Planning to build a pool in your backyard is a big commitment, and it’s not something you want to rush into. Between the time, money, and effort involved, choosing a company to handle the work isn’t a decision to take lightly. In a place like Gilbert, AZ, where high temperatures and long summers make pools a common and useful home feature, working with the right team becomes even more important. That’s why asking the right questions before hiring a pool builder can save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Whether you’re adding a pool for fun, hosting, fitness, or pure relaxation, you want the finished product to match your vision without surprise delays or issues. Knowing what to ask gives you better control over the project and more confidence in who you’re working with. Let’s go over a few key questions that will help you filter the trustworthy professionals from the ones not quite up to the job.
What Experience Do You Have?
Experience can make all the difference in how smooth your pool project goes. You don’t want to be someone’s trial run when it comes to digging a major hole in your backyard and building a long-term fixture like a pool. Asking how long a company has been in business, particularly in the Gilbert area, where heat and desert soil affect the entire construction process, can reveal how well they understand local conditions.
Dig deeper than just the number of years. Ask about projects similar to yours in size and scope. Have they built in your neighborhood? Are they used to customizing pools to fit smaller yards, sloped terrain, or tight HOA rules? A company might claim years of experience, but if they’ve mainly handled cookie-cutter projects and yours is more involved, that could be a mismatch.
It’s helpful to ask questions like:
– How many pools have you built in Gilbert or nearby?
– Are you familiar with the city’s building codes and inspection process?
– Have you worked on custom-shaped or nonstandard pools?
Getting specific with your questions sets the tone early on that you expect clear answers and a level of professionalism. Look for confidence in their responses but pay attention to how they talk about past challenges. Their willingness to explain how they overcame tricky builds or unexpected issues shows their ability to adapt and solve problems.
Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Work?
You can learn a lot from seeing actual pools the company has built. Photos, videos, or—if possible—a walk-through of a recently completed project can give you a clearer idea of what to expect. It shows their style, attention to detail, and how well they adapt designs to the space available. If the company hesitates to provide references, or if the photos seem generic or aren’t from recent projects, that’s worth taking note of.
Talking to a past client can reveal the things no brochure or website will tell you. Beyond the finished product, you want to know:
– Were they easy to work with?
– Did they stick to the timeline and budget?
– How did they handle hiccups or needed changes?
Even one conversation with a former customer can give insight into how smooth or stressful the process might be. If someone says things generally went well but communication was slow, you’ll know you may need to stay more involved. If someone shares that the company was quick to fix small issues and kept them in the loop without being asked, that’s a sign of good service.
Think of this like reviewing a restaurant before dining. Sure, they might advertise gourmet meals, but you want to know what other folks who actually ate there had to say before booking a reservation. Pools are no different. A polished sales pitch only goes so far. The real test is in how satisfied other homeowners are after the dust settles and the pool is in use.
What Is Included in the Contract?
Before signing anything, make sure you fully understand what the contract covers. If a pool builder gives you a vague or incomplete agreement, that’s a red flag. A well-written contract outlines exactly what you’re getting and when. It should include the total cost, what materials will be used, estimated start and finish dates, any staging or phases of the build, and payment schedule. If demolition or grading is needed ahead of time, that should be in writing too. Without those details, small issues can quickly turn into bigger disputes later on.
Another thing to ask about is how they handle changes. Maybe you decide mid-project that you want an added water feature or switch up the tile choice. That’s fine, but make sure the builder has a clear way to process and document those updates. You’ll also want clarification on who’s responsible for cleaning up the site and restoring any damage to surrounding areas once it’s done.
Here are a few specific topics to ask about when reviewing the contract:
– Scope of work: What exactly will be done and by when?
– Material brands and finishes: Are these specified upfront?
– Warranty terms: What do they cover, and how long do they last?
– Timeline and milestones: How long will each phase take?
– Payment breakdown: How is payment spread out through the project?
Even if it feels awkward, ask follow-up questions if something doesn’t seem clear. Contracts are there to protect both parties. A pool builder who takes the time to walk you through each part is probably going to take care during construction, too.
How Do You Handle Permits and Regulations?
Arizona has strict requirements for pools, especially in communities like Gilbert. The last thing you need is to start construction and then get hit with a stop-work notice because something wasn’t filed with the city. That’s why it’s important to ask whether the contractor handles all the local permits and necessary inspections. A solid company should take care of this for you from start to finish.
You’ll want to be sure the pool is designed to meet local codes, which vary based on things like gate locks, fencing, drainage, and how close it sits to your house or neighboring properties. In some cases, additional permits are needed for things like plumbing and electrical. Ask how they keep up with code updates and make sure the build follows safety requirements without needing last-minute fixes.
A good contractor should be able to walk you through the steps and explain:
– What permits are required for a new pool in Gilbert
– Whether they apply for those permits or you need to
– How they deal with inspections during construction
– How long the permitting process usually takes
Keep in mind, working without proper permits can lead to fines or legal trouble later on. It’s always better to ask these questions early and make sure you’re both on the same page before anything happens on your property.
What Is Your Process for Handling Issues or Delays?
Let’s be honest—no construction project goes exactly as planned from day one. Weather, shipping delays, or unexpected issues underground can throw off any schedule, even with the best planning. What matters is how those hiccups get handled. A reliable pool contractor should have a clear communication plan in place in case something changes.
Ask what happens if rain pushes things back or if materials don’t arrive on time. Will they call you the same day or wait until it affects the whole timeline? You’ll also want to know who your main contact is, how often they’ll update you, and how quickly you can reach someone if questions come up.
These kinds of questions can give you a sense of how organized and responsive they are:
– Who is my day-to-day contact during the project?
– How often will I get updates once construction starts?
– How do you handle unexpected problems or delays?
– Do changes affect the cost or timeline right away?
Look for signs that the contractor wants to keep things transparent. A solid plan for staying in touch shows they don’t want anything to fall through the cracks. It also helps build trust, which is a big deal when you’re making changes to your home.
Transform Your Outdoor Space with Outdoor Concepts
Choosing the right pool builder means asking clear, direct questions and listening closely to the answers. You’re trusting someone with a huge part of your home—and your daily life once the pool is finished. So don’t hold back. Whether it’s about past work, contract details, or how they handle delays, it’s better to get everything out in the open before anything is signed.
Most contractors expect you to ask a lot of questions. If someone seems annoyed or dismisses your concerns, it might not be the right fit. On the flip side, when a builder answers your questions clearly and walks you through each step, the process feels way less stressful. Building a pool should feel exciting, not risky, and good communication sets the tone for everything that follows.
If you’re planning to create a relaxing, long-lasting pool space in Gilbert, starting with the right information will help you get there with confidence. Asking these questions is just part of setting strong foundations—literally and figuratively. Making informed decisions up front can help turn that hole in the ground into your favorite new hangout spot.
End your search for the ideal pool builder in Gilbert today with Outdoor Concepts. We’ll walk you through every step from custom design to the final water test, making sure your outdoor space matches your vision. Learn more about our pool builder services and bring your dream backyard to life.
