Look at this link. It lists the Top 50 builders in the USA as reported by Pool and Spa News. Volume (cash flow) is the key.

Here is a link that might be useful: Top 50 Pool Builder in the USA

But there are 2 or 3 on that list that we were told about in another thread that have already gone out of business.

Pool Designer,
I totally disagree with that. Big does not equal safe.
Its the big ones that are having the most problems now, because they relied on track construction for most of their business, and that is very slow right now, at least in this market.

Vineyard,
Whom ever you choose, ask the PB for a list of the subs they use, call them, if they havent been getting paid regular then you know there is a problem.

I disagree with 'pool designer' as well. I remember a large California company that went our of business lately (I seen it in here) also Build Your Own Pool in AZ was on that list for years and they went under.

I would suggest calling a local Haward, Pentair, Jandy, etc. authorized service repair company. They can tell you who they get the most and least complaints from homeowners as well. In my area they have been a good gauge on more than just the financial stability of a pool company.

I would also call the local gunite and pebble tec installers since there are typically fewer of those in any market and they service a wider amount of pool builders.

Also check the BBB, I think one of the first signs a company is having financial trouble is that they start to lose credibility and do not pay to fix warranty issues and such.

Here in Orlando we have had a few larger companies go under and they all had horrible BBB ratings just prior to them shutting their doors.

Problem is you can never be too sure! I would make sure whoever you do pick is paying the suppliers and subcontractors on your project and ask for lien releases that are signed off by the subcontractor or supplier.

Good luck and keep us up to date on your pools progress once you are ready to dive in!

Per some of the old post concerning Hallmark Pools in Ca, request a Performance Bond on your project...that will protect you the consumer. This typically cost 1% or much more, depending on the stability of the Pool Contractor. IMO, the conservative natured pool contractors, that do not try to appear ultra successful, may be the better choice. They may not be the type that lived too large in the booming years, and decided to save some money for the rainy day.

Even some of the larger builders that once were good, are now making some poor decisions on quality, undersized plumbing, illegal labor, etc., just to sell a pool. Be careful of the low price pool contractors, big or small, because you are likely either getting a bad product or someone possibly on their way out. Choose a Pool Contractor with a solid reputation not just from years ago, but also from last month.

As some people are finding that are building their own pools even, there has been sub-contractors in the pool industry that are going out of business as well. Now some homeowners are dealing with that issue during building their own pools...with nobody to help.

..and another one here to disagree with pool designer.
You almost want to do the opposite and avoid that list for the reason just-a-pb said.

Talking to the builders subs is going to tell alot, that is if the builder will give you the names and numbers and if they are truly the right ones. Just remember to ask how long that sub as been working for that builder...making sure they are not brand new. If you kow of large subcontractors in your area just take a stab at calling them and asking them about the company you are considering.
They might tell you alot about their history with that builder. Take it with a grain of salt though....

"Talking to the builders subs is going to tell alot, that is if the builder will give you the names and numbers and if they are truly the right ones. Just remember to ask how long that sub as been working for that builder...making sure they are not brand new. If you kow of large subcontractors in your area just take a stab at calling them and asking them about the company you are considering.
They might tell you alot about their history with that builder. Take it with a grain of salt though...."

I think a lot of builders would be hesitant to do that. I can call a home builder, get a sub list that they worked hard losing a lot of money going through bad subs. From there I can just hire their subs directly and cut them out of the equation.

And subs shoudln't comment on their builders to clients, even if they are hacks. You can't expect them to bite the hand that feeds them.

I don't think I would hand out a sub list without a letter of intent.

Very good points, everyone...I appreciate your input and suggestions! Pretty scary, I think I may consider just building a pool myself and scrutinizing the subs directly. I'm nearing completion of new home construction, so I know eliminating the "middleman" can make things easier, especially when finding a pool builder you can trust may pose a challenge in today's times.

My first stop will be a local pool showroom, Adams Pool Solutions, they are the subs that do Pebble-Tech finishes and have lots of displays. I also know a gunite contractor who has references for the other trades, so that will be a good start...I just need to have some pool plans drawn up to get things going.

I'll keep you posted on how things progress!

Aloha,
Leilani

I don't think there is any sure fire way to find a pool builder that is sound. Any business can fail, even the ones that have been at it for a very long time. But if you really wanted to protect yourself, the performance bond is the only way to go. The only problem is that, that will probably exclude many of the small builders that do not have enough credit to get one. Other less sophisticated ways is to get recs from subs. These guys will not recommend someone that is slow rolling or not paying them. Another way would be do go to the PB's office and look for signs of recent downsizing, like a name tag on a desk of a former employee or signs of an office that had more people working in it recently. Keep in mind that most PB's have had to down size, so you are looking for signs of a recent downsize which would indicate new problems and business stress. You can also check with your local clerk of the courts to see if any leins or legal action has been started against your contractor.

We are a very small pool builder and have been building pools in the Phoenix area for over 20 years. We mainly work as owner/builder supervision or supervision for the smaller builders who hire their superintendents. We collect from the home owner for one trade the day that the trade is scheduled. We pay our subs as they finish the work. We take our supervision on a draw schedule. This has prevented us from ever being in a cash flow problem. We have extremely little overhead, working out of our home office. I think you will find that the pool builders that are working in this manner are going to be the safest bets. We hire the same subcontractors that the rest of the pool builders hire. We have amazing subs that we have worked with over and over for years and we trust them to do the best work. Try to protect yourself by paying your builder as the trade is completed. This way if they go out of business, you will not be out financially. Check the builders references for quality of work and customer care. References will never be able to predict if a company will be around to complete you pool. Please let me know if we can be of assistance.