How to Pick the Best Pool Contractor in Orange County

How to Pick the Best Pool Contractor in Orange County

For most of us, building a pool fulfills a bit of a personal dream. We have visions of spending the summer in the backyard with friends and family, cooking hamburgers on the grill, enjoying a few drinks, making long-lasting memories. Unfortunately, that dream can become a nightmare if you don’t choose the right pool builder.  To make sure you hire the best pool contractor in Orange County, just follow our C-L-E-A-R checklist below.

CERTIFIED – Is your pool contractor certified with the CPB (Certified Pool Builders) or part of any pool organizations? Certifications are a positive sign that your pool contract has experience and the skills needed to do a great job. Here is a list of a few organizations:

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance protects and advances the common interests of the industry by providing education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge and profitability. 

The California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA) – The CPSA is the association that unites all professionals in the swimming pool and spa industry under one umbrella. Together, we promote businesses, protect industry interests at the State level, create swimming pool and spa industry partnerships for success, and provide professionalism-enhancing opportunities for members to grow.

LICENSE/INSURANCE – To protect your investment it is important to check on the status of the contractors license. The California State License Board (CSLB) website is an important resource to check the current and past statues of a contractors license and insurance/bond. This is of huge importance. Your pool contractor must be licensed and insured. 

EXAMPLES – Review examples of work the pool contractor has completed. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words. While making your considerations, be sure that your prospective pool contractor has completed:

  1. Similar hardscape projects – This might be a pool with artificial rock, a barbeque, fire pit, diving rocks, or maybe a vanishing edge. Whatever you are looking to do, ideally you want your contractor to have done comparable projects previously.
  2. Large projects – A good pool contractor’s portfolio should include advanced, complicated, and expensive projects that demonstrate their skillset and abilities. This shows that they can handle the big, small, and any project in between.
  3. Creative projects – Design challenges, CC&R limitations, or unforeseen events happen. An qualified pool contractor will have experience dealing with these problems and providing innovative solutions.
  4. High end materials and finishes – make sure your pool contractor is experienced in working with all materials. Mistakes made with expensive materials are costly and add time to the project. If your contractor has extensive experience in using top quality materials like the team at Dreamscapes does, you are working with the right builder. 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING –  Make sure you project is designed by a Licensed Architect or experienced pool designer. It is important for the scaled drawings to be accurate as this information is used to obtain the proper engineering for the pool/spa and necessary structures. A great design that is artistic and accurate is the foundation of a successful project.

REFERENCES – Ask the pool builder for a list of customer references or to see pools they have built. Contact those people and ask them how they felt about the entire pool building process, before and after the sale. Another great question to ask is how many pools they’ve built in the past year. Some of those referrals should be from brand new pool owners to give you an idea about how the process went for them.

  1. If you could do it over, would you use the pool builder again?
  2. What did you enjoy about the experience?
  3. What was least enjoyable?
  4. What pool, options, and accessories did you choose?
  5. What would you do differently?
  6. How did the pool builder handle challenges and problems when they arose?

With Dreamscapes, you can rest assured that you are working with the best pool contractor in Orange County. Our work is amazing and with over 4.5 stars on both Yelp and Google Business Pages, our customers are happy. If you are looking to work with the best, you’ve found them.  Just click here to get started and a member of our team will contact you right away.

In the meantime, check out some of our recent projects below. We look forward to working with you and building the backyard of your dreams!

  • Custom pool with purple lighting with custom waterfalls and a view of a patio cover and outdoor entertainment system designed by Dreamscape by MGR, Orange County Pool Builders
  • Custom decking, pool, and waterfall designed by Dreamscape by MGR, Orange County Pool Builders
  • View of a custom modern material pool and patio cover with custom landscaping designed by Dreamscape by MGR, Orange County Pool Builders
  • View of custom waterfalls on top of an infinity pool with a golf course in the back designed by Dreamscape by MGR, Orange County Pool Builders
  • Elegant pool featuring a spa and fire place designed and built by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool and landscaping contractor in Orange County
  • Custom Landscaping featuring a golfing patch and a pool built by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Vibrant luxury pool designed by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Sunny picture featuring a blue pool and waterfalls designed by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Geometric pool with raised bond beam, sunken barbeque with swim up bar, design Dreamscapes by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Custom Pool and spa with a view of the mountains designed by Dreamscape by MGR, Orange County Pool Builders
  • Custom backyard showcasing concrete bench, firepit, raised spa with vanishing edge, design Dreamscapes by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Pool with planter pockets around the perimeter, stone deck, raised spa, design Dreamscapes by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Raised spa, sheer descent waterfalls, travertine, freestanding patio cover, barbeque, design Dreamscapes by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Elegant modern pool, precast coping and wall caps, turf banding, design by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Modern raised spa with three sided spillways, stone faced bond beam and sheer descents, design by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Oversized spa in Orchard Hills, Ca, stone faced wall with precast cap, design by Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Stone step down dam wall spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Arial view of rock themed pool and spa, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Checklist – the eight things you must know to select your best swimming pool contractor.

If you are seriously considering a new, or significant remodel to your, swimming pool and exterior living area, you’ve probably discovered that there are a lot of decisions to make. At the top of this list stands one preeminent question: How do I select the best swimming pool contractor for my project?

This question is so important because the expertise and integrity of your pool builder will play a huge role in determining the final outcome of your project and your satisfaction.

The checklist worksheet of questions below is based on our experience of working hundreds of pool, outdoor living area and landscaping customers throughout Orange County California over the last 20+ years. We advise our prospective clients to complete a worksheet for each pool builder they are considering, before making a final choice.

The perfect pool and landscape for you and your family begins with the right pool and landscape contractor.

Checklist - best pool builders boxes, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Swimming Pool Builder Selection Checklist Worksheet

Contractor Name: _________________________________________________

Business Information and Experience

The company is licensed and insured  – Yes  No – License # ______________

Note: ask if the name on the license is the same as the company name. If not, find out why.

The company has workmen’s comp insurance and General Liability insurance – Yes  No

Years in business building pools: __________

Customer References

How many pools have you built since you entered the business? __________
How many were designed and built last year? _________
Of those installations, how many references can you provide? ________

Call at least 10 references

When Calling References Be Sure To Ask The Following:

  • If you could do it over, would you use the pool builder again?
  • What did you enjoy about the experience?
  • What was least enjoyable?
  • What pool, options, and accessories did you choose?
  • What would you do differently?
  • How did the pool builder handle challenges and problems when they arose?

Reviews and Ratings

Overall the swimming pool builder has at least a 5:1 (4+ stars) good review to bad review ratio from a reputable review site. – Yes  No

They responded reasonably to negative reviews when possible. – Yes  No

Products Used By Pool Builder

Do the products the pool builder uses have good reviews in the marketplace. – Yes  No

The customer references you called gave the products used by the builder positive ratings. – Yes  No

The products are backed by competitive warranties. – Yes  No

Installation Practices

Does the swimming pool builder have any installation or construction practices that distinguish them from the competition?  Yes  No

Are these practices relevant? Yes   No

List the relevant practices which you perceive as beneficial to your project and peace of mind.

Design and Project Planning

Make sure the Swimming Pool Builder would give you a complete construction plan before the project begins showing the following:

  • exact pool location
  • location of pump and filter system
  • the elevation (or height) of the pool in relation to your existing yard
  • decking layout
  • access lane for construction
  • fence layout if applicable
  • retaining walls if applicable
  • deck and yard drainage if applicable

Pricing and Contract

Whenever possible, you should always ask for a complete itemized proposal showing a complete cost breakdown for all items on your project. This should include s.f. and l.f dimensions of such items as pool or decking as well as allowances for hardscape material such as pool tile. Did you receive a detailed proposal and contract?  – Yes  No

Note: try to avoid going into an agreement with the understanding that patio, retaining wall, fence work, etc., will be priced separately after the project has began. This is a tactic some pool contractors use to make the initial price of the project seem lower than what it will actually be.

Estimated completion date is listed on the contract. – Yes  No

Stunning Irvine Pool, Hardscape and Landscape project in Orchard Hills

Full landscape, hardscape, pool, spa, patios, living area, retaining walls and play area in Orchard Hills, Irvine.

A True Family Affair! That is what we call this total home outdoor living area. Designed and constructed for when you want the whole family, including the little ones, to enjoy the luxury of a beautiful pool and a beautiful backyard all in one.

When you come in, you’d never miss the very detailed and beautiful design of grass and stone out in front of the driveway. Coming into the backyard, you’ll see the plethora of space for kids to hang out in well-kept grass, with a play house!

Plants for a good vibe, i.e. lavender – which makes all those pesky little bugs stay away! We’re also able to enjoy a beautiful little open deck structure alongside the pool, giving you a very unique and gracious feeling. We have big trees for the shade, with a bench right underneath for you morning coffee. A Spa with a water feature that falls into the pool. Lounge chairs inside the pool to get that PERFECT California tan!

Not hot enough for the pool? WORRY NONE. Designed for all seasons, this backyard has a little pebble island with a fire pit to bring your friends around and have a good winter’s night with s’mores and hot coco!

  • Elegant arbors, pergola, patio covers, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Fire pot accessory on custom column, tile spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Sunken firepit area with firepit, gravel hardscape, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Perspective view through freestanding arbor path, sunken firepit and sitting area, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Tuscan wall fountain and basin, courtyard with wood gate, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Outdoor playset, play area with artificial turf, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Giant custom lounge area inside pool, baja shelf, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large baja shelf lounge area, olive tree with gass and landscaping, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Front entry with landscaping, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Large baja shelf lounge area, tiled spa spillway and patio cover, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Beautiful landscape surrounding raised spa with modern dam wall spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Wide custom colored concrete steps, negative edge spa spillway, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

3 Crucial Steps to Select the Best Pool Builder in Orange County California

In actuality you can use these same steps to choose the best pool builder for your project in any location.

You can also use these steps for any major home construction project where you will use a professional builder. The initial step is to take the time to understand how the builder works.

  • What “systems” or process does the builder use to understand what you want.
  • How much of the work, what jobs, does the builder normally do and what jobs are sub-contracted.
  • How does the builder manage the project and job site to ensure safety, security, the provide for the least disruption to you and timely completion of the project.
  • How often is the builder or his project manager actually on the job or project site.

Go see their completed projects that are similar in features, scope and project cost to yours.

  • View at least three, more, even eight to ten if you can.
  • Know how long each project you visit and inspect has been completed and used.
  • When you are inspecting the project look not only at the appearance, but more importantly how is it ageing.
  • Are there any cracks, are the patios still level and aligned?
  • Are the tiles all tight against each other and still sealed.
  • Does the brick or stucco work still look good.
  • As for outdoor kitchens check the installation of the counters and cabinets and appliances.

In short be as complete and use a “critical” eye, like you were doing an inspection of a project you were paying for. Take your time, don’t talk just look closely. Make a list of observations and/or questions as you are inspecting each project. Remember you may be having this pool builder creating a similar pool for you. Now you can talk to the owner of each of the projects you inspected. Without the builder, just you and the owner. The most important questions;

  • If you had this project to do over, would you choose the same builder?
  • If you were to do the same project again, what would you change or do differently?

After those, then ask the detail questions resulting from your inspection. Keep notes as to the answers, those answers could significantly influence your choice of builder as well as the design and feature elements of your project.

The process above may seem cold and analytic, but you will be spending a substantial amount of time and money on your project. Plus living with it for many years. Shouldn’t the process be as objective as possible while assuring that you can also learn what is working best?

Rancho Mission Viejo dream pool and outdoor living areas

Beautiful design with all the features you could want, ideally planned, managed and built in the space available.

Please review what we recently created in Rancho Santa Margarita community. Combining a pool/spa with a beautiful  new fully surrounding deck the design and construction of this backyard is beautiful and fun during the day and dramatic at night.

The waterfall makes it all feel and sound refreshing and rich. The unique firepit and sitting area provides light, warmth and makes a romantic pleasant place.

Add to that an equipped barbecue structure with trellis. Plus there is even a bocce court! Life is good, outdoors.

Great design and planning maximized the all the possibilities of big enjoyments in this smaller space. The homeowners got everything they wanted in the amount of space that they had, with minimum disruptions during construction.

Take a look at the photos and call us or use the form linked below to tell us what you might like in your project.

  • Elegant raised spa with perimeter spillway, firepit and bench seating, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Raised spa with large travertine tiled spillway, firepit and sitting area, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Pot basin waterfall into pool - travertine veneer, natural stone, raised spa and firepit, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Night lights of raised spa with dam wall spillways, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Overhead view of raised spa and dam wall spillways into pool, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Landscape lighting - raised custom spa with firepit and sitting area, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Custom Pool, Backyard and Landscape

Whether you want to build your family’s dream pool and backyard or just want to improve the value of your property, custom swimming pool and yard design is the way to go. Pools are a great addition to any backyard, especially if you frequently host gatherings for family or friends.   Aside from their potential entertainment value, pools can also significantly improve your landscaping and overall visual appeal. While stock options can be good enough for some neighborhoods, increasingly in Orange County with our unique home sites, topography and residential design it requires a custom pool to get the most out of the space available. Something only a true total custom design and build can provide. Custom pools are often considered a much better investment than stock designs. This is primarily because they are better able to suit the homeowner’s particular needs by considering all the relevant factors, such as the amount of free space available, estimated number of regular users, and, of course, the homeowner’s design preference.

Here are four strong reasons to choose a custom pool:

  1. Custom pools let you take full control of your project. You’ll be able to choose whatever shape, size, and design you want for your backyard. Just imagine the possibilities. You can have your pool shaped as a dolphin, palm tree, guitar or whatnot. You could even install various water features like a slide, diving board, and waterfall.
  2. You can overcome landscaping issues and lot shapes. Don’t let the terrain beat you into submission. By opting for a custom pool, you’ll be able to design a feature that can easily adapt to the particular terrain you live in. You can build on flat or sloped ground, take twists and turns, or fit the entire pool in a very tight area.
  3. You’ll be able to supervise the pool and backyard construction and landscape process. Your ability to customize doesn’t stop with the pool itself.As you see the construction process take place you can be involved in the many details that will make it, when finished, just what you want.
  4. You’ll also be able to choose the contractor that you want to work with. Do note that your choice of contractor can make or break your project. So, it’s highly recommended that you choose carefully. Though you may need to consider several factors, the contractor’s level of skill and length of experience should be prioritized. Experienced, highly skilled contractors, like Dreamscapes by M.G.R. of Orange County may cost a bit more, but you’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth with a high quality custom pool designed for your family and home.

Call us or send us an idea of your project today!

Douglass Drive, Coto De Caza, Orange County

This complete pool and backyard landscape was recently completed in one of Orange County’s oldest and most desirable planned communities, Coto De Caza.

Design and build projects like this truly demonstrate the value of working with an experienced company like Dreamscapes. Not only were we able to design to include and create all the features the owners wanted, we did it within the tight confines of their existing home and hillside lot while meeting the requirements of a rigorous home-owners association. This project included a pool, a raised spa with a view and a sweet outdoor kitchen and eating area covered with a comfortable pergola. This project shows the true benefit of custom pool design to maximize features and value within existing constraints and choosing experienced construction professionals to make it all possible with the least stress.

  • Custom barbeque with bar chairs, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Modern pool and spa with custom tilework, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Rectangle pool with offset steps and water features, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Double edged bond beam wall - rectangular pool and spa , Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County
  • Artificial turf - rectangular pool and spa, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Custom Waterfalls Make Your Pool Special

What could be better than relaxing pool side with the soothing sounds of custom waterfalls and features?

 

Couple in pool by large rock waterfall, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

Being surrounded by running water can put a mind at ease and make it easier to forget a rough day at work or crazy commute. In addition to the relaxation quality, custom waterfalls also can add an unmatched sense of beauty to the landscaping of a backyard. Why just put in a pool when an entire backyard oasis can be added?

Just think of all of the gatherings with friends, family, co workers, or out of town guests spent in this backyard paradise. Choose a theme anywhere from Mediterranean to modern to rustic to complete the look of the custom waterfalls. Real stone or faux rock can be used to create any look you can imagine. Modern technology also allows homeowners to do things like add custom LED lighting and control the flow of the water.

The possibilities are truly endless. Think of custom-built grottos behind the running water where guests can swim up to a bar, staircase, or hidden room for hanging out.

Incorporate slides, landscaping, even pieces of furniture (imagine lounging in chaise that is sculpted into a waterfall) into the design to truly make it a place the family can enjoy for years and years to come.

Dreamscapes by MGR Wins “Best Customer Satisfaction” from Houzz

The Dreamscapes team strives to give the best customer satisfaction possible to every one of our customers.  Whether it’s a landscaping project, a swimming pool design, or a big house remodel, we want to our customers to be happy with our work.  So, it’s with great pride and happiness that we announce that the home improvement website Houzz has chosen us as a recipient of their “Best Customer Satisfaction” award.  We couldn’t have won this award without our wonderful customers.  We love working with people to bring their “dreamscapes” into reality.

Several criteria must be met for the award.  This includes the number and quality of customer reviews.  We are happy so many of our customers rated us so highly.  Click here to read more about how Houzz determines the awards.  Read our profile and reviews by clicking here.

Houzz is a dynamic website, with user-generated idea books and reviews.  It’s a great place to start looking for ideas for your next big home improvement project.  Are you dreaming of a beautiful pool or a new landscaping concept?  Check out the Houzz Best of Idea Books, then call us to get the best customer satisfaction in Southern California.

Experience Counts, 25 Years Building Pools and Landscapes in Orange County

When you are seeking the best workmanship, superlative design and want to avoid unforeseen problems, you know depth of experience in the business and in navigating all the requirements possible in Orange County communities makes the difference between a nightmare and a dream. With 25+ years in the business, here in Orange County, Dreamscapes’ staff knows how to get the job designed, planned, approved and done, creating a pool and landscape that you will enjoy for years. Contact us today!

Dreamscape 25 year with text, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County