Seamless Quote Comparisons: Your Guide to Hollywood Pool Contractors

Information overload is a double-sided coin; more options grant freedom, but endless possibilities make it hard to choose anything earnestly.

One choice, however, that always feels right is where we call home. “West Coast best coast” isn’t just a saying; Californians tangibly experience the value in the landscapes, art, and new gelato shops that seemingly appear as often as the blazing Sun over the Pacific. 

Now imagine being enticed by a new, more affordable version of California. A persuasive real estate agent assures you a swift relocation, and you impulsively commit. However, you soon realize that it was all a façade.

You exchanged the value of the Golden State to save money and rush the results, but now you live in a frigid Copper State where fingers turn green and days are gray.

The same happens when prospective pool owners are led astray by the allure of shortcuts and cost savings.

As your trusted guide, J Designs Pool and Spa will keep you from flipping a coin on such a significant investment. We’ve spent 15 years educating our clients about quantifying value when comparing swimming pool quotes.

Thus, this article will compare the quality-based value to scope out when choosing the best proposal for your dream pool.

COMPARING COSTS CAN BE A ZERO-SUM GAME

The only thing some pool contractors have to offer in their quotes is a lower cost. If homeowners want an apples-to-apples comparison on several pool quotes, don’t overlook areas where the lower price is a byproduct of compromised quality.

An article by Forbes Home sums up this cardinal rule of comparing quotes from contractors, “Stay away from contractors who quote much lower than other bids. They may be cutting corners to offer that price.”

Learning to identify proper construction methods will ensure that the pool quote you select is comprehensive and leaves no stone unturned.

THE GENERIC BLUEPRINT TRAP: SQUANDERING REGULATIONS 

Bad pool contractors will try to capitalize on your pool construction naivety by offering generic construction blueprints that only consider the minimum material sizes and dimensions. 

These contractors fail to consider crucial factors like specific construction site conditions and soil types. In essence, these blueprints provide a superficial understanding of how the pool should be built, failing to incorporate the latest construction codes or provide specific guidance. 

Additionally, they often lack detailed comments and fail to address critical aspects of the project. Not only is this problematic for the pool's look, but these shoddy practices can be hazardous. 

The issue lies in the outdated pool construction guidelines that structural engineers follow, which often only meet the minimum requirements. Pools have unique considerations, especially when dealing with various site or soil conditions. As a result, it's crucial that you work with a pool contractor that understands these nuances and uses their specialized expertise to meticulously edit generic blueprints, adjusting the dimensions accordingly. 

BREADCRUMBING MATERIALS TO OFFER CHEAPER QUOTES

When contractors prioritize low prices, they may neglect the necessary amount of materials needed to stabilize the pool and optimize the construction process. 

The reason is simple: fewer materials means a lower cost. 

The consequences are far less straightforward: not using enough rebar in construction will make the structure fail in the event of any seismic activity (think California’s propensity for Earthquakes and the unfortunate homes' mudslides).

The liability of a haphazardly built pool clearly still matters because your safety is paramount. Below is an example of what elements to look for in a quote breakdown:

“Everything you add to your pool impacts the cost. Try to get a quote for a similar pool every time. If one contractor quotes you a price for one regular white pool light and a plain-Jane pool with steps, that price won’t compare to the same sized pool with a spa, tanning ledge, three color-changing LED lights and a water feature. Ask pool contractors to provide quotes in writing including a breakdown of what that price includes. If a contractor won’t supply their bid in writing, find someone who will. Then place all three documents side by side to compare them.  Don’t just look at the total. Research the type of equipment they’re installing for the filtration system, the quality of plaster, and what the warranty covers,” says the Better Business Bureau.

Don't fall for the trap of settling for subpar plans that skimp on materials and don’t prioritize your pool's long-term durability. You can't put a price on safety!

COMPARING CONTRACTORS’ LEVEL OF SERVICE

Materials aren’t the only thing that can be shortchanged; pool contractors can also cut corners in their quality of care.

Level of care is a value-add that is difficult to quantify in quotes. Still, it’s vital to account for in choosing your ideal pool proposal. 

For example, if a patient breaks their leg and a doctor sends them home with crutches, that patient is getting cheated. A quality doctor will take the time to explain how to use the crutches and prevent further injury. The same concept applies to a pool contractor; if a contractor rushes out after the pool is completed and does not provide post-construction instructions and service best practices, then the homeowner will likewise be cheated and not best equipped to maintain their pool’s health.

The endless options for pool contractors in coastal areas like Southern California make it daunting to choose one with integrity and high quality of care; it’s the Wild Wild West (Coast) out here in the land of year-round pool season.

The Contractors State License Board of California (CSLB) offers helpful resources to guard against contractor scams and tips for pre-screening contractors. 

Additionally, this checklist provided by the CSLB will help prevent you from being led astray in your selection of the right pool quote and contractor.

NEXT STEPS TO DECIDING ON INCOMPARABLE VALUE

After reading this article, you can assertively choose the swimming pool quote that resonates with your needs. With this knowledge, you’ll avoid the overwhelmed fret and impulsive selections that never feel right. 

Quality is hard to quantify, especially by the untrained eye. Luckily, we’re here to help before, during, and after your pool project masterpiece is made manifest on your outdoor property. Anxious coin flips are a thing of the past.

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we’ve spent 15 years educating on discerning between quality and counterfeit pool quotes. We certainly won’t nickel and dime you, but we also won’t build substandard pools. 

We aim to set the bar high to make your decision-making process flow as seamlessly as the waves cascading over your (soon-to-be) stone waterfall.

The first step to designing your aquatic haven is to reach out and schedule a consultation!

Not yet ready to speak to dive into that consultation? Not to worry; we’re fans of low tide, not low time. Check out these related articles for more information:

ADVANTAGES OF USING ONE POOL CONTRACTOR FOR CUSTOM DESIGN & BUILD

EXCAVATING 3 HIDDEN COSTS OF AN INGROUND POOL