Pool Builders in St. Augustine, Florida: Portfolio Questions to Ask

When it comes to building a swimming pool, there is nothing better than sifting through the vibrant pictures online-glossy images of shimmering teal water, elegant modern pools, and sun-drenched outdoor kitchen spaces that get your creative juices flowing. For those who embark on a new pool construction project, a pool builder’s portfolio is generally the first step when you begin your search.

However, an inground pool construction portfolio is far more than just pretty pictures of completed projects-it's a true look at the builder's technical aptitude, their architectural and structural design principles, and their history working with a region's specific geography.

When looking for swimming pool builders in St. Augustine, Florida, going by what is seen on normal marketing pictures will not do. Ask yourself these probing questions as you examine your prospective builders' portfolio.

1. "Can you show me projects you built in my specific neighborhood or soil zone?"

Our region's geology varies wildly in just a few miles, from the deep sands to the rocky Anastasia Formation to the historical city’s clay base.

1. Why this matters: Soft, sandy soils shift easily and soak up water quickly. In addition, low-lying St. Augustine locations often have high water tables. If a pool builder does not specifically design your pool to counter these soil conditions or water levels, it could be in danger of settling or even shifting right out of the ground.
2. What to look for in the portfolio: Ensure that the contractor can show you an example or two of projects they have completed in your neighborhood, and can confidently tell you about the modifications they made to the structural engineering.

2. "Are these photos your own actual builds, or are they stock marketing images?"

This may surprise you, but many pool companies utilize stock photos on their website or marketing materials. They are purchased through a company that allows pool contractors to buy a generic photo and make it seem as if it is their own, when it's not.

1. Why this matters: Stock photos will give you an idea of what a pool could look like in a perfect world, but not much more regarding a contractor's material sourcing and real-world quality, and of course, no indication of their actual artistry.
2. What to look for in the portfolio: When reviewing photos, ask the pool builder if the pictures shown are actual projects that they have completed. You should notice obvious inconsistencies such as local landscapes in the backgrounds of pictures that have recognizable Florida native plants and, most importantly, screen enclosures in virtually every shot-screen enclosures are ubiquitous in Florida!

3. "Do you have photos showing the underground plumbing and steel phases of these builds?"

The pristine surface finish or decorative mosaic border of your new inground pool will completely conceal the essential groundwork that lies beneath. The crucial steel framework, plumbing, and main drain schematics for the inground pool structure are the critical foundation for a reliable inground pool and will be buried by thick layers of concrete, dirt, and soil for years to come.

1. Why this matters: Poorly executed plumbing runs will negatively impact the flow rate throughout your pool, increasing the power required by your pool pump and shortening its life. The steel framework must be placed with adequate support in its entirety, as this will prevent future cracking.
2. What to look for in the portfolio: Ask your St. Augustine pool builder for images from construction phases of your potential project, such as when they tie-in their steel rebar and before the final concrete finish is applied.

4. "How have your custom water features and finishes held up over the last 3 to 5 years?"

Florida's extremely sunny and humid climate, with its salt air, creates a tough environment for outdoor materials. Even finishes that look amazing after completion can become damaged, begin to fade, or even scale over time with poor materials or a lack of routine care.

1. Why this matters: White plaster and marcite finishes in particular will degrade very quickly in direct sun from St. Augustine's intense UV rays. Better performing finishes such as pebble or quartz aggregate offer greater durability as long as they are properly applied.
2. What to look for in the portfolio: Ask your contractor to provide you with photos from a pool they completed at least three to five years prior. A portfolio that shows aging pools with bright, intact surfaces will give you peace of mind about the contractor's use of quality materials and long-term results.

Partner with an Authentic Local Expert

A backyard pool should be something that will bring your family relaxation and memories for years and generations, and not a structurally flawed, money pit that you always worry about. When interviewing inground pool builders in St. Augustine, Florida, don't be afraid to look beyond the polished marketing photos. Understand a pool builder's experience handling the specific climate, soil, and building codes here in Northeast Florida.

For pool construction that exceeds all building codes, and for total peace of mind, there is a better way to build your backyard oasis; and that way is to work with the team at Haven Pools LLC. We work on precise structural engineering, transparency throughout the building process, and guarantee that your new backyard haven will stand for decades.