Why Your Pool Warranty Is So Important
Homeowners who have installed a pool in their backyard love the privacy and flexibility that comes with it. It not only becomes your exclusive relaxing oasis but also the focal point of discussion among friends and family. You can host vibrant pool parties in your backyard or simply treat yourself to a luxurious spa session.
However, with owning a pool comes the responsibility of its upkeep and maintenance. If you don’t cover your pool under a pool warranty, you set yourself up for a slew of unforeseen expenses. This could not only put a damper on your exciting pool plans but also make your budget go haywire when unplanned costs crop up. This is why pool warranties must form an important part of your pool buying process.
In this blog, we look at the different types of pool warranties and tips to prevent any issues with your pool.
Why Is A Pool Warranty Needed?
Often, homeowners wrongly assume there is a very slight chance of anything going majorly wrong with their pool once its installation is complete. Even if it does, they think the pool company will cover it. The truth is, even though pools today are built and installed using exceptional technology, it is nevertheless a wise idea to have full warranties for your pool. When your pool is not covered by a warranty, you are faced with only two choices – pay exorbitant costs or replace low-quality components. None of these options is great. Plus, if you have a pool heater or costly pool vacuum, a pool warranty becomes your savior should things go south.
What Is Covered in A Pool Warranty?
Most reputable companies are self-assured about their high-quality materials and construction standards while installing a pool on your property. So, they offer long warranties that cover the different areas of your pool. Here is what you can look for while deciding on a pool warranty:
Internal Warranty
The internal warranty covers you if the color finish of your pool’s internal gel coat gets modified by weather condition or fades due to normal wear and tear.
Structural Warranty
The structural warranty covers your pool for any manufacturing defects it may have.
Osmosis Warranty
Osmosis is bubbles or blisters on your pool’s surface when the water penetrates your fibreglass pool. Osmosis warranty covers you for weakened pool structure, blistering or peeling of your pool due to osmosis or chemicals.
Equipment Warranty
Typically, pool components have a warranty of 1 to 3 years. Different components have different functions, while some are responsible for maintaining the water quality, some others keep the pool running optimally. If you want your pool to be covered under the equipment warranty, ensure you follow all the manufacturing guidelines in the manual. If you fail to do so, you may not be covered for any warranties.
Installation Warranty
Depending on your territory or state, the Builders Installation Warranty has varied pool installation warranties in place to guard you against defective installation. For non-structural defects, the installation warranty is up to two years. For structural defects, it goes up to six to seven years. Make sure this warranty finds a mention in your contract with the pool builder apart from the cover they offer. Plus, keep a copy of the contract for your record.
Additional Warranties
Apart from the above-mentioned warranties, listed below are additional warranties that some companies may offer:
- Pencil compaction warranty
- Plumbing warranty
- Paving warranty
Note: Ideally, structural, internal and osmosis warranty should come with a warranty for a minimum of 10 years or a lifetime. Additional warranties should offer 5 to 10 years of warranty.
What Should I Do If I Have A Problem with My Pool?
If you experience an issue with your pool, the first thing you should do is call up your pool builder. More often than not, they can assist you in resolving the pool issue you face. If that doesn’t work, you can reach out to Fair Trading in your state. They can offer you insightful solutions to your pool problem. If you are not happy still, as a last resort, you can approach the local court to resolve your issue.
What Can I Do on My Own to Prevent Issues with My Pool?
Firstly, start by choosing a notable pool builder for your pool installation. Take the time to research the top 5 pool designers in your area. Compare their projects and success rate. Check out their website and read the feedback past clients have left for them.
Secondly, make sure you read the terms and conditions of your contract and fully understand them. As cumbersome as this may seem, it is important you know what you are covered for and what you aren’t. If a crisis arises in the future, you can deal with it better.
Lastly, read the manual thoroughly to ensure you are keeping the pool equipment as per industry standards. There is a lesser chance of requiring damage control if you are maintaining your pool regularly as is required.
Helpful Tips to Bear in Mind Before Getting A Pool Warranty
Transferable Warranty
Often homeowners don’t have a clue that some pool warranties can be transferred. Yes, you read that right. If you think you will be changing houses in the future, it is best to invest in a transferable warranty. So, when the new buyers buy the home from you with a pool warranty, it becomes an appealing selling point. You can get a better deal while the new owners get the benefit of a pool warranty. Win-win.
Registered Warranty Documentation Time Limit
Pool warranties carry a strict time limit within which you must register your warranty documentation to the manufacturer. It involves a fair amount of form filling, so ensure you do it within the stipulated time to not lose out on the warranty.
Lifetime Warranty
Many pool owners mistake the ‘lifetime warranty’ for a warranty that will cover the pool for its entire lifespan. That’s not correct. In most cases, a lifetime warranty means a specific time frame that varies from one pool company to the other. While some company may mean 10 years, another could offer 15 years. It is best to read the fine print before you sign the dotted lines.
Key Takeaways
Pool warranties save you from jeopardizing your budget and upsetting your future pool party plans. They have your back in case of unforeseen emergency events so you can continue to enjoy your pool without any worries. It is important that you include a pool warranty as an important component of your pool buying process. Know your pool manufacturer covers you for what guarantees and if you need any specific additional warranties besides that. Read the manual thoroughly to keep your pool equipment in top shape as you won’t qualify for the warranty if there has been a maintenance lapse on your end.
If you are looking to buy a pool warranty for your home pool, get in touch with us. Or, if you have any other pool-related inquiries, our team would be happy to serve you.
We have been installing world-class fiberglass pools across Australia for our happy customers. You could be next.