Aqua Clear Pools & Spas, Inc. (386)788-7279
 
Frequently Asked Questions
- Swimming Pool FAQs

Q: How can I select the best pool builder for me?

A: Selecting a swimming pool contractor involves knowledge, reputation, and trust. All swimming pool contractors in the state of Florida are required to have a state issued license, just as any other professional is. Ask if you can speak to the license holder at the company. Does your prospective pool builder treat you with respect and take time to answer your questions? At Aqua Clear Pools, we offer numerous layers of Customer Care to ensure your pool building experience is a positive one.
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Q: . I’ve heard that homeowners can act as their own contractor and save money.

A: Contracting your own pool is penny wise and dollar foolish. So called consultants and designers are putting you at great risk by promoting this type of construction. First, it is illegal in Florida to hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your pool project and you may be fined as much as $5,000 for doing so. More importantly, you may be liable if a worker is injured on your property because this is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. A licensed pool contractor will be happy to demonstrate that he or she carries adequate insurance to protect you and your home when working on your property.
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Q: What kind of warranty comes with a swimming pool or spa?

A: Warranties differ from company to company. Generally, there are warranties offered by the pool contractor and others offered by the equipment manufacturers (pumps, filters, etc.). Like a new warranty, Aqua Clear Pools & Spas warrants your entire project for a full year. In all cases, your gunite shell carries a lifetime warranty and all Hayward products carry a minimum warranty of three years. Your warranty will be explained to your satisfaction before you purchase your pool and complete documentation will be provided to you as part of your process.
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Q: What is the cost of a pool?

A: Like houses, pools vary in price depending on factors such as size and amenities. However, the shape of the pool should not affect the price of the pool. Aqua Clear Pools offers pools a variety of custom shapes and sizes to fit any budget. Often, customers find that the payment for a beautiful new pool is less than the payment for a car!
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Q: What are the financing options for a pool?

A: There are generally three options for swimming pool purchases:
cash, a mortgage or equity line on your existing home, or assisted financing.
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Q: I’ve seen advertisements which offer pools at very low prices. Is this for real?

A: Yes, and no. Yes, the offer is for real, but as with so many things, you get what you pay for. Read the fine print on many of these 'teaser ads' and you will notice that there is inadequate deck, or none at all at that price. Basically, it’s a gimmick to get into your home to sell a higher priced model. Aqua Clear Pools & Spas is proud of our product and is happy to design a complete and quality pool at a fair price with no hidden charges.
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Q: Do pools require a lot of maintenance?

A: Pools today offer a range of conveniences for the homeowner.
However, beware of pool builders who offer 'maintenance free pools'.
Have you ever heard of a 'maintenance free car'? Automated filtration, heating, electronic chlorinators, automated cleaning systems and wireless remote controls are all options to discuss with your Aqua Clear Pools Associate. To contact us, call 386-788-7279 or click on the Contact Us link on the navigation bar.

 
 

We hope the following helps you make the best possible decision when buying your new pool. With these questions in hand, you should be able to get a sense of which pool builders can be trusted, and which pool builders are at risk of creating an unpleasant experience for you. Having a pool built should be a fun and exciting time for you and your family. At Aqua Clear Pools & Spas, we want you to be delighted with your pool—no matter who you buy it from.

Here are several things you should do as a homeowner when choosing a pool builder:
1.  You will want to make sure when dealing with a salesperson that everything that is agreed upon is in writing.  Please keep in mind that salespeople are paid on commission and typically, once the "sale" is complete, they have moved on to the next "sale".  It is better to deal with an Owner when designing and pricing your pool area.  The Owners of the companies are responsible for your construction and strive to have a completely satisfied customer.
2.  This is not a small investment on your part.  Make sure that the builder has been in business several years IN YOUR AREA without any name changes.  You can search for this on: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID 
3.  Have the builder provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for Liability and Worker's Compensation.  Make sure that your name appears in the "Certificate Holder" box in the certificate.  This will allow the insurance company to notify you if there are any changes in the insurance.
4.  Ask the builder for references in your area and find out how much of the work the builder subcontracts out.  The more work they subcontract out means you may not have the same workers on your job that even the references had.
5.  Get a list of the subcontractors and verify that they also have workers compensation.
6.  Do not ever pay a large deposit to a company prior to any work being started.  It is typical to collect 50% of the contract amount when the shell of the pool is INSTALLED.  Don't ever pay a builder for a draw prior to them finishing that item on your draw schedule.  The draws should be noted as being due when that step of the pool is completed.
7.  Upon giving the builder their payments, get Releases of Liens from the subcontractors that were on your job prior to this payment.  This insures that you won't have to pay for anything twice.
8.  At the same time as giving the builder their final payment, make sure they provide you with a Contractor's Affidavit.  This affidavit states that they have paid all of the subcontractors in full and that there are no materials or labor due to anyone who worked on your job.  This prevents anyone from liening your property for not being paid by the builder. 

Here are some links to research the builders.  You may also want to go to www.google.com and search the company's name. 
1.  Visit the Better Business Bureau to review any complaints the company may have had:  http://www.orlando.bbb.org:80/search.asp
2.  Visit the State of Florida Licensing portal to insure the company has a current license: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=
3.  Visit the Worker's Compensation verification site to insure the company has a current worker's compensation policy in effect:  http://www.myfloridacfo.com/WCAPPS/Compliance_POC/wPages/query.asp
Aqua Clear Pools & Spas, Inc.
Port Orange, FL  32127
Sales and Design By Appointment Only
(386)788-7279