CHOOSING THE RIGHT POOL BUILDER

Designing and building a custom swimming pool in your backyard is exciting

and it's a big deal! It is an investment of time and money, and if you have never designed and built a swimming pool before, you must do your homework. One of the first and most important decisions you will make is deciding on a swimming pool designer and builder. Hands down, you want a professional. Let's look at what you need to look for when choosing the right professional pool designer/ builder.

1 / State Licensing

Each state has its requirements,

but here in Maryland, make sure that the company you decide to work with holds an MHIC license.

MHIC stands for the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, and they license and regulate home improvement contractors for the protection of the consumer. The Commission has a Guaranty Fund (aka The Fund), which is supported by licensed contractors. They pay a Guaranty Fund assessment when they obtain their Home Improvement license and each time they renew their license. This Fund compensates homeowners for monetary losses due to poor workmanship or failure to perform a home improvement contract.

It's a good idea to verify the license number, which you can do on the Maryland DOL website.

2 / Professionally Certified - CBP - Certified Building Professional

PHTA: The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is the oldest and largest association representing swimming pool professionals. (formerly APSP) The CBP designation is awarded to builders who meet the PHTA's rigorous requirements, including successfully completing a nationally recognized standardized written examination that

measures technical competence, mastery of client relations, and commitment to the PHTA swimming pool construction and installation standards. 

3 / See Their Work For Yourself 

Ask to see some of the pools that they have designed and installed. Are they willing and able to show you pools that they have built, which include clients who will let you in their backyard to see their work for yourself? Want to see our work? We host a pool tour throughout the swim season, find out more.

Deciding that you want a swimming pool that's the easy part. But, finding a reliable professional will take some research on your part.

Remember, too, that yes, you want the look you want, but it's much of what you don't see that matters.

Things like hydraulic design, pipe size, flow rates, filter and pump types, chemical management systems, and many other factors make a difference, so make sure you are dealing with an experienced professional.

Have Questions?