Would you give over $40,000 of your money to a
stranger?
If you would, then read no further; just call me.
Buying a pool is serious business, and you should take precautions
to protect your investment. Because most people are unfamiliar
with the swimming pool industry, we have put this guide together
to help the consumer to be a more informed buyer. If you know
the right questions to ask, the answers given will help you to
make the correct choices.
The following questions are not all inclusive, but will
put you in the right direction for making an "educated buy."
How long has your company
been in business?
Many advertisements indicate things like: "25
years experience," and "since 1975," when in fact
the company may have only been in business a short time. What
they are using is the sum total of years in the "industry"
by all their employees.
Who are your main material
suppliers?
If a company is in financial difficulty, normally their suppliers
are the first to feel the pinch. This shows up in "slow paying
of bills" or over-extended credit resulting in "cash
& carry purchases only."
Are you state licensed?
A contractor must be state licensed to pull a "building permit."
Some contractors will try to do business with only a locally-issued
competency card. These types of contractors will need the homeowner
to pull the permit for them. State licensing is required by Florida
law, and any contractor working without one is breaking the law.
As a matter of fact, if you knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor,
you are also breaking the law.
Do you carry Workers' Compensation
and Liability Insurance?
Ask to see a copy of the insurance binder. These insurances protect
you, the homeowner, from lawsuits resulting from injuries sustained
by the contractors and their employees while they are working
on your property.
Have you ever declared bankruptcy
as an individual or as a pool company?
Florida has very lenient bankruptcy laws. It is possible for a
pool company to go bankrupt, then change one word in their company
name, and resume business. Bankruptcy does not always result in
the loss of the contractor's state license. For example, XY pool
company can declare bankruptcy. It can be dissolved of all its
debts and warranties. The license holder can then change the name
of the business to XY pools and spas and resume business in less
than a month.
Does your company have any
real property assets?
Many pool companies operate out of their homes. This practice
is common with out-of-town companies testing the "economic
water," trying to decide whether or not they want to stay
in an area. Under-capitalized companies also do this because it
is a cheap way to operate with low corporate exposure.
What "material
and workmanship" warranties do you offer?
Most warranties offered are backed by the pool company. Some have
manufacturer warranties. Be sure you understand which is which.
For example, most pumps and filters have warranties backed by
manufacturers. In many cases, these manufacturers are national
companies and will be around a long time. Warranties like "lifetime
pool shell" are backed by the pool company. If the company
is no longer in business, then the warranty is gone.
Who does your
warranty service?
Some companies have "in-house" service departments,
and some contract out for their warranty service. Some contractors
do their own selling, building, and warranty service. This often
spreads their time too thin and doesn't allow enough time to do
what needs to be done.
What does each
of your warranties cover, and what does it exclude?
Many people hear the word warranty and think that it means "everything"
is covered. For example, a 10-year filter warranty normally only
pertains to the filter housing. All internal parts are not covered.
Usually it is the internal parts that need replacing from time
to time. Another example is pool cleaners. Some carry a three-year
warranty, but it only covers the cleaner head. Often times hoses,
brushes, bearings, etc. are excluded from the warranty.
Does your
company use a contract which spells out exactly what is being
bought and what the “conditions of the sale" are?
The days of "hand shake" deals are long since over.
Written contracts, which are specific, eliminate "gray areas"
and reduce possible disputes later on. A happy consumer is the
one who gets everything they think they bought. Remember, if it’s
not in writing, it may not happen.
Does your
company have local ownership with "day to day" operational
involvement?
Sometimes owners are not accessible to the consumer. This leaves
all corporate policies subject to employees interpretation. If
it becomes necessary to settle disagreements, talking with the
person at "the top" is a consumer's right.
How many pools
has your company built in the local area?
It’s good to know the level of expertise you are dealing
with. Very often, new pool companies or companies with high turnover
rates are training their people "on the job." That's
right. In your backyard, and at your expense.
Is your company
a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) or any
other trade organization?
Membership in the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) or
any other trade organization is not an absolute guarantee for
the consumer, but it does demonstrate the company's commitment
to bettering the industry, as well as working to keep their company
abreast of the latest pool technology. The FSPA sponsors seminars,
product displays, and offers technical assistance to its members.
Because it is a national organization, it can draw from a tremendous
wealth of information. This helps both the builder and the consumer
handle challenges before, during, and after construction of the
swimming pool.
Our office is open seven
days a week and we look forward to your call.
This buyers guide has been prepared by Artesian
Pools. We believe a happy customer is our best advertisement and
the more informed we can make a consumer the better the public
will view our industry. I'm sure you may even come up with some
questions of your own. These are just some of the things which
will help you make the choice of who you will give your money
to in exchange for a swimming pool. Do your homework before you
give your money to a stranger and make your pool buying experience
a happy one. We at Artesian Pools would be elated at the opportunity
to discuss these and any other pool questions which you might
have. Our office is open seven days a week and we look forward
to your call.
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