50 Years of Building Thousands of Beautiful Pools in San Diego ×

Subcontractors vs. In-House: Who’s Actually Building Your Pool?

Subcontractors vs. In-House: Who’s Actually Building Your Pool?

The best way to know who’s building your new swimming pool is to ask the company you choose for the installation. Many pool installation companies use in-house teams you can trust to follow the plan. But there may be times when a company uses subcontractors for special parts of the project or to accommodate the need for prompt work during the busy season. Keep reading as the pool construction experts from San Diego Pools, the pool builder San Diego homeowners and families have trusted for more than 40 years, explain why both in-house teams and subcontractors can be valuable members of pool-building crews.

What’s the Difference between Subcontractors and In-House Teams?

An in-house team works for the actual company with which you create a contract for your new swimming pool installation. Many pool companies hire specific crew members to handle the various parts of the build. Subcontractors work for themselves or another company. They typically sign a contract with the pool company that outlines the parts of the project they’ll work on.

What Are the Benefits of Working with an In-House Team?

Naturally, working with an in-house team helps the project go smoothly. When everyone who works on the project is familiar with each other’s processes and timelines, you can expect fewer problems. But this isn’t always true. For instance, subcontractors sometimes have more experience with handling complicated excavation, electrical, and plumbing work. In these cases, a swimming pool company might hire subcontractors to supplement the in-house team.

Take a look at our in-house team hard at work during the initial stages of building a custom in-ground pool:

Embed video here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVwT331jw2F/

Are Subcontractors Licensed and Insured to Build Pools in San Diego?

Reputable companies only hire subcontractors who are licensed and ready to work in San Diego. One of the benefits of working with a pool-building company instead of hiring someone off the street is that you can trust the contractors are all fully vetted. In some cases, it might be necessary for the pool-building company to work with a subcontractor to complete work that requires licensing and inspections from the city or state.

What Role Does a Project Manager Play in Pool-Building Projects?

Project managers are an important component of pool-building teams, whether they’re only in-house employees or include subcontractors. The project manager serves as a point of contact for everyone. While you’ll naturally want to bring up immediate concerns with anyone who’s working on your property, there may be times when it’s easier to coordinate with the project manager. Knowing who to call with your questions gives you faster answers, and you can rely on this person to keep everyone on the right timeline.

One recent client expressed how having an experienced project manager made her pool installation much easier:

“We are so happy with our project! We chose this company because we were promised they’d manage each step and ‘hold our hand’ the entire way, and they did exactly that! Corey was our project manager, and he was always available and quick to respond.”

If you’re considering adding a pool to your home, make sure to work with the pool contractors San Diego residents can count on for outstanding quality and exceptional service. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool and spa construction, from custom design and expert building techniques to installing slides, waterfalls, and in-ground spas. Call us today for a complimentary consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you ask who’s working on your new swimming pool installation?
+

Yes, you should always know who to expect to work on projects around your house. Reputable pool-building companies will be fine sharing if they hire subcontractors or use a fully in-house team.

Why is an in-house team important for building swimming pools?
+

In-house teams provide quality assurance and can work together more easily to follow established timelines.

What’s the hybrid model for swimming pool installations?
+

Many pool builders choose a hybrid model that blends the best of both worlds.

What parts of a swimming pool project might subcontractors work on?
+

Subcontractors often perform complicated excavation services that require specialized equipment. A pool builder may also hire subcontractors for customization features, such as detailed tiling or sound system installations

About the Author

Katie King-Acosta

Katie King-Acosta is the Office Manager at San Diego Pools and a lifelong San Diego native. Raised in East County, she grew up immersed in the pool industry as the daughter of Ken, gaining firsthand exposure to the business from an early age. She studied Business at San Diego State University and has been part of San Diego Pools for as long as she can remember. In her role as Office Manager, Katie oversees day-to-day operations while also representing San Diego Pools at home shows and the San Diego County Fair. Her deep roots in the company and the community give her a unique perspective on what homeowners value most: trust, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship. With a strong understanding of both the business and customer experience sides of the industry, Katie plays an essential role in ensuring each project reflects the standards and values San Diego Pools has upheld for almost 50 years.