FAQs
Q. How do I get started?
A. When you call our office, we will ask you a few questions about the type of pool you are thinking about and what features you are looking for in a pool. Then we set up an appointment with you to come look at your site. On this first visit, we will be taking measurements, checking utilities, looking at the yard slope, and taking photographs of your yard. It is always best if all parties wanting input on the overall design be present at this first meeting. This way we don't come back with something one or the other does not like. At the end of this first meeting, we will set a time for our second meeting to show you our design. Then we will go back to our office and design a plan that will incorporate those features you desire.
Q. What happens next?
A. Our second meeting is so we can show you the different options on tiles, equipment, plaster, decking, lighting etc. We will go over all the features, look at the design, and discuss construction timing, access to yard, and what can be expected during the construction.
Q. How do we pay for the pool?
A. We invoice you as work progresses and are paid by a draw schedule that is agreeable to both parties. Our payments vary depending on the size of the project. It may be as few as 4 payments or as many as 15 payments. Our final payment is always paid at completion.
Q. Will your company build our pool or does it sub-contract the work to others?
A. We do most of our pool construction ourselves. We have the skill, knowledge, trucks, equipment & tools.
Q. What are the different phases to construct a swimming pool?
A. Although it would vary from job to job, here is a list for a standard pool. Pre-grade/demolition, form pool, excavate pool & haul dirt, install plumbing, install rebar for shell, shoot gunite, place tile, install coping, grade for deck, set-up deck, pour deck, set equipment, hook-up electrical and gas to equipment, prep for plaster, plaster pool, fill pool, start up pool and add chemicals.
Q. When will my pool be completed?
A. Depending on weather conditions, a simple pool can take 4-5 weeks, an elaborate pool can take up to a year or longer. Many of the delays of construction can be related to freezing temperatures in fall and winter, and rain in spring and summer.
Q. How does Custom Pools get most of their work?
A. Over 90% is by referral, and the rest is through yellow pages, yard signs, web site and people seeing our Company trucks.
Q. How large a company is Custom Pools?
A. Being a large pool company was never our main goal. Our reputation as the highest quality pool company in Amarillo has spread across the Panhandle. We have been in business for over 17 years. Custom Pools prides itself on personal supervision of all facets of building your pool.
Q. What can I expect the investment to be to build a Custom Pool?
A. Our pools range from around the mid-forty thousand range for a simple pool to hundreds of thousands for an elaborate pool with extensive landscaping, water features, stone decks, computer controls, etc.
Q. How many years has Custom Pools been in business?
A. Our company was founded in April of 1994, 2024 is our 30th year!
Q. What about a warranty on my pool investment?
A. Nothing will be more important to you after your pool is complete than a warranty from a company that will take care of any problems that arise. We have been, and will continue to be, the best at taking care of our customer's warranty issues. Our warranties are the best from the pool structure to the equipment. If you remember only one thing, remember a warranty is only as good as the company offering it!
Q. Why do I have such a wide variance in my pool bids on similar size pools?
A. The price of a pool includes more than just size and shape. Other factors many contractors do not include but should, account for the difference, such as Quality of materials- Craftsmanship- Warranties- Customer Service- Insurance- Time needed to build. Some of our competitors do not have an office, trucks, equipment, employees or insurance. This makes it cheaper to operate, but also easier for them to vanish.
Q. How can I research the different pool builders and pick the best one?
A. The best thing you can do is visit their place of business. Do they have an office, warehouse, supplies, etc. ? Visit a few of their job sites. Talk to some of their past customers. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Q. I have heard a lot about In-floor cleaning systems. Do they work? Does your Company install them?
A. In-floor cleaners are the most logical way to build a pool. Although the initial pool cost will be higher due to an increase in plumbing pipe and labor cost, it will usually pay for itself (In-floor system) in three years or less. The cost savings is due to the fact that when your heater comes on, it returns the water from the bottom of the pool instead of the side; therefore it is a more efficient way to heat the pool. Other benefits are that the chemicals are dispersed more evenly throughout the pool, which saves on chemicals and because the return water comes back through more openings (usually 20+ vs. 3 to 5), the pool water turns over more efficiently and you run the pool pump less hours per day.
Q. Some of the pool builders we have talked to said they will match their competitor’s price. Does Custom Pools do this?
A. We have seen this time and again and it is impossible to do. Most of the pool companies that try this eventually file for Bankruptcy and go out of business. You do not want them in the middle of your pool if this happens. Pool Builders who do this often do not know what their actual costs are, let alone what ours are. We have a better process to price our pools, by using a spread sheet and going over it with our customers. They can see exactly where their money is going. We also build our pools to a higher standard. When you contract with Custom Pools, you are getting the best of everything from construction materials to equipment to warranties. Construction costs vary greatly and if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. So, therefore, it is impossible to match pricing.
Q. Do we need to have a plan for our pool?
A. No. We will design a plan to personally fit your needs. This service is included with the purchase of your pool.
Q. When is the best time to start the process of researching for a pool?
A. We work year round, but typically around 3 months before you want to swim.
Q. Who oversees the project when it is started?
A. Fritz Blanke personally designs and builds your project from start to finish
Q. How can I get started on a design for my outdoor living environment?
A. You can call us at 806-376-7606, email us at Fritz@amarillocustompools.com, or fill out our contact info on our contact page and we will contact you!