Why Your Pool Warranty Is So Important?
Owning a pool is like having your own slice of heaven in your backyard. But your pool can quickly turn from a relaxation point to a nightmare if it develops a significant maintenance issue. Not only does it require you to foot exorbitant bills for any part replacements but also make arrangements for repairs. Such unforeseen expenses can cause a lot of stress and throw your budget haywire.
If you have a pool warranty, this sudden burden of expensive costs can be taken care of. What should you look for in a pool warranty? Do you really need one? This blog aims to answer these questions and more. Read to find out.
Do I Need A Pool Warranty?
Many pool owners think there is a very slim chance that their pools may need a repair or replacement after it has been successfully installed. Even though the pools today are made using high-quality materials and the swimming pool industry has technologically advanced a lot, something can still go wrong. Without a pool warranty, you may be looking at shelling out thousands of dollars to fix your pool’s damage, or worse, buy a cheaper quality component.
If you have a pool with an expensive pool vacuum or a heater, a pool warranty is a smart choice to make. If you own a concrete or fibreglass pool, a pool warranty can cover you in the event of an unforeseen pool issue.
What Should A Pool Warranty Cover?
Most notable pool companies offer long warranties with the pool as they are confident about their construction standards and top-quality materials used in the installation. The warranties cover multiple areas of your pool. Here is what you should look for:
Osmosis Warranty
Osmosis is blisters or bubbles on your swimming pool’s surface where the fibreglass has been penetrated by the water. This warranty offers coverage for peeling, blistering and weakened pool structure due to chemicals or osmosis.
Structural Warranty
The structural warranty provides cover for any manufacturing defects and guarantees the structural integrity of your pool.
Internal Warranty
Suppose the internal gel coat colour finish of your pool fades or gets affected by weather conditions. In such a case, it can be covered by the internal pool warranty.
Note: All the above-mentioned warranties should be at least for 10 years or a lifetime.
Installation Warranty
No matter which state in Australia you reside in, the Builders Installation Warranty offers multiple pool installation guarantees to protect you from defective installations. In the case of non-structural defects, you get a cover of up to 2 years. Whereas, for structural defects, it is around 6 to 7 years. Remember to check this in your contract along with other covers offered by your pool builder. Keep a hard copy in case you need it later.
Equipment Warranty
A pool requires many moving parts and equipment to function optimally. These pieces of equipment are essential to keep the water clean and hygienic. Each part has a different manufacturer’s warranty. Depending on the component, the warranty can vary from 1 to 3 years. It is pivotal that you follow the guidelines provided in the user manual to maintain the equipment in top shape. If you fail to abide by the manufacturing guidelines and the equipment gets faulty, you may not be covered by the warranty.
Now, let us look at some additional warranties that reputable pool companies may offer over and above the main warranties.
- Paving Warranty
- Pencil Compaction Warranty
- Plumbing Warranty
Note: Typically, pencil compaction, plumbing, and paving warranties should offer a cover for 5 to 10 years.
What Do I Do If I Have An Issue With My Pool?
The first thing to do if you experience a problem with your pool is to get in touch with your pool builder. In most cases, a reputable pool builder company is helpful and can resolve your pool issue. If it didn’t help to reach out to your pool builder, you can contact Fair Trading in your state. They can give you valuable advice based on your pool situation. If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by Fair Trading, you can take the matters to court as the last resort.
Are There Any Tips to Prevent Problems With My Pool?
First and foremost, choose a reputable pool builder. Thanks to the internet, you can easily google and compare the top builders in your area, read about their projects and check their experience. You can even read the feedback of past clients to know their track record and commitment levels.
Apart from hiring a licensed and insured pool builder, ensure you read the fine print i.e. the terms and conditions of your contract. To be on the safer side, you should keep a hard copy of all your pool maintenance for future reference to support a claim should a situation present itself.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your pool and equipment in good condition as per industry standards as mentioned in the user manual. The most common failing is when the pool owners fail to keep their pools in accordance with the builder’s and manufacturer’s requirements, only to end up in a sticky situation.
Additional Factors To Keep In Mind Before Getting A Pool Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Many pool owners make the error of assuming a lifetime pool warranty covers their pool for the lifetime. However, this isn’t right. In most cases, a ‘lifetime’ stipulates a certain time frame that may vary from one pool company to the other. Make sure you read the terms and conditions in detail to know your pool is under warranty for how many years.
Experienced Pool Company
Typically, new pool companies try to penetrate the market by offering lower prices to lure more customers. As a pool buyer, you may be tempted to cut costs and select a pool builder who is the least expensive. However, it is imperative to pick an experienced pool builder with a proven track record for success. Because if a new pool builder offers you a lifetime warranty of 10 to 15 years, how can you be sure they would still be operating 15 years down the line? This calls for diligent research on your part before you zero in on a pool builder.
Transferable Warranty
What if you decide to sell your home in the future? Could your pool warranty be transferred to the new owners? The answer is a resounding yes. Look for a transferable pool warranty that can cover the new owners if something unplanned happens with the pool. This also gives your property more brownie points that can get you a lucrative deal.
Bottom Line
While getting a pool warranty may not be necessary for every pool owner, yet they could surely benefit from it. A good pool warranty can make your life much easier when things go south. You don’t have to worry about any repairs or equipment replacements as your pool warranty can cover most of it.
If you have any questions or queries regarding pool installations and pool warranties, get in touch with us. We would be happy to discuss your requirements with you.
