Where can I find a contractor and how do I choose one?

Of course, contractors advertise in local directories and online but the problem with choosing one like this is that you will have no idea of how reliable, professional, and expensive the company is before you deal with them.

The best thing to do is to ask people you trust, who have had pools built, exactly who it was that they used. Neighbours are always a good source of information!

In addition to this, always check that a contractor has up to date insurance, covering him for any damage that might be caused to your property.

What qualifications/accreditations should you look for?

SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Associated Trades Association) vets its members before membership to ensure that they are competent, professional and up to date in their methods and workmanship, which means that a SPATA-accredited contractor is likely to be a good bet, if you can find one.

That said, the single most important thing you should look for in a contractor is experience. Someone with at least several years' experience in building swimming pools is ideal: they will know what does and doesn't work and will have built several different types of pools, which means they will be well-placed to advise you on yours. Costs of buying and installing a swimming pool?

The cost of a pool will depend on what sort of pool you choose. Submerged pools are more expensive, especially if they are to be one-off designs. Additionally, your choice of heater, pool cover and extras – like diving boards – will bump up the price.

The estimate that you are given will comprise of two parts: the contractor's labour rate and the materials rate. Although rates vary from contractor to contractor, you should expect to pay at least £60 per person per day on labour. Often, however, labour will be included in an overall estimate price as opposed to being calculated daily. It is very important to get multiple quotes as prices can vary wildly. It is recommended that you obtain at least 3 estimates. It is also worth asking if they will guarantee their work – and how long for!

You should also be sure to get a written estimate with a breakdown of all the costs. The final price should not deviate greatly from this guide price (provided no unforeseen problems surface).

Please also bear in mind the cost of running and maintaining the pool after it is built. This ranges from £200 to £800 per season, depending on the size of the pool and the insulating materials.

Please note you will not always recuperate the cost of building a pool when selling a house; although it is an investment, a pool will probably not add significant value to your house so please be aware of this when deciding whether to build one.