Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. Spring has finally arrived and summer is right around the corner. For a couple of years now, my family and I have considered having a pool put in our backyard. We recently decided that this is going to be the year so we began to look around for a pool contractor to hire. It seems that this isn’t going to be as easy as we thought it would be. There are so many to choose from and we’re really not sure what to look for in reference to a contractor. Can you give us any information on hiring a reputable pool contractor? L.O., Richboro
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A. First of all, gather a few names of companies that do this particular type of work. Ask family, friends, co-workers or neighbors who have pools or, know someone with a pool, if they can recommend a contractor that they may have used and were satisfied with. Obtain three estimates from three different pool contractors making sure that what they have written in the contract is exactly the work that you want done. Make sure that you are given a physical address and phone number for the contractor. Investigate the pool contractors you are considering with the Bucks County Consumer Protection Department by calling 1-800-942-2669 to determine if these companies have had any complaints filed against them. Another very important step is to contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to make certain that the contractor is licensed. Since July of 2009, all contractors must be licensed to work in Pennsylvania. You can check their license by calling 1-888-520-6680 or going to their website at www.attorneygenreal.gov. Also, educate yourself on pools, pool construction, pool maintenance and local ordinances within your township or borough. Then you will be prepared to ask the right questions. Ask about the warranty; what is covered, what is not. Make sure this is all in writing, and that you are completely satisfied before signing a contract. Set up payment arrangements and do not stray from the payments that you have agreed to. It always raises a red flag if the contractor starts to request additional money from you before the next payment is due. Please remember to always make sure your pool is safe and secure and child ready even if you don’t have young one. You never know who may visit your back yard oasis. Have fun.
For additional tips and brochures on many consumers related issues please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
