A team of people could install a basic swimming pool for far less money than a highly experienced contractor could. That is not to say that they will do it correctly... That is not to say that the pool will be safe, strong or most importantly, long lasting... There are very few options with basic pools and ordinary crew; and you get a rectangle, an oval or a circle. Period!

If you have a design in mind and want to bring it to life, finding a swimming pool contractor is just as important as finding the right swimming pool material. The best option for swimming pool materials is the strong, long-lasting gunite, but this is not a material that the average pool company can use nor is it a do-it-yourself option. It takes a strong background and training to correctly apply the mixture and to create a pool that is a blend of form and function.  

Training and Other Factors
The perfect contractor is one who is not only well versed on the basic techniques of pool installation but is also familiar and comfortable with the more advanced techniques, including using gunite. The reason for the emphasis on this material is simple: not only will the pool last longer and be stronger than other options, but gunite will allow for far greater flexibility in design options.

Gunite pools can be created in number of shapes or sizes and can have a number of additional design features added, including fire, light, color and fountain sprays. For the pool that you really want, the right contractor is going to be a must.

One company who knows this all too well is Alderete Pools Inc. This custom swimming pool builder in San Clemente has been designing and creating luxury pools in Southern California for over 3 decades and knows the importance of building a gunite swimming pool that lasts. 

"Attempting to create some of the looks you might see in design books can be costly at best, and dangerous at worst. A swimming pool contractor who does not have the proper training to use gunite will create a pool that is likely to fail rapidly and will not be as strong or safe as one that is well done." Ray Alderete - Industry Expert  Alderete Pools Inc.
Vision vs. Reality 
A great swimming pool contractor is one who can actually bring the envisioned pool design to life. Anyone can dream up a design, however it takes skill and training to bring that vision to reality. Not only is gunite used in more flowing, free-formed shapes for a more natural looking pool, but it can also be used with additional features for an even more customized look to the pool and finished living area. For instance, glass tiles or other beauty enhancements can be added to the finished pool to play up a feature of the yard or landscaping.

"In our business," says Alderete, "a swimming pool is not just a means of exercise for most homeowners. It is an extension of the living area, making the yard the biggest room of the house. What they want to say with their finished swimming pool is 'welcome to my backyard paradise' - and it takes the right contractor to bring a yard to oasis status.