Many advertisements indicate things like: "28 years experience," and "since 1985," 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.

Ask how long the pool company has been incorporated. They say they have 25 years of experience, but have they only been incorporated for 2 years? Is the owner of the company on their second pool company attempt, third or even fourth pool company ownership attempt? Don’t let them keep practicing owning a pool company, failing and then trying over again in your backyard.

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."

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.

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. Don't feel so assured if your pool builder claims they are "Workers Comp Exempt". As well, if they provide you with their exemption card ask to see workers comp from everyone on the job.

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, XYZ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.