pick one step from this guide and do it today, whether it's checking license status, calling a past client, or pulling court records. Take action now so you can relax later, preferably on a floatie in your perfect new pool.

Because a great pool contractor doesn’t just build a backyard upgrade; they create years of worry-free summers, unforgettable cannonballs, and memories that linger long after the chlorine fades.

Ready to make your dream pool both beautiful and safe?

Choosing the right contractor is step one, keeping your pool secure for years to come is step two. GateWave gives you real-time alerts before anyone reaches the water, so you can enjoy your investment without worry.

Join our waitlist today for early access and exclusive launch pricing.