If you’ve gathered a few pool quotes and they all look different, you’re not alone.
Comparing proposals can feel like comparing apples to oranges – except some of those “apples” are missing half the ingredients.
At Southern Pool Designs, we believe informed clients make the best clients.
So here’s how to read between the lines and protect yourself from costly surprises later.
1. Start With the Number — But Don’t Stop There
Everyone looks at the total price first. That’s natural.
But a lower price only matters if it includes the same scope, quality, and accountability.
A builder can make a $180,000 pool look like a $140,000 pool by quietly cutting things you’ll never see until it’s too late – smaller plumbing, thinner gunite, cheaper finishes, or omitting key items from the contract entirely.
Those shortcuts turn into repair bills and frustration later.
Ask: What exactly is included in this number?
Are permits, engineering, and site prep already baked in or will those appear later as “adjustments”?
2. The Change-Order Trap: The Oldest Trick in the Book
This is the big one.
Many builders lure homeowners in with a low entry price, knowing full well they’ll make up the difference — and then some — through a flood of change orders once you’ve signed and construction has begun.
It starts small:
“Tile upgrade – $1,200.”
“Access issue – $2,800.”
“Deck drainage – required for code compliance.”
Before you know it, your “$130,000 pool” is now $175,000 and you’re too far in to walk away.
We see this happen constantly in the Florida market, and it’s why we refuse to play that game.
At Southern Pool Designs, your proposal is complete and all-inclusive.
The only time your price ever changes is if you decide to add new features after signing or if something truly unforeseen occurs, like hitting rock during excavation.
We never build hidden contingencies into our pricing because we don’t believe in over-charging “just in case.” Our goal is simple: keep your costs predictable while staying fair and transparent if the unexpected happens.
We’d rather give you a real number upfront than nickel-and-dime you halfway through the job.
3. Look Closely at What’s Missing
A professional proposal should list every phase of the project clearly from design to final clean-up.
If it looks vague, it’s not simplicity. It’s a setup.
Common missing or “allowance” items to watch for:
- Tile and coping “allowances” that don’t cover realistic options
- Decking, steps, or raised walls excluded
- Electrical, gas, or automation missing from the scope
- Permits and inspections not included
- Fire or water features marked “TBD”
4. Evaluate the Engineering, Not Just the Rendering
A 3-D rendering doesn’t equal a well-engineered pool.
The true difference between builders is in the technical details, the ones that determine how long your pool lasts and how it performs.
Ask about:
- Gunite thickness and PSI rating
- Steel spacing and reinforcement
- Hydraulic design and pipe sizing
- Equipment horsepower and energy efficiency
- Waterproofing and drainage
If a builder can’t explain these, they’re selling looks – not longevity.
5. Check the Warranty and the Company Behind It
Every builder offers a “warranty.”
The real question is: will they still be around to honor it?
If a company is undercapitalized or relies on new deposits to fund old jobs, that warranty isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.
At Southern Pool Designs, we’ve been in business since 1997, with dedicated warranty reserves and a team that fixes issues fast.
We treat warranty service as an extension of quality not a cost to avoid.
Ask: Is there a real warranty process or just a phone number that leads nowhere?
6. Understand the Builder’s Model
There are two types of pool builders:
| Type | How They Operate | Risk to You |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Bid “Pass-Through” Builders | Thin markups, use low-cost materials, and rely on change orders. | Low initial price, high risk of overruns, delays, and poor quality. |
| Professional Design-Build Firms (like SPD) | In-house design, licensed engineering, controlled project flow, and transparent pricing. | Higher upfront investment, minimal risk, and lasting value. |
You’re not just buying a pool – you’re buying the way it’s built.
7. Evaluate the Team, Not Just the Salesperson
Ask who will manage your project daily, how often you’ll get updates, and how the builder handles communication.
At SPD, you get a full team – designer, engineer, project manager, and warranty coordinator – all working together under one system.
That’s how we deliver accountability, speed, and consistency from the first call to the final walkthrough.
8. Compare More Than Just Pools – Compare Peace of Mind
When comparing proposals, what you’re really comparing is risk.
Will your builder finish on time, handle issues professionally, and stand behind your investment for years to come?
At Southern Pool Designs, our pricing is transparent, our margins are fair, and our process is proven.
We target lean profit margins, then overload your project with value so you know you’re getting the best-built pool for every dollar spent.
Bottom Line
A “cheap” quote can end up being the most expensive pool you’ll ever buy.
Between hidden exclusions, underbuilt structures, and endless change orders, you’ll spend more fixing problems than you ever saved upfront.
Choose a builder who prices honestly, builds precisely, and stands behind their work.
Southern Pool Designs – Transparent pricing. No change-order games. Pools engineered for life.