How To Avoid Pool Contractor Scams

Nobody expects to get scammed when they hire someone to work on their pool. However, fraudulent pool scammers are everywhere, and sometimes, they can be hard to spot. That’s why so many people understandably want to know how to avoid pool contractor scams. 

You can avoid being scammed by a pool contractor if you steer away from contractors whose prices are significantly lower than their competitors. Inflating prices and delays without explanation can also show that they might be scamming you. Request proof of insurance and their license number so you can verify they are professional and certified. 

Reach out to a lawyer if the information on their license and insurance comes back as fraudulent. Refer to many online reviews before you hire a pool contractor. Follow along as we explore how to avoid pool contractor scams. 

How To Spot A Pool Contractor Scam

1. The Price Is Too Good To Be True

Everybody wants to get a good deal and save money. However, it’s important to closely scrutinize pricing options when you look for a pool contractor. Any deal that seems too good to be true is a major red flag, and it could indicate a scam. 

Of course, some pool contractors offer deals that are up to a few hundred dollars cheaper than their competitors. That is normal, and it’s a great way to attract new customers. However, it’s a red flag if someone offers a deal to re-tile your pool for thousands of dollars less than a competitor. 

2. They Ask For A Huge Deposit

Pool contractors often ask for a deposit before a big job, and that’s normal. However, it’s not normal for a contractor to ask for a massive cash deposit. This makes it all too easy for them to take the money and run, so to speak.

Never pay a deposit for pool work that is 30% or more of the project’s total cost if you spot red flags. Look into their history and speak with their references if you’re tempted to hire them. They could be legitimate, but it’s never a good business practise to ask for a massive cash deposit before starting work on a project. 

3. Bad Online Reviews

Today, online reviews make it easier than ever to investigate services, companies, and contractors before you hire them. Online reviews can tell you a lot about the quality of work you can expect from a pool contractor. Reviews can also reveal red flags and bad behavior as far as transparency and pricing are concerned. 

Search the contractor’s name on Google and click on “reviews” to get an idea of what customers have to say about them. You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau website to see if anyone has reported them as fraudulent. This is your best bet to get a quick answer, avoid getting scammed, and ultimately save money. 

4. Invalid License And Insurance

Pool contractors must be licensed and insured to open, close, and maintain pools. As a customer, you have the right to ask a pool contractor to present proof of insurance and their license. If they provide it, you can look up the information to verify it’s them. 

Don’t move forward with the contractor if the insurance and license information comes back registered to a different business. This is a classic scam, and it’s sadly caused several people to lose money without getting quality pool work done. You can tell may be a scam if the contractor refuses to provide this information. 

5. Constant Delays

Many homeowners are aware of the classic “delay” scam. This scam entails constantly adding delays and problems that seemingly arise out of nowhere. Some delays are possible because of weather and material shortages, but they shouldn’t be drastic and never-ending.

Scammers may use this method to make the job more expensive. Or, they may simply be stalling, so they can eventually keep your money without completing their work. Ask them to prove the cause for the delay if you’re in this position. 

6. Inflating Prices

Does your pool contractor keep raising the price of the project throughout the process? If so, that can indicate they are trying to take advantage of you. Sometimes, the price may increase because of problems that arise during the process.

However, it shouldn’t increase by thousands of dollars. Ask for an itemized list of what is costing so much and scrutinize it. Even if they aren’t scamming you, this at least shows that they aren’t very professional or experienced. 

What To Do If A Contractor Scams You

Contact a lawyer and reach out to your local district attorney if you suspect that you were scammed by a pool contractor. Stop paying the contractor right away, so you won't lose more of your money. Call the Better Business Bureau and report the scam or make a post about it on their website. 

Luckily, in most states it’s not too hard to sue a contractor over breach of contract. It helps if you have documented your conversations with the contractor. Keep a log of your emails, phone calls, texts, and receipts from your pool contractor. 

Present this evidence to your lawyer. There’s a chance the contractor may even face criminal charges and lose their license altogether. 

Summing It Up

Never hire a pool contractor who offers services for thousands of dollars less than their competitors, as this can indicate a scam. Ask the contractor to provide their insurance and license, then search it and see if it’s registered in their name. Cease payments and contact an attorney if there are constant delays and the price keeps inflating.  

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