If you want to enjoy warm summer days, spend quality time with family, and make the most out of your outdoor space, then you may be thinking about investing in a swimming pool.
After all, your own pool provides an instant space to cool down, relax, have fun, and unwind – not to mention, the right pool can significantly increase the retail value of your home!
But installing a pool is a big task, and it can be a downright nightmare if you work with the wrong landscaper. Here’s everything you need to do to choose a Brisbane pool builder that’s professional, fair, and reliable.
What should I look for when hiring a pool landscaper?
First thing’s first: what should you look for when evaluating potential landscapers and searching for a fit?
We recommend that you write out a checklist and move through each step before continuing on your journey. This approach ensures you don’t miss any crucial step among the excitement of your own pool.
Step 01: Know What You Want
If you want to get accurate quotes – and determine if a particular landscaper has the skill, materials, and experience for your job – you have to know and articulate your requirements and features.
Specifically, you should know:
- Roughly what size pool you are looking for
- What type of pool (above ground, in-ground, hybrid)
- The number of steps you would like
- Add-ons you would like to include, like a tanning ledge, a spa, or lights
Having a clear understanding of exactly what you’re looking for will help you accurately compare prospective landscapers, as you can do an apples-to-apples, accurate comparison of their prices, timelines, and more. You can also use this information to view their previous work with a discerning eye, and see if they have what it takes to get the job done.
Step 02: Check each pool builder’s qualifications
Do they have the licences and insurance that are required to work in your area? Do they know how to handle any community regulations and guidelines? Are they members of any relevant industry bodies?
It’s important to familiarise yourself with exactly what a potential contractor needs to know and have so you can ascertain quickly if you’re working with a trained professional.
What questions should I ask the potential pool landscaper?
There are many questions you can ask to determine if a potential landscaper is the right fit for the job. Here are some we recommend you have on hand when grabbing the phone for a chat.
- “How many years of experience do you have?” All jobs come with hiccups and unexpected setbacks. A landscaper who has been in business for many years will have the experience and skill needed to face those setbacks head-on, no matter what they are. Additionally, an experienced worker is more likely to complete the job quickly and without making mistakes. A newly established contractor, on the other hand, may make mistakes or be unable to deal with certain issues.
- “How long have you been in business?” Similarly, it’s important to know how long a landscaper has been with a particular business, as well as how many years that business has been in operations. The last thing that you want is to have an issue 2 years after your pool is installed, only to find out that the company has gone out of business and cannot help you. Furthermore, if a landscaper is hopping between companies, or a business is newly established, it could be a yellow flag signalling that they lack experience or that they have made significant mistakes at other locations.
- “Can you share examples of previous projects similar to this one?” Again, a transparent and reputable landscaper will be happy to share their work and examples of previous jobs. If they are cagey about giving you pictures or references, it could be a sign that they have something to hide. To this end, you should also be able to find reviews and ratings with relative ease. If not, it’s certainly a red flag.
- “What is covered in your warranty?” Make sure that you clearly understand warranty options, durations, and exactly what is covered. Additionally, you will want to make sure that this information is provided to you in writing. That way, you will be safe and prepared should any problems arise down the line.
- “Do you offer ongoing maintenance services?” Does the company offer pool maintenance services? If not, do they partner with a maintenance company? Also, will they provide you with the materials you need to take care of your pool on your own? Proper maintenance training and information is crucial if you want to keep your new pool in tip-top shape year-round.
- “Do you offer pool covers or fences?” If you are at all worried about accidents or injuries – or you foresee needing to have your pool covered for a portion of the year – it’s important to make sure that these features will be provided to you.
- “What is your payment plan?” Finally, it’s important to be clear about the payment process (is it over time or up-front), the payment plan, what’s included – all those details. Having this information clearly available and in writing will help avoid surprises and ensure that the job is completed to your satisfaction and expectations.
What red flags can I look out for?
Generally speaking, there are various red flags that can indicate you’re talking to a shady landscaper. Consider another professional if you notice:
✘ Lack of professionalism, or a pushy salesman energy
✘ That the potential landscaper is asking for a significant sum up-front
✘ The landscaper does not have a physical office in the city
✘ There are no references, or very sparse references from long ago
✘ There are no clear credentials available
✘ You feel rushed to start the project
Save time and money with our ‘Brisbane Pool Price Guide’
Final thoughts: to swim or not to swim?
If you’re looking to install a new pool in your backyard, don’t let the dread of being stuck with a bad landscaper hold you back. Instead, simply do your due diligence and make sure you know what you want, asking the right questions, looking for transparency, references, and written contracts – and keeping your eye out for any red flags.
And with that, you should be swimming in your beautiful new pool in no time – and with no drama.
Have questions about our landscaping services or looking for a quote?
You can call us anytime on 0439 532 152 and we will be happy to help. You can also contact us online by filling out the form here. We look forward to speaking with you soon!