Texas doesn't require a state license to build swimming pools, which means the burden of vetting falls entirely on you. A pool is a $50,000–$150,000 construction project in your backyard; vet the builder like you'd vet a home builder. Here's the checklist.
Before you shortlist
1. Verify insurance. Ask for certificates of general liability and workers' comp, and confirm they're current — call the insurer if the project is large. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, that can become your problem.
2. Check real history. Years in business matters in this industry — pool companies fail often, and a failed builder mid-project is the single worst outcome (your money gone, a hole in your yard, and subcontractors filing liens). Look for an established local track record, BBB history, and reviews across multiple platforms, not just the testimonials they curate.
3. Ask for recent, local references. Three builds completed in the last 12 months in your area — then actually call them. Ask: did the price change after signing? How did they handle problems? Would you use them again?
4. Confirm who does the work. Most pool construction is subcontracted — that's normal — but ask who supervises, how often the project manager visits, and who your single point of contact is.
Reading the contract
5. Demand an itemized bid. Equipment brands and models, finish type and grade, decking square footage, included electrical runs. "Pool per plan — $85,000" is not a bid.
6. Scrutinize the payment schedule. Payments should track completed work (excavation, gunite, plumbing/electrical, plaster). Be wary of any builder wanting a large share before meaningful work is done; a common structure keeps the deposit modest and the final payment due at completion.
7. Get the timeline in writing — with how delays are handled. Spring contracts in Texas routinely slip as builders juggle backlogs.
8. Understand the warranties. Structure (shell), equipment (usually manufacturer's), and surface/finish are separate warranties with separate terms. Ask who handles warranty service — the builder or the manufacturer.
Red flags
9. Walk away from: pressure to sign today for a "special price," reluctance to provide insurance certificates, no physical business address, a bid dramatically below the others (they'll make it up in change orders), and any request to pull permits in your name instead of theirs.
10. Confirm permits and inspections. The builder should pull all permits and schedule municipal inspections. Pool barrier/fence requirements vary by city in Texas — make sure the bid addresses code compliance, because retrofitting a fence after the fact is your cost.
When you're ready to start collecting bids, browse experienced builders by city across Texas in the directory — and always get at least three.