Low Pool Bids: Hidden Costs and Risks for Homeowners

If you’ve received multiple estimates for a new pool and one is drastically lower, it can feel like you’ve found a great deal. But how different could they really be? A swimming pool is a major investment, and understanding the differences between quotes can help you make a confident, informed decision — not just a fast or risky one.

In this article, we’ll break down why some pool bids seem too good to be true, the risks they often hide, and how to compare contractors the right way — with transparency, accountability, and peace of mind.

Why Do Pool Prices Vary So Much?

In most industries, regulations ensure that minimum safety and performance standards are met. But swimming pool construction often doesn’t follow suit. In many places, permits aren’t even required. And because most pools are custom-built, there’s no universal guidebook for how they’re designed or constructed.

That means two bids for what seems like the “same pool” can be wildly different behind the scenes.

Key differences often include:

• Materials: Type, grade, and durability

• Structural standards: Or complete lack thereof

• Labor skill level: Trained crews vs. temporary labor

• Permits and inspections: Included or ignored entirely

Even if the design drawings look similar, the final product — and your long-term experience — may be anything but.

6 Common Problems Hidden in Low Pool Bids

1. Little to No Customer Support During Construction

Construction Mistakes

Low-cost contractors often lack the infrastructure to support you during your build.

This typically leads to:

• No on-site supervision

• Poor communication about schedules and delays

• No help navigating design changes

• Slow or missing responses to questions or concerns

• No formal construction education or skills by the contractor

When you're investing tens of thousands of dollars, you deserve more than ghosted calls and guesswork.

Low-bid contractors often lack the Customer Relationship Management Systems, staff, and infrastructure to guide you through the build. This affects:

• On-site supervision and basic construction process
  
  
• Responsiveness to questions or concerns
  
  
• Proactive communication regarding timelines and scheduling

• Guidance through design revisions or change orders
  
  

Without proper customer service systems in place, you may feel left in the dark during one of the largest home improvement projects you’ll ever undertake.

2. Substandard or Omitted Materials

To keep prices low, these bids often cut corners on:

• Waterproofing and drainage systems

• Concrete thickness and steel reinforcement

• Skimmer quantity and filter quality

• Backfill quality and compaction

You might not notice at first — until cracks, leaks, or water loss begin to appear.

3. Surprise “Unforeseen” Costs

Some contractors intentionally leave out items from the estimate to win the job.

You may later be hit with “change orders” for:

• Extra grading or soil removal

• Demolition not accounted for

• Water costs for draining/refilling

• Structural reinforcements due to soil conditions

What started as a “cheap” bid becomes a high-stress, high-cost project.

Technical Differences That Compromise Safety and Quality Differences Add Up

Some low bids assume you’ll handle permits or skip them entirely.

You may also lose out on:

• Soil testing and site engineering

• No proper hydraulics
  
  

• Required inspections

• Adequate documentation for insurance or resale

This isn’t just frustrating — it’s a potential legal liability and safety risk.

Plumbing, Testing, and Structural Risks

A reputable bid includes:

• Pressure testing of plumbing systems (12–24 hours at the correct PSI)

• Rigid PVC pipes over cheaper flexible hose

• Proper curing and hydration of concrete for structural integrity

• Inspections by appointed officials

Skipping these steps puts the long-term health of your pool at serious risk.

Behind the Price Tag: The Business Matters

Low bids often come from contractors who cut overhead costs — at your expense.

You may be dealing with:

• No pool experience - license - bond,  or insurance

• No workers’ comp coverage for their crew

• Unlicensed subcontractors

• No long-term business plan or customer support system

In California, contractors are required to be licensed and bonded. However, that doesn’t guarantee experience, stability, or adherence to industry standards or ethical practices.

If a startup or shady builder disappears after installation, so do your warranties and protections.

In California, pool contractors are required to be licensed and bonded; however, this does not guarantee their experience, craftsmanship, or dependability. 

Accepting a low bid from a startup or an unlicensed company could leave you vulnerable if issues arise. If the company goes out of business or vanishes, your warranties will disappear as well.

What to Look for in a Legitimate Pool Quote

Research and Compare Thoroughly

Don't compare only the numbers — compare the companies behind them.

Look into:

• Years in business

• Permit history and project photos

• Online reviews

• Licenses, certifications, and insurance

• Industry affiliations and awards

Ask for a Detailed, Written Contract

A trustworthy pool builder provides a clear, comprehensive contract that includes:

• Scope of work and timeline (start and end dates)

• Payment schedule and lien releases from suppliers

• Warranty information

• Proof of insurance and workers’ compensation

• Defined upgrades vs. included features

• No detailed construction Plans

If the contract feels vague — it’s a red flag.

Speak to Past Clients

A professional contractor will be happy to provide references. Ask:

• How was the communication throughout the project?

• Were there hidden costs or delays?

• Would you hire them again?

Bonus Tip: Schedule a visit to a job in progress to see how they operate on-site, and click on the link below to watch this video.

 Watch this Testimonial

Don’t Negotiate on Quality

Trying to haggle down a quality builder’s price often results in one thing: lower quality and a longer building timeline.

Just like you wouldn’t ask a mechanic to install "used" brake pads to save money, you shouldn’t accept cut corners in a permanent structure like a swimming pool.

Protect your family, as safety standards are often not met to lower costs.

The True Cost of a Low Bid

What can go wrong when corners are cut?

• Sinking decks or cracked plaster

• Water leaks and costly repairs

• High energy bills from inefficient systems

• No legal recourse or warranty if the builder disappears

A lower bid might save you a few thousand now — but cost you tens of thousands later.

Make a Confident Decision

Now that you understand what’s often left out of a low pool bid — and how those missing pieces can lead to stress, safety issues, and thousands in repairs — you’re equipped to make a smarter, more informed decision.

Choosing a contractor for your pool is not just about price; it’s about trusting that your investment will be built right, with quality, transparency, and long-term peace of mind.

Resources for Pool Buyers in Los Angeles

• Before Swimming Pool Construction – CSLB Guide (PDF)

Ready to Compare Pool Bids With Confidence?

Download our free Pool Bid Comparison Checklist to know what to ask, what should be included, and how to spot red flags.