What to Know About Pool Warranty and Builder Guarantees
When you ask your swimming pool builder about your pool warranty, they might give you an answer that seems vague. They’re not deliberately trying to hide anything from you. They can’t give you a specific, transparent answer because there are several types of warranties that will protect your pool.
Learning about these warranty types will help you get specific information about your warranty concerns.
Know the 3 Types of Pool Warranties
When resale homes already have swimming pools on the property, home warranties typically include coverage for them.
However, building a new swimming pool is a different story. Your pre-existing home warranty won’t cover the new construction. Fortunately, building a swimming pool comes with three types of protection that will safeguard your swimming pool investment.
Your Pool Warranty: What Does the Manufacturer Cover?
When thinking about swimming pool warranties, most people probably think about the manufacturer’s warranty. This type of warranty covers the structural integrity and finish of the pool. Since it protects against defects in the manufacturing process, the coverage varies based on the type of pool.
Here’s a look at how the manufacturer’s warranty differs for each of the three main types of inground swimming pools.
Fiberglass Pools
A pool warranty for a fiberglass finish has two separate types of coverage. When discussing the coverage with your pool builder, they might assume you mean the coverage for the pool’s structural integrity. This part of the coverage has a term of 25 years. It covers any manufacturer defects that lead to structural problems.
The second part of the coverage concerns the gelcoat finish. This is the glossy resin applied to the surface of the fiberglass. In addition to improving the appearance of the pool, it protects the fiberglass from damage due to UV rays, pool chemicals, and algae growth.
The warranty covers bubbling or osmotic blistering. This can occur when the gelcoat finish is improperly applied. Every manufacturer offers different warranty terms, ranging from 7 to 15 years.
Vinyl Liner Pools
This pool warranty can seem misleading unless you’re already familiar with the standard terms for a vinyl pool lining warranty. That’s because the warranty doesn’t cover the lining itself. Instead, the coverage protects against defects in the seams where the two ends of the lining get sealed together.
The typical vinyl lining warranty covers a term of 20 years, but some manufacturers won’t cover claims past two or three years. That’s because a tear or defect in the seam leads to instant leaking. When a leak occurs after years of use, the manufacturer assumes the problem is due to wear and tear instead of a defect.
When a manufacturer covers a claim for a defect, they only pay for the liner. They won’t offer compensation for the cost of labor, water replacement, or pool chemicals. Homeowners should prepare for this eventuality when opting for a pool with a vinyl lining.
Concrete Pools
Warranty coverage doesn’t apply to pools with concrete finishes. That’s because the construction of the pool doesn’t involve the use of a pre-made finish. The pool builder is responsible for laying the concrete and ensuring proper curing. A workmanship warranty or builder’s guarantee covers the installation of a concrete pool.
Your Pool Equipment Warranties: What Components Have Coverage?
As you plan the design of your swimming pool, you’ll add features and equipment for the operation, safety, and comfort of your pool. This involves installing a swimming pool pump, heater, filtration system, and other essential components. You might also add lights, automatic vacuums, waterfalls, and other features to the design.
Each piece of equipment you include in the design of your pool will come with its own manufacturer’s warranty. When buying this equipment from a retailer, you’ll notice that each item comes with a 12-month warranty. Some manufacturers might offer extended warranties, but one year is the standard term.
When your builder obtains and installs the equipment, they might have access to more comprehensive warranties. Your pool builder may be able to obtain a three-year warranty on some parts for your swimming pool. This makes it worthwhile to talk to your pool builder before buying equipment on your own.
Your Pool Workmanship Warranty: What Can You Expect From This Type of Pool Warranty?
Most licensed pool professionals offer some form of a builder’s guarantee or workmanship warranty. This is a warranty that the builder offers for the quality of their work in the construction of your swimming pool. The coverage extends to the installation of the pool to protect against flaws or defects that resulted from poor construction.
The workmanship warranty will cover plumbing leaks and electrical problems with the pool. It will also cover leaks for a poorly installed finish. Another covered situation is the settling or shifting of the pool that can result from incorrect soil compaction. Your builder can avoid pool shifting by waiting for warmer weather to start a new pool construction.
A common one-year warranty term can pose a problem for homeowners. This is because some problems, such as soil shifting, can take longer to become apparent. You may not notice a flaw in your pool’s construction for 12 months or longer. By the time you spot an issue, the builder’s guarantee may no longer be valid.
Soil compaction and environmental conditions can affect the typical warranty terms in your region. Warranties are usually longer in areas that receive heavier rainfall or suffer from other types of harsh weather.
Homeowners should shop around for builders that offer the best guarantees. Look for coverage that lasts more than one year, and review the types of defects each builder will cover. Finding the most comprehensive workmanship warranty can help you save a substantial amount on the upkeep of your new swimming pool.
Put Your Pool Project in the Hands of Trusted Builders
When you partner with Tampa Bay Pools, we’ll provide high-quality pool design and construction services. We also deliver transparent and honest information about pricing, warranty coverage, and timelines. Our goal is to ensure each customer has a positive pool building experience. Contact us to request an estimate for your pool project today!