Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Swimming Pool Consultant and Designer

Why you need a swimming pool consultant and designer...

Your Best Interest

In many states it is ILLEGAL for someone to act as a "consultant" on a swimming pool construction project, if they are not a licensed swimming pool contractor.  This is because there have been scams, where unlicensed individuals (who cannot get licensed for various reasons), offer to act as a consultant as the owner acts as an "owner-builder."  

A licensed contractor may provide consultant and design services.  However, once construction is ready to begin they must enter into a "construction contract."

During the consulting phase they will educate you on the various details, equipment and accessories available for your pool.  They will ensure that the design meets current building and safety codes.  And because they are not working as a commissioned salesman, they have no interest in piling on a lot of profit generating options.

Complete Plans

Plans for a swimming pool project require some minimum items:

Soils Report
Structural Engineering (based upon the soils report)
Site plan (showing property boundaries, slopes, existing structures, easements, etc.) 
Project Layout
Cross Sections
Sectional Details  
Schematics (plumbing, low & high voltage electrical, equipment pad layout)
Materials List (equipment list, manufacturer & model numbers)  
Specifications

A complete set of plans allows the owner to obtain competitive bids based upon an established set of criteria.  It allows the owner to compare "apples to apples." 

Many swimming pool consultants and designers will offer a rebate of a portion of their design fees, if the plans are not put out to bid AND they are hired to construct the project.  Think of this as the "licensing fee" like computer software.  Since the owner did not disseminate the plans into the public domain, then the license was not exercised.

Check References 

Before you hire a swimming pool consultant, check their background and references.  Are they reputable and current on the "happenings" in the industry?

My online "resume":
http://www.theaquapedia.com/index.php?title=Paolo_Benedetti

Paolo Benedetti 
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness 
"Creating water as art."™ 
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa 
©www.aquatictechnology.com

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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com