Ready to make a splash in your backyard? You’re not alone. Already, 8% of U.S. homes have a swimming pool, representing millions of homeowners who took the plunge and added an oasis to their backyards.
Step one in your pool project is finding a contractor who specializes in your type of pool. This guide shows you how to choose a contractor for pool installation or repair.
Your contractor makes sure the pool is built to last. Here are some of the most common services they offer:
Your contractor should help you choose the right layout for your yard while handling the logistical side of the build. This includes checking your soil conditions, securing local permits, and coordinating with utility companies to mark gas and electric lines.
You should get a written schedule with milestone ranges and inspection points, plus a clear plan for weather delays, backorders, and subcontractors.
This phase involves digging the hole. Depending on your pool type, it may involve installing steel reinforcement and setting up complex plumbing and electrical systems.
Note: Excavation sets the stage for your pool. Ensure the contractor explains how they handle unexpected challenges like hard rock, groundwater, or soil instability, which can affect cost and timeline.
Once the structure is in place, the contractor continues building the pool. A general contractor may also bring in a team to help with deck services and ensure the drainage is angled correctly so rainwater doesn’t wash dirt or debris back into your clean pool.
Proper decking and drainage not only complete the look but also protect your investment by preventing erosion and debris from entering your pool.
Your builder will install the pump, filter, and heater to keep the water moving and clear. They’ll also show you how to use everything, from basic timers to advanced salt systems.
If necessary, they may even help with plumbing services.
You should receive a documented start-up plan, initial chemistry targets, and a walkthrough of equipment operation before final payment.
You need a simple way to tell a true expert from a salesperson. Before you sign a contract, verify these details to make sure your project stays on track.
Ask for their license number and the name of their business, then check them against your state’s official website. To find it, search for “[Your state] contractor license lookup” and stick to the official .gov page.
Pool installation and repairs can involve plumbing and complex electrical work, so a general home contractor license may not be enough for your project.
Your contractor should handle all the city paperwork and schedule the required inspections. For a pool, this means making sure the layout is the right distance from your house and that your yard drainage is set up correctly. They also ensure the project meets local safety laws for things like fences and pool alarms.
Before work starts, verify that your builder carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Request that the contractor send a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly to you. Verify that the business name matches the one on your contract and that the coverage dates span the entire length of your project.
Most of a pool’s quality is hidden underground, so you need a builder who understands structural engineering and water flow. Poorly installed plumbing can lead to leaks and cracks that are nearly impossible to fix later.
Ask to see photos of two or three recent projects similar to yours. Look for images of the excavation, the steel reinforcement, and the plumbing layouts to see how they manage the structural work.
Certifications show that a builder is committed to staying current on industry standards and engineering best practices.
Note: Use these as a tie-breaker. They are great bonus signals after you have already confirmed a contractor’s license and seen their past projects.
Online reviews offer a glimpse into how a builder operates. Look for feedback on their communication style and whether they respected the agreed-upon timeline.
Where to check:
After checking online, ask the contractor for references from two or three projects completed in the last year. When contacting a past customer, ask if the builder restored the yard and fences properly, how they handled broken sprinkler lines, and if they came back to fix any final issues once the pool was actually filled with water.
Your estimate should break down labor, equipment, and the timeline. A typical in-ground pool install costs around $60,000. For larger pools with premium features, you should expect to spend upwards of $140,000 or more.
Prices vary based on size, what’s included, the type of pool, decking, fencing, access constraints, and site conditions. Also, add-ons like heaters and covers can push prices even higher.
| Pool Type | Average Cost | Notes |
| Above-Ground Pool | $1,000 to $6,000 | Easier to install, lower maintenance, seasonal use |
| Fiberglass Pool | $45,000- $100,000 | Pre-fabricated, quick installation, smooth surface |
| Vinyl Liner Pool | $50,000–$150,000 | Custom shapes, liner may need replacement every seven to 15 years |
| Concrete/ Gunite Pool | $65,000 and $120,000+ | Highly durable, fully customizable, higher maintenance |
| Infinity Pool | $55,000 to $200,000 | Luxury design, requires specific site conditions |
To avoid surprises, look for how the builder handles these two common costs:
When comparing bids, ensure the equipment and materials are the same. If one quote is much lower, check for missing items like heaters or the decking.
Equally important to what’s included in an estimate is what’s not included. When comparing bids, you may not find information about costly items like rock excavation, landscaping restoration, fencing, and other common exclusions. Understanding these costs can help you compare bids more accurately.
Pool construction is strictly regulated to manage the risks of deep water and electricity.
Planning a new pool for your home? Renovate can help you get started by submitting a request to connect with a pool contractor.
Instead of contacting contractors individually, you can share a few details about your pool project through a short request form. Renovate uses that information to help try to connect you with a participating contractor in your area.
Why use Renovate?
Submitting a request through Renovate can be a convenient first step when planning your pool project.
While you can start the process anytime, most homeowners reach out in the spring, which creates a backlog. To avoid long wait times and potentially secure better pricing, try to start your search in the fall or winter so you can be first on the schedule.
A pool can last for decades, but specific components have shorter lifecycles. Typically, pool pumps and heaters last seven to 10 years, while plaster finishes may need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, depending on how well the water chemistry is maintained.
The best pool contractor will perform a site evaluation to check for issues like steep slopes, large tree roots, or underground utility lines. They will also look at soil stability to ensure your yard can support the weight of a full pool without shifting.
