Article Summary

  • Clarify costs and contracts before starting any work.
  • Understand the project scope and plan for potential extra costs.
  • Ensure permits and compliance are handled properly.
  • Choose a contractor with a proven track record, like Tortorella, for quality and transparency.

When selecting a pool contractor, reputation and experience matter. These qualities signal consistency, expertise, and a history of satisfied clients. With high pool maintenance costs, it’s easy to be tempted by lower quotes or quick referrals—especially during emergencies.

Unfortunately, enticing offers can quickly lead to hidden fees, extended timelines, or subpar workmanship. By doing your due diligence and learning how to avoid common pitfalls, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in upfront costs or future repairs.

Here are eight essential tips to help you make a smart and informed decision:

1. Understand the Scope of Work

Defining clear objectives is key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring a successful project. Whether you need a new installation, a repair, or a complete upgrade, communicate your needs clearly to your contractor.

Clearly and effectively communicating the problem while setting expectations will avoid misunderstandings and will set the right expectations for the job. If you are unfamiliar with your pool systems, rely on blogs like ours to learn how they should optimally work and the best way to address any issues. 

Be sure to discuss and agree on key elements like materials, designs, permits, construction phases, and timelines before the project begins. Keep detailed documentation of these discussions and decisions to prevent disputes later.

If issues do arise, stay calm and professional. Review the contract for clarity and, if necessary, consult a professional mediator or the Better Business Bureau to help resolve the matter.

2. Get a Detailed, Written Estimate & Contract

To ensure transparency, insist on an itemized estimate that includes pricing for materials, labor, and timelines. A detailed contract protects both parties by setting clear expectations and minimizing the risk of miscommunication.

Key clauses within the contract include:

  • Scope of Work: Detailed tasks and deliverables.
  • Timeline: Start and completion dates.
  • Cost Breakdown: Itemized materials, labor, and additional fees.
  • Payment Terms: Deposit amount, payment schedule, and final payment.
  • Warranty: Coverage for workmanship and materials.
  • Termination Clause: Terms for ending the agreement if issues arise.

In a high-value market like the Hamptons, where property regulations are strict, a clear contract is crucial for avoiding legal or financial headaches.

3. Verify What Permits and Fees Are Included

The Hamptons’ strict zoning laws and building codes help maintain the area’s safety, beauty, and property values. Therefore, permits and fees are often a necessary part of pool construction or renovation projects.

Clarify with your contractor whether they will handle the permit process or if you’ll need to take care of it. This should be clearly outlined in your contract. Failing to obtain proper permits can result in fines, project delays, or even rework costs.

Ensuring proper permitting not only keeps your project compliant but also protects your investment in the long run.

4. Clarify Pool Features and Accessories 

Understanding what’s included in your pool package is essential for avoiding surprises. Features like heating systems, lighting, fencing, and decking can add significant value but may also increase costs.

Request a detailed list of all included features, and clarify options for upgrades, such as energy-efficient equipment, premium finishes, or enhanced safety features. This transparency allows you to manage your budget more effectively and make informed decisions about design and functionality.

5. Clarify Site Preparation Costs 

For pool installations or renovations, site preparations are a critical and often underestimated part of the process. For Hamptons property owners, unique environmental considerations such as sandy soils may require special excavation considerations or anchoring systems. They may require more foundational work that interferes with underground utilities such as water, gas, and electrical lines. 

An on-site inspection by your contractor helps identify potential challenges, such as excavation needs, equipment access, and environmental concerns. Once assessed, request an itemized breakdown of site preparation costs to prevent unexpected expenses.

6. Insist on a Clear Change Order Policy

Changes to the original project plan are common, whether due to unforeseen issues or new requests. A change order policy formalizes how these adjustments will be handled, ensuring transparency and preventing disputes. Changes include adding, removing, or altering specific features or unforeseen elements of the project, and their associated costs. Change orders almost always result in additional costs due to the need for extra materials or labor, while extending the timeline. 

Having a clear process in place ensures that both you and your contractor remain aligned throughout the project.

7. Check Warranty and Maintenance Inclusions 

Understanding the types of warranties offered is crucial for protecting your investment. Common warranty types include:

  • Structural Warranties: Covers the pool shell against defects like cracking or shifting and vary in their coverage period. 
  • Equipment Warranties: Covers components such as pumps, filters, heaters, and lights. Manufacturer warranties for these items often range from 1–5 years.
  • Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation issues caused by the contractor, usually lasting 1–2 years.

Ask about post-construction maintenance packages and which services are complimentary versus those that require additional fees. This knowledge helps you plan for long-term care and potential savings.

8. Thoroughly Vet the Contractor’s Reputation 

Choosing the right contractor can make or break your pool project, so thorough vetting is essential. One of the best ways to assess a contractor’s credibility is by reviewing their portfolio, which serves as a visual resume of their expertise and craftsmanship. A reputable contractor should have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and delivering exceptional work that stands the test of time.

Additionally, look for consistency in their completed projects and pay attention to client testimonials or online reviews. A contractor with a history of satisfied clients is more likely to provide a smooth, stress-free experience.

With Tortorella, you’re choosing a contractor with decades of experience, a stellar reputation, and a portfolio of beautifully crafted pools. Our focus on quality, communication, and client satisfaction ensures your project is handled with the utmost care.

Our reputation for excellence is built on decades of transparency, craftsmanship, and smart budget management. We work quickly and precisely without sacrificing quality, so you can get back to enjoying your pool.  Check out our portfolio  to see the difference for yourself!

Conclusion: 

A well-chosen contractor ensures not only a smooth project but also long-term savings in maintenance and repairs. Quality service requires an upfront investment, but it pays off in the form of lower costs, better durability, and peace of mind.

With over 40 years of experience, Tortorella has set the industry benchmark for pool construction and maintenance. No job is too big or small, and our commitment to excellence means you can expect outstanding results every time. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a quote!