Referral Madness
- OR-
"A fool and his money are easily separated."
 

What you should know before deciding to ask... "Do you have any referrals or pools nearby that we can see?"

Ahh the referral shell game. Here is a con, that some in the pool building industry, have taken to new heights of thievery. (See below.)

1. Ask yourself this question and answer honestly - "How often do you want strangers calling you or stopping by to see your pool?" (Your pool, your house, your yard, your possessions and your lifestyle.)

1a. Now ask yourself this question - "How often do you want strangers calling you or stopping by to see your pool IF YOU COULD NAME YOUR PRICE?"

That's right, the referrals are paid for. Typically $300-$1000. And guess WHO PAYS FOR THEM?. Yep, the referral fees are added to your bid.

2. The best case scenario would be that any referrals given would be "Plants".  I mean who is going to give you a "BAD" referral to call on? Not even an honest pool contractor.

3. Terrorism has had its effect on the referral business. The USA Patriot Act now requires "privacy release" forms to be read and signed by both parties.

4. Don't be fooled by marketing. Do not make your decision based on a big name pool company. (A pool is not a widget. Everyone is different. Any pool company is only as good as the last pool it built.) In most cases every branch in their network is a franchise and is not licensed or controlled by the parent company. This is done to protect the Name. In most cases you will not be able to sue the parent company. Only the franchise holder, if your lucky.

So, what can you do to find a reliable
swimming pool contractor?

1. Ask everybody you can if they know a good pool contractor. Neighbors, friends, HOA, City Building and Safety dept. and your local Chamber of Commerce are places to start.

2. Check all potential builders license status at your states contractor license board. Do a search on the license number or business name of pool contractor.

3. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints. (Some claim that members of the BBB are shielded to a great extent. Consider taking info with a grain of salt.)

4. Get more than one estimate!

Just remember to approach your decision with caution. If you start making demands from a pool salesman you will be quickly cast aside for a more "suitable" customer. Do not make the mistake of assuming that because you have the money to buy a pool that you have some power over the typical successful pool contracting company. Why? Because there are more pools to sell than can be built. In short - the phone is ringing off the hook!

- Good Luck.

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