Contracts - What to look for

Pools companies work by contracts. Make sure the contract is not one-sided as follows:

Did you know, that at Penguin Pools, 60% payment is expected after they have done the Guniting of your pool
Did you know, that the next 30% (that's 90% of the payment) is expected after they have "plonked" down the pool pump and fitted most of the pipes. (Not all - my bottom skimmer box was lying on the ground when I got a call to payup or else no work will be done). Please not that even if your paving of R20000 is included in the price of the pool, 90% of the complete amount needs to be paid! Shocking one sided contract.

But the best is left till last - The final amount must be paid (yes 100%) before they will start with the marblelite.

SO YOU HAVE TO PAY 100% EVEN THOUGH YOUR POOL IS NOT FINISHED YET!

How to change your contract:

Make sure that you understand the payment structure and leave at least 10% payment for after the job is done.
Make sure that your paving is not on the same contract as your pool. If it is included, make sure that the paving payment is not included in the pool's payment. (and any other items like walls etc. they you may want them to build)
Make sure you specify that you want to choose your own paving, bricks or tiles (colours, style etc) or else they will use the cheapest available.
Specify that you want a pool housing (or at least, a concrete slab for the pump and filter to stand on)
Don't forget about the pool light filters.
When you have walls build, check the measurements. I know someone who was fooled into thinking that they were paying for a 2.3m wall, but all they got was a 230mm wall (and unfortunately the contract did stead 230mm instead of 2300mm)
Ask how long the job will take from start to finish and ADD IN A PENALTY CLAUSE IF THE JOB IS NOT FINISHED TO YOUR SATISFACTION
Add into your contract that a supervisor will inspect your site at least weekly (put this in your contract with a penalty clause if they don't arrive and sign that they have seen you)

REMEMBER: The only way you can have control over a pool company is with the contract. If it is standard, it is one sided and you will loose.
Change the contract to suite YOURSELF!

REMEMBER: The Penguin Pool Guarantee does not include any paving, walls etc that is installed during the building of your new pool. ONLY THE POOL ITSELF.