What Pool Builder Should I Use?

Many think that choosing a pool builder is the hardest part of the process of building a swimming pool, but if you do a bit of research you can become an informed consumer and find just the right contractor for your project.

One of the first things you should check is if the builder holds a business license in your area.  This always makes me think of the TV commercial showing the doctor using a jack hammer.  This is not good!  In this difficult economy there are those that throw a shovel in the back of their pick-up and call themselves pool builders.  You should be very aware of this.   Also, confirm that your builder has the proper liability and worker’s compensation insurances to cover you and his workers. 

A builder not only needs to know how to dig a hole and fill it with cement, but they need to know about permitting.  Every county has different criteria to obtain a permit for building a pool.   They need to know about pool design, the actual construction and the all important inspections. 

Be sure to check how long the company has been in business.  You will want to find a builder who has been around for a while, one who has a proven track record and customer references to back up their work.  Look for a builder who has a physical location.  Some where you can go to see photos of their work and to pick out your selections of tile, coping, interior finishes, etc.  You don’t want a company that only exists on the Internet.  As they say, brick and mortar stores are solid companies that will stand behind their work.  Not disappear into thin air or cyberspace.  Does the owner have strong ties to the area or can they take your money and run? 

You want a company that is both morally and fiscally responsible.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure that they haven’t started jobs to then disappear and start up under another name in another locale. 

Check out the warranties that the company offers.  Do they back them in writing?  Long gone are the days of handshake contracts, get it in writing!  When reading over the proposal, look at the proposed progress payments.  Many companies require vast amounts up front and run out of money toward the end of a job to pay their sub-contractors and material vendors.  Making them delay the finish till they get another contract.  This is like robbing Paul to pay Peter.  In the long run, the consumer loses. 

However, a good builder will be one who has a solid background, working under a constant ownership with all the proper licenses and insurances.  Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. is that builder.  They have been in business since 1976 with the same name, owner and location.  Check out what their customers are saying on Kudzu.com.  Then call them for the best pool experience.

 

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.

770-471-3889

www.hilltoppools.com

 

 

Happy Ground Hog Day!

Groundhog Day is approaching and if the cute little guy doesn’t see his shadow, pool weather will soon be here.

The East Coast has two very celebrated forecasters, Punxsutawney Phil who lives in PA and General Beauregard Lee from GA. But just how did these guys get their esteem positions? First of all they are simple mammals from the squirrel family (Marmota Monax).

The groundhog is thought to be an honorable ancestor of the Delaware Indians who settled in Punxsutawney, PA in 1723. In the 1700’s the Germans settled in this ventral area of PA bringing with them their holiday of Candlemas. This was the day the priest would bless the candles. Candlemas Day was celebrated half way between Winter and Spring. The weather was an important part of everyday life back then and various celebrations were held to ensure a good season for growing crops.

Starting in the 1840’s residents noticed the groundhog would emerge from his winter hibernation. If he was scared by his shadow he would scurry back into his burrow and winter would continue. The Northeast has Punxsutawney Phil. Phil lives in the local library in a climate-controlled home dining on dog food and ice cream. During recorded history Phi9l has seen his shadow 100 times, not seen it 16 times and was a no show 9 times.

His Southern cousin General Beauregard Lee has quite a different lifestyle. “Beau”, as he is lovingly referred to, resides in a beautiful white-columned Southern mansion nestled in the Yellow River Game Ranch of Stone Mountain. His home is said to also include a water fountain, granite monument, sundial, doormat and of course a mail box to answer all his fan mail.

Beau’s education is well rounded and he holds two degrees, one from UGA, DWP-Doctor of Weather Prognostication. The other a Doctor of Southern Groundology from Georgia State University.

He has made several appearances on television including the Today Show during the Democratic convention and Animal Planet. Despite all the fame and educational awards, Beau is quite down to earth. He is very sociable and loves to chat with those who speak groundhogese.

If you had the chance to sit and chat with him on Twitter and Facebook he would tell you how important it is to find the right pool builder. Just like many humans, he always gets online and checks out reviews on Kudzu.com and the Better Business Bureau.

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. agrees with Beau in doing your research to insure you receive the best quality and workmanship for your money. Beau knows that not all pools are created equal and “the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price.”

So be sure to do your homework, check out the others then check Hilltop Pools (www.hilltoppools.com).

Call them today to find out about their latest specials. 770-471-3889