Seven things to verify before you sign.
Licensed & insured
Confirm active contractor licensing and liability/workers' comp insurance before any work begins.
Soil studies & engineering
We don't keep engineering in-house — we hire a specialist as needed for soil studies, especially on sloped or limestone lots. Ask any builder how they handle this.
Permits & HOA handled for you
A full-service builder manages city permitting and HOA architectural review — you shouldn't have to.
Itemized, written quotes
Pricing should be broken down by shell, finish, decking, equipment, and any engineering or permit costs.
Written workmanship warranty
Get warranty terms in writing, not just a verbal promise — including what's covered and for how long.
Real reviews & references
Look for a high volume of genuine 5-star reviews, and ask to see or visit a completed local project.
Manufacturer certifications
Certifications like PebbleTec Elite Builder signal a builder trained and accountable to the manufacturer's standards.
Reasons to walk away.
A large deposit demanded before any design or engineering work is done.
No written contract, or pricing that isn't broken down line by line.
Reluctance to provide references or show completed local projects.
No mention of soil studies or engineering on sloped or limestone lots.
Vague or verbal-only warranty terms instead of something in writing.
No help navigating permits or HOA approval — leaving you to figure it out alone.
Every box, checked.
✓ Google Guaranteed & BBB accredited
✓ 5.0-star rated, PebbleTec Elite Builder
✓ Specialist soil studies & engineering, brought in as needed
✓ We manage permits & HOA approval
✓ Written workmanship warranty, itemized quotes
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Common questions.
What should I check before hiring a pool builder?+
Verify the builder's license and insurance, ask how they handle engineering and soil studies (we bring in a specialist as needed rather than keeping this in-house), confirm they manage permits and HOA submittals, get an itemized quote, and check for a written workmanship warranty. Look at real reviews and, if possible, ask to see a completed project in person.
What are red flags when choosing a pool builder?+
Watch for a large deposit required before any design work, no written contract or itemized pricing, reluctance to provide references, no mention of engineering on sloped or unusual lots, and no clear warranty terms in writing.
Should I get multiple quotes before choosing a builder?+
Yes, it's reasonable to compare quotes, but make sure you're comparing like-for-like scope — finish level, decking material, engineering, and permits included. The lowest number is not always the lowest total cost once change orders are factored in.
How do I know if a pool builder is trustworthy in New Braunfels?+
Look for Google Guaranteed status, BBB accreditation, a high volume of genuine 5-star reviews, manufacturer certifications like PebbleTec Elite Builder, and local experience with Hill Country soil and permitting. J. Oliver Pools holds all of these.
Talk to a builder
who checks every box.
A first conversation costs nothing, and there's no pressure.