How do I get to the best swimming pool company in the Algarve?

Via the A2 if you’re coming from Lisbon or Porto, or via the A22 from Spain? That’s not how you’re going to get to the best swimming pool company in the Algarve! With such a wide range on offer, to ensure the quality and durability of your project, it’s best to follow our step-by-step guide rather than plunge headlong into the unknown!

Finding the best swimming pool company in the Algarve is key to turning your vision of an aquatic oasis into reality. However, with so many options available, the task isn’t easy or quick, but it is rewarding!

Will you accept our help? So put on your swimsuit and follow the next steps towards the pool of your dreams: from defining your needs and available budget to signing the construction contract.

1. Define your needs

Before you start searching for the best swimming pool company in the Algarve, you should define your needs, design preferences and available budget because nowadays there are pools of all sizes and shapes, at different prices.

Main types of swimming pools

If you’re “drowning” in doubt about which pool to choose, take a leap of aquatic knowledge with the help of our list of the main types of pools available on the market:

Concrete pool

The concrete or masonry pool is one of the best-selling models at the best swimming pool company in the Algarve. It is made, as the name suggests, of reinforced concrete (a highly resistant material), can be customized in terms of size, shape and depth, and can be painted or covered with tiles, ceramics or stone, among other materials.

Fiberglass swimming pool

Fiberglass pools are also popular because they install quickly and have a smoother, easier-to-clean surface compared to concrete pools. However, it’s not so easy to customize in terms of size and shape.

Vinyl pool

A vinyl pool is made of concrete or steel and then lined with vinyl. It can be customized in terms of size and shape and, as a general rule, is cheaper than the actual pool, although you will need to replace the vinyl every 5 or 10 years (a task you can delegate to the best swimming pool company in the Algarve, of course).

Steel pool

A vinyl-lined steel pool is also cheaper than a concrete pool, but you will also need to replace the vinyl periodically. It can be customized in shape and size.

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic swimming pool

The plastic pool is prefabricated in plastic and reinforced with fiberglass. It is one of the cheapest, lightest and easiest to install options, although the size and shape is pre-defined.

Natural pool

The natural pool, or ecological pool, is sustainable and environmentally friendly: it looks like an artificial lake, uses plants and natural filtration systems instead of chemicals to clean the water and blends in perfectly with the outdoor environment. However, it needs specialized maintenance, which you can only get from the best swimming pool company in the Algarve.

Main types of extra features in swimming pools

Regardless of the type of pool, it’s also important to understand if you want to add any extra features, among those available from the best swimming pool company in the Algarve, such as:

• Heating system to enjoy the pool in any season.
• Underwater lighting with LED lights to create a magical atmosphere at night.
• Safety cover to protect children and pets.
• Automatic cover to open and close automatically.
• Thermal cover to maintain water temperature and reduce evaporation.
• Waterfall or fountain to add an aesthetic element to the pool.
• Integrated spa for moments of relaxation and hydromassage.
• Advanced filtration system to keep your water clean and clear.
• Slide or other water fun for children and adults.
• Remote control to adjust the pool’s lighting, heating, cleaning and filtration via an app.

2. Initial research

Now that you know the main types of pools and extra features, you have a clearer picture of what you want to install in your home, so it’s time to do some research on the Internet. Type into the Google search field “best swimming pool company in the Algarve” or “best swimming pool construction company” and then filter the results.

You can also use social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, business directories and specialized websites to find the best swimming pool company and, of course, don’t forget to ask family, colleagues or friends for recommendations.

3. Assess the company’s reputation and experience

Go to the websites of the swimming pool companies that catch your eye and try to check their reputation and experience, reading the information in the “about us” menu and looking for customer ratings and comments, including on other online platforms.

4. Check certifications and licenses

See if the candidates for the title of best swimming pool company in the Algarve have all the necessary licenses and certifications to build, repair and maintain swimming pools.

In Portugal, the legal operation of a swimming pool construction company implies compliance with various regulations and standards. In particular:

• Commercial registration
• Building permit issued by the town hall
• Civil liability insurance
• Registration with the Regional Health Authority (ARS)
• Certification of professional qualification, when required
• Energy certification, if the pool is heated
• Swimming pool compliance certification upon completion of construction
• License to use, if necessary
• Water quality certification
• Environmental certification (optional)

5. See previous swimming pool projects

If possible, visit the previous projects of what you think are the best swimming pool companies in the Algarve, to assess the quality of their work and get an idea of the final presentation of your future pool.

If this isn’t possible, see if the companies have a portfolio of work on their website so you can assess the type of products and services they provide. Exclude those without a portfolio from your list of candidates for the best swimming pool company in the Algarve.

6. Consider all the services offered

Believe me, the best swimming pool company in the Algarve or in any other region of the country doesn’t just install swimming pools. It also offers other related services that you will need over time, such as:

Swimming pool maintenance

The maintenance service of the best swimming pool company in the Algarve includes regular cleaning (which in turn includes vacuuming, brushing and filter cleaning), water testing and treatment to balance pH levels, chlorine and other chemicals, and maintenance of pumps, filters and water circulation systems.

Swimming pool repairs

The repair service of the best swimming pool company in the Algarve includes repairing water leaks in the pool structure, replacing damaged vinyl or fiberglass liners, replacing or repairing damaged filtration systems and pumps and correcting drainage or water circulation problems.

Refurbishing swimming pools

The refurbishment service from the best swimming pool company in the Algarve includes updating the design of the pool, including coverings, tiles and borders, adding features and other elements such as waterfalls and lighting systems, and improving energy efficiency with the installation of solar heating systems, LED lighting and more sustainable filtering systems, among other services that you can really only find from the best swimming pool company in the Algarve.

7. Request a quote

Now that you’ve crossed a few names off your list of the best pool construction companies, contact each of them by phone or email to request a detailed quote for your project. Don’t forget to provide information on all the details, such as the type, design, size and additional features of the pool.

The best swimming pool company in the Algarve will send a qualified professional to assess the site before giving you a free quote.

What is the price of a swimming pool in the Algarve?

The price depends on several factors, such as the size of the pool, the type of pool, the materials used, the additional features and the complexity of the project. In addition, the cost can also be affected by the specific location, access to the construction site, soil conditions and labor costs in the region.

Even so – and to give you an idea – at the best swimming pool company in the Algarve, fiberglass or vinyl pools are more affordable than concrete pools (between €10,000 and €30,000), depending on the size and extras.

Custom concrete pools range from €20,000 to €50,000, depending on size, design and extras. And raised pools (Above Ground) are the cheapest option, starting at €2,000, but they are not aesthetically pleasing compared to the other models from the best swimming pool company in the Algarve.

8. Compare budgets

Have you received all the quotes you requested? Great, now compare them taking into account factors other than the final price:

• Project details: type, size and shape of the pool.
• Quality of materials, such as coatings, filtering equipment and heating systems.
• Total costs, delivery times and warranty, a very important factor in protecting your investment.

And finally, remember that the best swimming pool company in the Algarve may not be the one with the lowest prices: very attractive quotes do not include high-quality materials or highly qualified teams.

9. Redefine your list of candidates

If you haven’t even managed to choose the best swimming pool company in the Algarve, try selecting just the three offers that best meet your needs and budget, and move on to the next step.

10. Clarify doubts

Get back in touch with these companies to arrange a face-to-face meeting to clear up any doubts that may remain and ensure that you get to the best swimming pool company in the Algarve.

By now, questions such as the type of pool and the price of the pool are behind us, but you may want to know, for example, whether the type of pool you have envisioned is ideal for your home, what additional features you can add, how long it takes to build, what licenses and permits are required, what the maintenance costs of the pool are, etc.

11. Sign the contract!

Congratulations, you’ve arrived at Pools And More, the best swimming pool company in the Algarve! Now it’s just a matter of analyzing the contract, checking that everything is perfectly documented, waiting for them to start and finish the construction… and then taking the first plunge!

Following this step-by-step guide to finding the best swimming pool company in the Algarve will ensure that your project is completed with quality and durability.