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Prime Buyers Guide Swimming Pool Contractors

How to Find the Best Sonoma County, CA Swimming Pool Contractor

If you're ready to have a new swimming pool installed, there are many factors to take into account. One major consideration is the Sonoma County swimming pool contractor to hire. Whether you opt for an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, or even a heated spa, the quality of the Sonoma County contractor you work with will have a major impact on the outcome. The articles below can help you find a cheap, high-quality Sonoma County pool builder who can build to your standards and avoid unnecessary complications.

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Updated December 31, 2007

Top 10 Swimming Pool Contractors in Sonoma County

Sonoma Pool & Spa Incorporated
(707) 568-1111
4800 Franz Valley Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Wine Country Pools & Concrete
(707) 528-7665
4305 Perracca Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

South Central Pool Supply Inc
(707) 588-0617
344 Sutton Place
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Mastertouch Pool Service
(707) 578-3059
68 Yolanda Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Bertram Pool Remodeling
(707) 527-0421
Po Box 15106
Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Abell Pools Inc
(707) 539-3151
1235 Melissa Ct
Santa Rosa, CA 95409

All Blue Pools
(707) 542-6737
1357 Stroven Ln
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Holiday Pool & Water Creations
(707) 542-7665
500 3rd St
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Jcc Incorporated
(707) 575-4011
3100 Dutton Ave Ste 154
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

McDonald Gary & Son Inc
(707) 539-7663
5005 Alpine Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

How to Find the Best Sonoma County, CA Swimming Pool Contractor 

As we scrape the frozen morning dew from our windshields and slosh through the puddles, it becomes more difficult to envision our halcyon summers. But it won't be long before you're desperate for relief from the overwhelming California sun, so now is the time to start planning for major outdoor projects like new swimming pools. From design to unveiling, pool installation can be a lengthy process. So start thinking ahead and screening potential swimming pool contractors. They will help you brainstorm about layouts, possible land clearing and shoring, permitting, and the multitude of other factors that have to be taken into account. Read on to learn about pool contractor's specific duties so you can prepare accordingly and get your project off the ground in time for summertime luxury.

Top Sonoma County Swimming Pool Contractors Can Design and Construct Many Styles of Pools
Swimming pool construction is such a large undertaking that it has its own contractor license designation. So while general contractors or other, less-specialized contractors can technically perform this service (though there are certain contractors that are expressly prohibited from doing so, including landscaping contractors), the smartest move is obviously with the professional with the narrower and thus, enhanced level of expertise. Swimming pool contractors, or C-53 contractors, learn specific skills that allow them to construct swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, and install the heating equipment for them. More specifically, they can install or repair the basics, like new in-ground pools, above ground pools or vinyl pools, and there are many innovative types of custom pools that they can construct for both commercial and residential settings. Some of the swimming pool contractors in the Sonoma County area have experience with more advanced projects, such as vanishing edge pools, salt water pools, waterfall pools, infinity pools, fiberglass pools, and hillside pools. In these instances, installation includes new gunite, filtration equipment, vinyl lining (if applicable), and heating units. If you're worried about your pool draining excessive energy or otherwise negatively affecting the environment, some pool contractors have extensive experience with energy efficient pools that are solar heated, gas heated, or temperature controlled. Most of the swimming pool construction companies in Sonoma County do regular work on existing pools as well. Certain wear is inevitable after time, and your aging pool might require extensive renovation, including relining, re-facing, gunite replacement, pool plastering, or concrete work, all of which can be completed by an accomplished pool contractor. If your pool is in need of major renovation, skilled contractors can even create a custom redesign based on your existing layout.

Sonoma County Swimming Pool Contractors Customize New and Existing Pools
If you've already dedicated a sizable budget to a new swimming pool, why not infuse the project with accessories that will make it truly unique and enjoyable? A look at any skilled swimming pool contractor's portfolio will reveal a plethora of options that you can have installed in addition to the pool itself. There are in-pool features such as diving boards, stairs, ladders, and slides. You can enhance the pool area with waterfalls, quartz pool interior finishes, or water features. Contractors can install mechanical and electrical systems within the pool too, including fiber optic pool lighting, automated pool lighting, computerized systems, pool cameras, antimicrobial filters, regular filters, solar powered pumps, regular pumps, and automatic safety covers. There's also your new yard to consider. Swimming pool contractors can build or subcontract different landscape additions, such as patio heaters, decks or safety pool fencing, pool houses, fire pits, saunas, Koi ponds, special rock formations, and tile work. Down the road, your new pool will likely require maintenance and replacement parts. You may be able to contract with the initial builder to provide for these instances by supplying new liners, vinyl covers, chemicals for advanced purification, or new pumps or filters.

Take the Many Swimming Pool Contractors in Sonoma County Into Consideration Different swimming pool construction companies in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa may customarily perform only select types of work, which could limit their value to you. The Prime Buyer's Report can help you find the best fit for your project. We've collected comprehensive information on the top 10 swimming pool contractors in Sonoma County, who are Sonoma Pool & Spa Incorporated, Wine Country Pools & Concrete, South Central Pool Supply Inc, Mastertouch Pool Service, Bertram Pool Remodeling, Abell Pools Inc, All Blue Pools, Holiday Pool & Water Creations, Jcc Incorporated, McDonald Gary & Son Inc. If the top ten listings fail to meet your criteria, these Sonoma County swimming pool contractors are recommended, though not elaborated upon: .

Feel Confident About the Swimming Pool Contractor You Hire
As is true with any large undertaking in which you enlist outside help, it's best to research the topic and the potential professional before hiring and making a down payment. The article entitled "Key Resources for Swimming Pool Contractors in Sonoma County serves this purpose. In it you will find websites and publications that expound (in plain English) on swimming pool design and construction. There are also a number of links to swimming pool contractor associations where you can learn about the standards of the Sonoma County swimming pool construction industry and important facts about specific licensed contractors throughout Santa Rosa.
Updated December 31, 2007
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Searching for Swimming Pool Contractors in Sonoma County 

Step 1: Describe the Project
The process of installing a swimming pool or spa isn't as straightforward as one may first think. There are now more options than ever to explore. Research the available adornments and technological advancements available to you before you before you call any swimming pool contractors. This way, you'll be prepared to speak with potential contractors and they can generate an estimate more easily

Step 2: Gather Information
After presenting your preliminary plans to a contractor and receiving his estimate, there's still more to know. In fact, it's imperative that you inquire about proper licensure and experience before you move forward with any solid arrangements. The questions below will help you obtain this critical information.

How long have you been in business?
How many swimming pools have you completed in the Sonoma County area?
Do you specialize in the type of work I've described?
Do you have any references I may speak with or past projects I might see?
Can you offer any energy efficient/environmentally friendly building materials?
How long should it take to complete the project?
What process do you go through to price the work?
Will you provide a written estimate?
Will you provide a written contract?
Are your employees BCSP certified by the National Spa and Pool Institute?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will permits be needed? If so, who will be responsible for getting them?
Do you do the work yourself with your employees or do you hire subcontractors?
How and when do you clean up?
What kind of warranty do you offer and what does it cover?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision
After you've interviewed several swimming pool contractors throughout the Sonoma County area, whittle down your list of prospects. Weigh your results to assess which swimming pool contractor will be your best provider.

Step 4: Final Research
After you've selected your preferred swimming pool contractor, verify the applicable credentials. Contractor licensing should be current and active, with no known violations. This information, as well as insurance and worker's comp status, is available at the Web site for the Contractors State License Board.

Step 5: Sign a Contract
If all proper qualifications are met and your chosen swimming pool contractor passes muster, move forward with the hiring process. Ask for your representative to provide a written and signed contract that details pricing, timing, quality, and warranty terms.
Updated December 31, 2007
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Key Resources for Swimming Pool Construction in Sonoma County 

Associations & Licensing
AGC of America Associated General Contractors of America (www.agc.org)
AHRC American Homeowners Resource Center (www.ahrc.com)
APSP Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (www.theapsp.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
BCSP Board of Certified Service Professionals (www.bcsp.org)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
IPSSA Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (www.ipssa.com)
MCAA Mechanical Contractors Association of America (www.mcaa.org)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)
NUCA National Utility Contractors Association (www.nuca.com)
NSPI National Spa & Pool Institute (www.nspi.org)
SPEC California Spa and Pool Industry Education Council (www.calspec.org)

Media & Web Resources
Aqua Magazine
Building Design and Construction
California Home & Design
CONTRACTOR Magazine
Dwell
environmental Design and Construction Magazine
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
Home & Design
HOUSE Magazine
Luxury Home
Pool and Spa Living Magazine
Pool Science Magazine
Poolsearch Magazine
Smart Homeowner
Swimming Pool Magazine

www.luxurypools.com
www.askthebuilder.com
www.doityourself.com 
www.hometime.com
www.hometips.com
www.learnaboutpools.com
www.poolforum.com
www.swimming-pool-advice.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top ten swimming pool contractors in Sonoma County within the following zip codes.

94922, 94923, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94972, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95408, 95409, 95412, 95416, 95419, 95421, 95425, 95430, 95431, 95433, 95436, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95450, 95452, 95462, 95465, 95471, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95480, 95486, 95487, 95492 and 95497

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top ten swimming pool contractors in Sonoma County within the following cities.

Agua Caliente, Alexander Valley, Annapolis, Asti, Bloomfield, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Camp Meeker, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Duncans Mills, El Verano, Eldridge, Fallon, Fetters Hot Springs, Forestville, Fort Ross, Freestone, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Guernewood, Healdsburg, Jenner, Kenwood, Lakeville, Larkfield, Monte Rio, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Petaluma, Rio Nido, Rohnert Park, Roseland, Russian River, Russian River Mdws, Salmon Creek, Santa Rosa, Schellville, Sebastopol, Sheridan, Sonoma, Stewarts Point Rancheria, The Geysers, The Sea Ranch, Valley Ford, Villa Grande, Vineburg and Windsor
Updated December 31, 2007
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Eight Great Tips for Working With Sonoma County Pool Contractors 

Don't Make a Hasty Commitment.
When it comes to a complicated addition like a swimming pool, you have the time to give careful attention to every aspect of the project. Quite a bit of this attention should be devoted to choosing a proper contractor. Allow yourself enough time to thoroughly screen available contractors until you are certain that you've found one who can capably undertake the installation of your pool or spa.

Write a Description of the Job.
You should bring more than vague ideas to the table. Do some research: visit several showrooms and home improvement Web sites and identify brands and styles you prefer. Get some ideas from the swimming pool Web sites or even real estate Web sites. Note the overall result you'd like as well as detail areas. If you write down your findings, you can present the same description to each contractor and know that the responses you receive are based on consistent information.

Get Several Estimates.
You should get several estimates from different contractors. This way you'll have a realistic price range to expect and can develop a budget accordingly.

Get Everything in Writing.
If, down the road, you need to debate quality or make a claim on your warranty, you'll be lost if you can't cite precedent. So make sure that your contractor provides you with a written contract that details each phase of the work, the agreed pricing, warranty information, and a projected timeline.

Know Your Contractor.
The selection of a contractor should involve careful research of his qualifications. Make sure all proper credentials are valid before you officially hire him.

Choose Certified Companies.
Some swimming pool contractors have a history of consistent customer satisfaction. If a potential contractor has been rewarded with endorsements like Diamond Certification or Better Business Bureau Membership, you can rightfully expect them to extend exemplary customer service to you as well.

Agree in Advance to Review the Work Upon Completion.
When the job is complete, do what's called a "walk-through" with your contractor. Thoroughly analyze the work and make sure all the terms of the contract have been met to your standards. Immediately mention any problems you happen upon.

Know Your Rights.
You are legally protected from poor contracting practices. To see the specific legislation that applies to the State of California, visit the official Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Updated December 31, 2007
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Swimming Pool Contractors in Sonoma County Sell & Install Many Pool Construction Brands 

Jacuzzi, Diamond Spas, Endless Pools, Cal Spas, Baja, Purex Parts, Milestone, Doughboy, Coverstar safety covers, Save-T Cover, Bio-guard, Aquabot, Kreepy, Arneson, Bio-Lab, Blue-White, Aquatech, Teledyne, Rainbow, Rola-Chem, Watermatic products, Baquacil, and Smartub.
Updated December 31, 2007
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Diamond Certified