Checklist – Before you sign

The contract price must include and/or clearly state the following:

• Access for all necessary building works and machinery must form part of the contract price and therefore not to be deemed as an extra at a later time.
• A datum or fixed reference point must be nominated and the height of the pool to that datum point must be clearly shown.
• The cost of all “Prime Cost” items and site cost must be clearly shown on the contract before you sign. “Price on application” is not acceptable for items such as tip fees.  A breakdown of hourly rates and hourly equipment hire must be stipulated for items such as rock excavation and special equipment, etc.
• If the walkway and coping is included in the contract price, the width must be nominated.
• The costs of plans and specifications, and local government application fees (except for deposits and other charges).  Council application fees can vary from council to council.  If a council application is not included in the contract price, it must be stated as an additional charge if required.
• All applicable State and Federal taxes on the Building Permit.
• To prevent lengthy delays in obtaining approval from council, insist that your sales consultant submits plans to council within a reasonable time.
• The maximum deposit you are required to pay on signing a contract for less than $20,000 is 10 percent and over $20,000 is 5 percent. This does not include statutory government charges and fees, insurance, etc.
• Make sure the penalty costs (liquidated damages) for late completion are realistic…so your pool gets finished on time. (At least $50 / working day).
• A cooling off period of 5 business days must be included in contracts exceeding $20,000.
• Information regarding statutory warranty must be included in the contract.

Excavation:

• The cost of overburden excavation and all above-ground formwork and structural requirements necessary to construct the pool in the nominated position, taking into account the height of the pool relative to its surroundings.
• If cost of tipping is quoted, it must be included in the contract price.

Equipment:

• The pool location on the property and the position of the filtration equipment must be clearly shown on a diagram. The contract price must allow for the supply and installation in these positions and for the supply and installation of all necessary pipework.
• Sanitisation. What will it cost to keep your pool suitable for swimming and healthy for your family? Your consultant should be able to provide the answer. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer.
• Solar Heating. Are you getting enough “collector” to adequately heat your pool? A rule of thumb is that a collector area of 80-100% of the surface area of the pool is required. Insist that the amount of collector is mentioned in the contract. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer.
• The type of equipment appropriate for the excavation, including transporting to site, taking into account the access and working space.
• Suitable filtration, sanitation and heating equipment to do the job. Make sure you check the suitability of the equipment before you sign. Otherwise, you may find you are charged more later for a “bigger size” or you haven’t got suitable performance out of the equipment provided. Check manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Full details of the size of filtration to be supplied, including any accessories (light, heater, chlorinator, etc) should be provided.