Why Customers Are Focusing on Price with Pool Construction Purchases—And Why They Shouldn’t for the Best Outcome
When it comes to pool construction in Toronto and other cities, many homeowners make price their top priority. Installing a pool is a significant investment, and it’s natural to want to save money. However, focusing solely on price can lead to poor outcomes, from lower-quality materials to long-term pool costs. In this blog, we’ll explore why customers often focus on price when selecting a contractor and why this approach can backfire, especially in a city like Toronto, where weather and regulations can impact the quality of your pool installation.
In this blog:
Why Do Homeowners Focus on Price?
- The Upfront Cost is Intimidating
- Lack of Understanding of Pool Construction
- Underestimating Long-Term Costs
The Dangers of Focusing Only on Price
Why You Should Prioritize Quality Over Price
- Long-Term Savings
- Better Materials for Aesthetics and Longevity
- Enhanced Custom Features
- Increased Home Value
- A Better Overall Experience
The Bottom Line: For the Best Value, Choose a Professional Company
Why Do Homeowners Focus on Price?
1. The Upfront Cost is Intimidating
For many homeowners, the price tag on a new pool can be shocking. Installing a quality pool in Toronto, for example, especially one with custom pool features, can range from $75,000 to over $100,000. This high cost leads some people to seek out cheaper contractors or ways to cut corners.
2. Lack of Understanding of Pool Construction
Pool construction in areas like Toronto involves excavation, plumbing, concrete, electrical work, and much more. Many homeowners don’t fully understand these complexities, assuming cheaper contractors can deliver the same results. For example, in Toronto, obtaining the necessary permits for pool installation (especially if your property is close to a conservation area) and ensuring compliance with pool fence enclosure zoning regulations are often overlooked, leading to unexpected issues later.
3. Underestimating Long-Term Costs
It’s easy to focus on initial costs without considering pool maintenance. Repairs, upgrades, and ongoing care add up over time. Poor-quality installations often lead to higher maintenance needs, eroding any savings from a low upfront cost. For example, cheaper materials (such as fiberglass) can quickly become liabilities in Toronto’s challenging climate, as explained in this guide to choosing the best materials.
The Dangers of Focusing Only on Price
1. Lower Quality Materials
Cheaper contractors often cut costs with subpar materials that can’t withstand Toronto’s harsh winters. For example, thin concrete or low-grade plumbing materials degrade faster, leading to cracks, leaks, and costly repairs.
Pro Tip: If you live in an area like Toronto that’s subject to all four seasons, always ask contractors about materials and how they account for freeze-thaw cycles. High-quality materials ensure a longer-lasting pool installation. Read more about what to ask contractors in our handy pool contractor guide.
2. Inexperienced Contractors
Low prices often attract inexperienced contractors who lack the expertise for complex pool construction in Toronto and other areas. This can lead to project delays, safety risks, and poor craftsmanship. Ensure your contractor has a thorough understanding of bylaws and zoning requirements for pools and fences.
It is also important to visit their operation to see the level of professionalism and likelihood of staying around through your swimming pool ownership. If a contractor is promoting low prices and does not have a formal operation or business location, this is a red flag. Consider if they will be there for your warranty needs in one year, three years or 20 years if they do not have permanent operation.
3. Cutting Corners on Crucial Details
Lower prices might mean skipping steps like proper drainage systems or waterproofing. These shortcuts can lead to structural issues or poor water circulation, increasing long-term pool costs. Ultimately, a lower price is not an apple-to-apple comparison. The price is lower because items are missing. This will result in future issues, or surprise costs along the way.
Why You Should Prioritize Quality Over Price
1. Long-Term Savings
Investing in a quality pool installation upfront saves money over time. Fewer repairs, better energy efficiency, brand promise, peace of mind warranty resolution, and lower maintenance needs reduce overall ownership costs.
2. Better Materials for Aesthetics and Longevity
High-end materials like premium tiles and durable concrete don’t just last longer—they elevate the look of your pool. They also handle changing weather better, avoiding cracking or fading. Built to last generations!
Check out Gib-San’s insights on the latest swimming pool trends to find features that blend durability with aesthetics.
3. Enhanced Custom Features
With the best contractors, you can include custom pool features like waterfalls, spas, and lighting that are built to last. Cheaper options may lack the expertise to execute these features effectively, leading to breakdowns or design flaws.
Explore custom pool design services at Gib-San Pools.
4. Increased Home Value
A well-built pool increases your home’s resale value. Buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a high-quality pool than one showing signs of wear or poor construction. For example, real estate listings often highlight the presence of a Gib-San pool, emphasizing the brand as a mark of quality and reliability. Including the Gib-San name provides reassurance to potential buyers, signifying a premium investment in the property. With a reputation built over 50 years, Gib-San is known for its enduring commitment to excellence, ensuring that homeowners can rely on its products and services for the long term. Recognized as a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, a Gib-San pool represents a thoughtful investment that avoids compromises, future complications, and maintenance concerns.
Pro Tip: A professionally constructed pool can add up to 7% to your home’s resale value. For tips on choosing the right contractor, check out this guide.
5. A Better Overall Experience
Working with an experienced contractor ensures better communication, fewer delays, and a stress-free process. Reputable companies like Gib-San Pools handle permits and any complications professionally, giving you peace of mind.
The Bottom Line: For the Best Value, Choose a Professional Company
Investing in a pool is a significant enhancement to your home and lifestyle, so it’s crucial to do it right the first time. Hiring a professional company like Gib-San ensures the job is done with expertise, accountability, and precision. Choose a team that offers warranty coverage, has liability insurance, employs educated and experienced professionals, and demonstrates a track record of proven results. A reputable company with established policies, procedures, and a physical presence provides peace of mind that your investment is protected and supported for years to come.
While the lowest price may seem appealing, it’s often too good to be true—cut corners can lead to costly repairs and frustration down the road. Instead, focus on the return on investment: a professionally installed pool adds value to your primary residence and enhances your enjoyment and relaxation. By doing it right, you secure not only a beautiful addition to your home but also the peace of mind and satisfaction that comes from knowing the job was done right the first time.
Ready for the pool of your dreams? Choose Gib-San Pools for top-quality pool construction in Toronto & beyond!
While it’s tempting to focus on price, prioritizing quality ensures your pool is durable, beautiful, and cost-effective in the long run. With Toronto’s climate and regulations, hiring a trusted contractor like Gib-San Pools is essential for the best results. By investing in a quality pool installation in Toronto and the GTA, you’ll save on long-term pool costs and enjoy a stunning pool for years to come.
What Our Clients Are Saying…
10 months ago
Superb workmanship, accountability, customer service and reliability***
We hired Gib San pool after our landscaper who came recommended by the Swim Spa company took our deposits and left after digging a massive hole in our backyard. Gib San came to save the day, they delivered as promised and they started on the project immediately. Gib San showed up EVERYDAY at 7am to 5pm. They came EVERYDAY unlike other pool companies that take on more work than they can handled and they only show up to your house an hour a day to APPEAR to be working on your project without ever having the intention to finish the project on time.
Don’t make the same mistake we made, hire Gib San for your Pool job. They are professional and know what they are doing. They make recommendation to our backyard pool design and it was just perfect. If you have an issue call your project manager and he/she will ALWAYS answer your call with a updates or a solution. You are never left in the dark on what’s happening with your project.
Gib san gets the job done and they do it right. They definitely did not cut any corners! Thank you again for saving us from our situation. We love our pool!