Anyone may call themselves a pool builder in Texas without any certification or verification from the state; all a person needs is a few hundred dollars to register. Avoid the headache of having to research each and every builder from whom you might want a bid and call us to get the history of trusted builders in your area.

Some swimming pool builders are much more experienced than others for specific types of pools or features. If you are looking for a rock slide or negative edge, don't assume that any pool builder can achieve a desired level of quality for a comparable price. The Bidding Pool can find the right builder for the job.

All builders will claim to be custom, however, the fact is that many use template shapes and a handful of common choices for decking, coping, plaster, features, etc. The high volume, big pool companies tend to be the worst in this area. If a material or feature is requested that is not in their price book, chances are they will quote a price for that item that is double what it should be only because it is not something they order or install on a regular basis.

There are many good salesmen / designers in the pool industry. Most, in fact, will give you honest opinions and try their best to design what they believe you want. There are also a small number of them who will tell you only what they think you want to hear. How will you know which salesman you might contact? One way is by simply listening to what they have to say. If they spend time bashing other pool builders instead of telling you what makes them better than the rest, the warning flags should go up. An easier way to be sure is to bypass the salesman altogether. Contact us to find the best builders suited to your project.

Pool prices are always changing but as of 2007 in Dallas most contractors can build a gunite swimming pool with decking and all the appropriate equipment for around $25,000. Major factors that affect the construction industry are steel, lumber, concrete, and gas prices. When gas prices rise the cost to bring materials to your city also rises. If you hear a salesman say, "This price is valid through next week only because the cost of concrete is going up," chances are that it is a valid statement and not just a sales tactic. There are pool builders who would never tell a customer that, however. These builders would rather absorb the additional cost themselves than make a customer feel pressured to sign a contract.

Some pool builders sub-contract everything while others employ their own crews. Why does this matter? Our answer might not be what you think. In some very important ways, a sub-contracted crew may be better for your project. We explain the differences with our customers while presenting the facts.

Builders often claim to use a different or 'unique' steel schedule and amount of gunite. Most of the structures we see between builders have only slight variances, but since most builders offer a lifetime warranty, does it really matter? If the tires on your car had a lifetime warranty, would you care how thick the rubber is? There are many other factors to consider in helping your pool structure remain sound since shifting or raising is more common than cracks and this is something that is not covered under warranty. Do you know what techniques are best for your soil?

All pumps and filters are not created equal. When is it right to pay double for your pump? Why might you want to choose a filter that is more work? The fact is, there are pumps that will lower your energy costs by more than enough to make the extra initial cost worth every penny, and the cleanest water comes from a filter that requires more work to maintain.

Warranties between builders vary greatly on the pool structure and are usually between one and ten years on equipment. Find out in detail what those warranties cover. Does the structure warranty cover ground movement? Surely you have heard this before, but a warranty is only as good as the company who issues it. There are builders who will replace a pump or a broken tile even when the pool is out of warranty; those are the builders from whom you want bids.

Many homes increase in value 50% or more of the retail price of a gunite pool. Other homes will increase by exactly 0%. The difference is not your home but the area of town and the type of pool you build. Call a realtor in your area to find out what you can expect for your home.

Home improvement loan interest is tax deductible; they are generally 0% down and give you the option of paying over 2 - 25 years. You can add a new fence, landscaping, an arbor, or a sprinkler system with this type of loan. View our Resources & Builders page to find a loan officer in your area.

The Bidding Pool provides services to Dallas, Texas and its north east surrounding communities including: Rockwall, Heath, Plano, Allen, and McKinney.