Checking Pool Builder References

Let’s talk about Pool Tours because this is unique to Marquise Pools.

Most companies in Houston Texas do not take the time to spend with the client and go look at two or three projects that are in their budget range. Number one they’re probably lazy. Number two, they probably have a bunch of not very happy customers. Number three, they probably don’t have a pool project that doesn’t have a problem or a hiccup.

What we do, and we do this on purpose, is we establish the price range or the budget range and then we go and show three projects that are comparable. We get to interact with the homeowner.

We get to talk about why certain features are more desirable. Most of the time when we go on a pool tour with a prospective client, they don’t take anything away, they start adding things. Well what’s that, that’s a fire pit. What’s that, that’s a pizza oven. What’s that, that’s a tv wall for sports bar. Well, we want those, add those in. By the time we’re done with the pool tour, they’ve added all these other trinkets on the project.

At the same time, they’ve seen the quality, they’ve seen the happiness of the client, and we’ve spent two and a half to three hours exchanging information between the designer and the client. By the time we get back to the office, they’re comfortable not only from a personal level, but they’re comfortable from a quality level, and they’re also comfortable that they’re adding things to the project.

The pool tour is particularly important when you get into these $150,000 projects. There’s not a lot of pool companies that can take customers out and see three $150,000 projects because it takes a special company, a special team, and a special capability to do a project of that expense. What we do is help justify not only the budget, but get people comfortable because they can touch and feel the product. We can show them six projects in that price range and sometimes we do. Sometimes we get a lot of reservation on just showing someone the design but once they go on the pool tour there’s absolutely no reservations.

Second only to choosing our home, buying a swimming pool is the biggest purchase decision most of us will ever make. It is important that we make the choice wisely. Not only is the design important, the quality of the builder’s work must be considered. We recommend that you do your homework when you get ready to choose your pool company. Here are some guidelines to help you make a better decision:

Check the Better Business Bureau

Look up each builder you are considering on the Better Business Bureau website. Make sure there is no pattern of complaints about them. It is free and easy to do. Here is a shortcut to the Better Business Bureau. Type the name of the pool company you are checking out in the box and click the search button. Marquise Pools has been a BBB Accredited Business since 1/3/2002 and carries an A+ Rating.

Here is a link directly to our BBB Member report – Marquise Pools Report

Check that the pool builder is established

Check that the pool builder is established and has business facilities you can visit. Use caution when considering any pool builder working out of their home, pickup, or temporary building. Avoid pool builder referral or pool bid services. Another red flag is business email addresses ending in yahoo.com, hotmail.com, and gmail.com. We encourage you to visit the Marquise Pools offices and design center, showroom and nursery at 27326 Robinson Road, Suite 221, Oak Ridge, Texas 77385. It’s best to call 281-296-7946 for an appointment to make sure you catch one of the partners in the office.

Meet the Superintendent

Talk to the actual person that will build your pool. Ask him his background and experience. Be confident he knows what he is doing. The Marquise Pools Superintendents are Greg Watson and Chris Smith. We want you to meet them. Call us or email us for an appointment.

Ask for customer references

Ask each pool builder to provide you a list of customer references. The list should be be current and long. Pick some of the names on the list and call them. Marquise Pools provides an up-to-date customer reference list on request. Call us or email us for a copy.

Ask for sub-contractor references

Ask each pool builder to provide you a list of subcontractor references. These subcontractors work for multiple pool builders. They can give you an insider perspective on the company and whether they build a quality pool. Call them. Marquise Pools provides an up-to-date subcontractor reference list on request. Call us or email us for a copy.

Ask to take a pool tour

Ask each of the pool companies you are considering to take you to see some pools they have built in the area. If the pool builder is hesitant or tells you they will have to get back with you, those are red flags. Marquise Pools provides pools tours on request by appointment. Contact us today to schedule your pool tour.