Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pool Contractor in Florida

Last updated: June 2026

A pool is a $50,000+ decision, and the contractor you pick matters as much as the design. Before you sign anything, ask any Florida pool contractor you're considering these 10 questions - here's why each one matters, and what a good answer sounds like.

1. Are you licensed for pool construction in Florida?

Florida pool construction should be done under a valid contractor license. Ask to see the license number directly, not just "yes, we're licensed." Pools & More is licensed under CPC1456740.

2. Can I see real, published pricing - not just a sales call?

Many pool builders withhold pricing until you sit through an in-person pitch. A contractor willing to publish real price ranges online is showing you they're confident in their numbers before they have you in a room. Pools & More publishes four packages ranging from $53,000 to $70,000+ on its pricing page.

3. Will I see a design before I commit any money?

You should be able to see what your specific pool will look like - not a stock photo - before signing a contract. Pools & More creates a 3D computer model of your finished pool so you can see it before construction begins.

4. Who handles the permitting process?

Florida pool construction requires permits covering structural, electrical, and safety-barrier requirements. Ask whether the contractor handles this for you or whether it's on you to navigate. Pools & More handles all permit approvals as Phase 1 of its build process.

5. What does your build process actually look like, step by step?

A contractor who can walk you through a documented, numbered process - rather than a vague description - is one who has done this enough times to know exactly what happens and when. See Pools & More's 9-step process as an example of what that should look like.

6. How will you keep me updated during construction?

Communication during a months-long backyard project matters as much as the finished result. One Pools & More customer, Terry Jones, put it this way: "He kept us informed through the entire process and amazingly enough finished as promised."

7. What's included in the price, and what's separate?

Ask specifically whether the deck, permitting, electrical work, and lighting are included in the quoted price, or billed separately later. Pools & More's published packages include the pool shell, a concrete or paver deck, permitting, an electrical allowance, and LED lighting - with landscaping and fencing typically budgeted separately.

8. Do you offer financing?

A $50,000+ project doesn't have to be paid in a single lump sum. Pools & More partners with Lyons Financial and LightStream to offer financing options.

9. How long have you been building pools, and can I see your track record?

Longevity and volume are a reasonable proxy for reliability in a business this consequential. Pools & More has been licensed and building pools in North Central Florida since 2004 - 22 years, over 1,000 pools - and was named a Top 5 Swimming Pool Contractor in Gainesville, FL by BuildZoom.

10. What areas do you actually serve?

Confirm the contractor regularly works in your specific city, not just "the general area." Pools & More serves Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, and Williston.

Ready to Ask Us These Questions Directly?

Request a free design consultation and we'll walk you through real pricing, our 3D design process, and our 9-step build timeline for your specific yard.

Related Questions

Are you licensed and insured?

Pools & More is a licensed Florida contractor (License #CPC1456740). Ask any contractor you're considering to show you their license number directly.

What is BuildZoom and why does your recognition matter?

BuildZoom independently evaluates contractors based on licensing, permit history, and project track record. Pools & More was named one of the Top 5 Swimming Pool Contractors in Gainesville, FL by BuildZoom.