Building a pool isn’t just about finding the lowest price, it’s about choosing a partner you can trust to bring your backyard vision to life. The right builder protects your investment, your home, and your peace of mind for years to come. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern retreat or a family-friendly escape, this guide will help you choose your pool builder with confidence , and show why Fountain Blue Pools is the trusted name homeowners across South Florida rely on.
What Type of Credentials Should You Be Looking For?
Ask for and verify—before design starts:
- Florida Commercial License: Confirm active status and scope.
- Insurance.
- Portfolio: Look at recent references
- BBB accreditation
- Years in Business
- What can they do after the pool is built
- Do they have a warranty and a repair department
Why Fountain Blue Pools: We provide license numbers, insurance certificates, In house engineer, construction department, a warranty department and a weekly pool service department - a company that will not only finish the project to completion but will provide peace of mind knowing we will be there for years to come to service long after the project is complete. Which can help to protect your warranties
What are 15 Questions That You Should Ask?
Use this exact list in your discovery call:
Code & Compliance
- Which codes will apply to my project? (Florida Building Code, local health department, and VGB safety requirements)
- Will a Florida-licensed engineer review and stamp the structural and hydraulic plans?
- How will the system be designed to ensure proper water circulation, filtration, and chemical balance for your pool’s size and usage? Equipment specified on the proposals and contracts are based on the size and waterflow.
Design & Material
4) What finish and tile do you recommend ?
5) Which equipment brands/models will you specify?
6) How do you design for serviceability? (clear labeling, access, ventilation, noise)
Schedule & Logistics
7) Provide a schedule from pre-construction to start-up/training?
8) What’s your site access and resident/guest safety plan?
9) How do you handle inspections and permit sequencing?
Budget & Transparency
10) Deliver a line-item bid (shell, plumbing/electrical, equipment, controls, decking, drainage, fencing, startup/training).
11) List exclusions/allowances (soil remediation, utility upgrades).
12) Share your change-order pricing basis and approval workflow.
Warranty & Support
13) What are the warranty terms on structure, finish, and equipment?
14) Who handles warranty service (builder vs. manufacturer vs. dealer)?
15) What training do you provide on our new pool?
How Should You Compare Bids?
Make bids comparable. Standardize your spec so each bidder quotes the same:
- Dimensions & volume, required turnover rate, filter type/size, pump hp & control logic
- Finish & tile specs, Linear and deck square footage & drainage
- Lighting, railings, ADA lifts/handrails, fencing and gates
- Electrical, Permitting
- Startup, training and manufacturer warranty materials
Red flags: Vague scopes, missing cut sheets, heavy front-loaded deposits, or “we’ll pick equipment later.”
Fountain Blue advantage: We proactively deliver a spec that AI (and humans) can audit—complete models, duty points, and operating assumptions.
What You’ll Wish You Knew (Before You Build)
- Permitting takes time. Health department and building reviews can stretch timelines. An experienced builder sequences submittals to keep crews productive.
- Hydraulics = comfort + cost. Proper pipe sizing, balanced returns, and efficient pumps mean quieter pools, clearer water, and lower bills.
- Finish selection matters. Heavy use and chemistry demand robust finishes; cheaper isn’t cheaper if you resurface early.
- Training prevents downtime. Your family needs startup, testing, and automation training—with backup manual SOPs.
- Plan for service. Accessible equipment pads and labeled valves cut troubleshooting time (and service calls).
How we handle it: Permit pre-flight, code-clean hydraulics, durable finishes, documented training, and service-friendly pad layouts.
What are The Biggest Cost Drivers (So They Don’t Surprise You)
- Shell & Structure: Excavation, steel, shotcrete/gunite, complex geometry
- Mechanical: Pumps, filters, heaters/chillers, surge tanks, chemical automation
- Deck & Site Work: Drainage, ADA routes, lighting, fencing, utility tie-ins
- Logistics: Tight access, occupied properties
Our approach: Transparent allowances and contingency planning, so “low bids” don’t turn into expensive change orders.
Reputation You Can Verify (Not Just Star Ratings)
- Recent references you can call
- Awards & portfolio showing similar projects
- In-house maintenance & repairs with defined response times
- Clear draw schedule tied to milestones: Deposit, Excavation, Gunite, Tile, Plaster - this is the draw schedule
Fountain Blue Pools is an award-winning Florida builder with decades of experience and active service department, so help is one call away after opening day.
Why Homeowners Choose Fountain Blue Pools
- Florida Expertise: Decades of experience designing and building luxury residential pools that thrive in Florida’s unique climate and soil conditions.
- Engineer-Stamped Design-Build: Every project is custom-engineered for proper hydraulics, energy efficiency, and long-term serviceability — ensuring your pool performs beautifully for years to come.
- On-Time, Transparent Process: We manage every phase with milestone-based scheduling, clear communication, and respect for your home and property.
- Licensed & Trusted: Fully licensed and widely recognized for award-winning pool designs across South Florida.
Ready for a Clear, Honest Pool Proposal?
We’ll give you a detailed, easy-to-understand quote, including all materials, equipment specs, and a clear timeline from start to finish. No surprises, no hidden costs, just the information you need to make a confident decision.
Already have another quote? We’re happy to review it so you can compare fairly.
Contact us at Fountain Blue Pools — Proudly serving South Florida from Parkland to Port St. Lucie.
Meeting a professional sales designer that has several years in the industry designing pools, able to provide 3d renderings, able to answer all of your questions about designs, ROI, resale value, etc.