In ground pools continue to rank among the most desirable backyard upgrades for homeowners who want to elevate outdoor living while strengthening long-term property appeal. Choosing the right in ground swimming pool builder is one of the most important decisions in the entire process, influencing design quality, construction efficiency, and your overall satisfaction once the project is complete. From budgeting and scheduling to maintenance planning and automation features, asking the right questions before signing a contract can save stress and protect your investment. These seven questions will help guide conversations and ensure you select a team equipped to deliver the pool experience you envision.

1. What Experience and Reputation Do You Have in Pool Construction?

Longevity in the industry often reflects reliability, craftsmanship, and a strong understanding of evolving pool technology. When evaluating an in ground swimming pool builder, homeowners should ask how long the company has served the area and what types of projects it completes most frequently. Teams with decades of experience are more likely to have handled complex site conditions, permitting challenges, and customized layouts, all of which contribute to smoother construction and stronger results. Reputation is equally important. Online reviews, neighborhood referrals, and galleries of completed projects offer insight into consistency and professionalism. Awards, certifications, and long-standing relationships within the community can also indicate dedication to quality standards. Selecting a builder with a proven track record gives homeowners confidence that their project will be handled with care and attention to detail from start to finish. According to Realtor.com, the typical home with a pool in April 2025 was priced at $599,000 and spanned 2,450 square feet. This underscores how much value buyers place on well-constructed pools, making experience and workmanship especially important when considering future resale potential.

2. What Types of Pools and Features Do You Specialize In?

Different pool materials come with unique advantages, aesthetic qualities, and maintenance requirements. Ask whether the builder focuses on concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, or fully customized installations and which options best suit your yard size, soil conditions, and intended usage. A skilled in ground swimming pool builder should be able to explain each material clearly and guide you toward a choice that balances beauty with durability. Features and upgrades are another key consideration. Automation systems, energy-efficient pumps, lighting packages, spas, waterfalls, and custom steps can all enhance daily enjoyment but require specialized planning. Builders that also offer rehabilitation services, inspections, hot tub installation, and long-term maintenance often bring a holistic perspective to new construction projects. Thinking through how these features may influence long-term appeal is just as important as short-term enjoyment. Selecting designs that remain attractive over time can make your pool a lasting asset rather than a fleeting trend.

3. What Is the Estimated Timeline for Completion?

Clear timelines help homeowners plan landscaping, household routines, and seasonal use around construction. Ask how long each phase typically takes, including design, permitting, excavation, plumbing, decking, and final inspections. A reliable in ground swimming pool builder should provide a projected schedule and explain where flexibility may be required. Weather can influence progress, particularly in Michigan, so discussing contingency plans for rain or temperature shifts is wise. Homeowners should also ask how often progress updates will be provided and who their primary contact person will be during construction. Knowing what milestones to expect at each stage keeps surprises to a minimum. Builders who communicate clearly about scheduling demonstrate organization and respect for your time. That transparency often translates into smoother projects and fewer disruptions throughout the build.

4. What Should You Know About the Overall Project Scope Before Work Begins?

Before construction starts, homeowners should make sure they fully understand what the finished project will include and how each phase will unfold. This means reviewing the design, layout, features, materials being used, and the responsibilities handled by the builder so there is a shared understanding of the final vision. A professional in ground swimming pool builder will walk through these details to ensure every element is planned to work together seamlessly. Discussing how selections such as finishes, equipment, and added features influence performance and long-term maintenance helps homeowners feel confident in their decisions. Rather than viewing the pool as a collection of separate parts, it should be approached as a fully integrated system designed for durability, efficiency, and ease of use. This perspective helps avoid confusion and ensures the project moves forward smoothly. 

5. How Do You Maintain Quality and Safety Throughout the Build?

Construction quality depends heavily on materials, skilled crews, and adherence to building codes. Ask how supplies are sourced, how staff are trained, and what quality-control steps are taken at each phase of installation. Inspections during construction ensure the pool meets structural and safety requirements before moving to the next stage. Safety on the jobsite matters as well. Proper fencing, signage, protective equipment, and secure access areas help protect workers, homeowners, and families during construction. After completion, features like non-slip decking, railings, covers, and code-compliant barriers contribute to a safer backyard environment. A methodical approach to quality and safety protects your investment while delivering peace of mind. Builders who prioritize these elements consistently produce results that perform well for years.

6. What Communication and Ongoing Support Can I Expect?

Clear communication keeps projects moving smoothly and prevents misunderstandings. Homeowners should ask who their main contact person will be and how often updates will be provided. Whether through phone calls, emails, or site meetings, consistent check-ins help everyone stay aligned. Change requests and unexpected issues are part of construction, so understanding how the builder manages adjustments is important. A professionalin ground swimming pool builder will explain how revisions are approved, priced, and scheduled so there are no surprises. Post-construction support also matters. Ask about maintenance guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and follow-up visits after completion. Builders who remain involved after installation demonstrate commitment to long-term satisfaction rather than just finishing the job.

7. How Do Your Services Support Long-Term Pool Ownership?

A pool is not just a one-time project; it requires ongoing care to remain safe and enjoyable. Ask what services are available beyond installation, including weekly pool maintenance, openings and closings, equipment repairs, leak detection, inspections, automation servicing, and rehabilitation work. Having access to a full range of services simplifies ownership and keeps everything under one roof. Residential and commercial service experience also reflects versatility and technical depth. Builders who handle diverse projects often bring broader insight into efficiency, system longevity, and operational best practices. When your builder can support the pool long after construction ends, it strengthens the overall value of the relationship and helps protect your investment year after year.

Taking time to ask these seven questions puts homeowners in a far stronger position when selecting an in ground swimming pool builder. Experience, specialization, timelines, budgeting transparency, safety practices, communication, and long-term service offerings all shape the success of the project. A thoughtful vetting process leads to smoother construction, better performance, and a pool that delivers enjoyment for decades.

At Pristine Pool & Spa LLC, we are proud to bring more than 40 years of experience to homeowners and businesses across Berrien County, MI and surrounding areas. We offer free consultations and complete pool installation, along with automation systems, inspections, repairs, maintenance, hot tub services, and rehabilitation work. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let our team show you what working with a reputable in ground swimming pool builder can look like from the very first conversation.