Neave Group knows that for homeowners in New York and Connecticut, outdoor spaces aren’t just an afterthought. A custom pool can be the centerpiece of a backyard, but building one involves far more than excavation and concrete. It’s about creating a space that feels effortless and enhances the entire property.

Choosing the right pool contractor is essential to achieving that outcome. The wrong partner can cause delays, unexpected costs, and disappointing results. The right one helps bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and with lasting value.

This guide walks you through key considerations for choosing a pool contractor—from shaping your pool vision and asking smart questions to identifying a team that understands your needs and delivers on every detail.

Start with Vision—Not Just Design Specs

Anyone can build a pool in a backyard. But in many cases, that’s all you get. When you work with Neave Group, the first step is understanding how your pool will fit into your lifestyle. 

This begins with understanding your vision, which should be more than just a list of predetermined dimensions and materials. Your vision is about the experience you want to create in your backyard. Whether the goal for your pool is relaxation, entertaining, recreation, or just creating a “wow,”  the design must reflect how you plan to use your outdoor space.

Neave Group’s design team helps you think beyond the basics. A fully realized pool may include things like:

• Infinity edges to highlight natural views
• App-controlled systems for lighting and water features
• Underwater lighting and speakers for ambiance
• Sun shelves and swim-up bars for comfort and convenience
• Custom decking using premium materials
• Integrated spas, water features, or fountains
• Pool houses, sheds and other outdoor buildings
• Fire elements that extend use of a space into nighttime and cooler months

By clarifying these preferences early, Neave Group creates a design that delivers both function and visual impact while aligning with your property’s unique conditions and your overall outdoor goals.

Look for Full Project Management, Not Just A Pool Builder

All too often a homeowner hires a pool contractor that builds the shell, then leaves everything else to the homeowner to figure out—decking, grading, lighting, landscaping, hardscaping, etc. The result is just a pool and leaves out a host of missed design opportunities.

Neave Group eliminates those gaps by managing the entire project under one roof. As a full-service outdoor living firm, we ensure every component—from pool shell to finishing touches—works in harmony. Our in-house experts handle everything from:

• Pool plumbing and electrical work
• Decking, Patios, walkways, and retaining walls
• Planting and irrigation systems
• Outdoor kitchens, lighting, and cabanas
• Site grading and drainage systems
• Permitting and regulatory compliance

This integrated approach means everything from water flow to finishes to landscaping functions as one cohesive environment. You don’t have to juggle contractors on your own or settle for mismatched results that leave you underwhelmed.

Conduct Diligent Research

Due diligence is critical for major home projects. Neave Group welcomes prospective clients who come prepared with questions and expectations. Ask these questions of any pool contractor you may be considering:

• Are they licensed in your state and county?
• Can they provide active insurance coverage across all project areas?
• Do they have a portfolio with projects comparable to yours?
• Will they connect you with past clients?
• Is their payment schedule transparent and milestone-based?
• How long have they been in business, and how is their team structured?

Neave Group checks every box. Clients choose Neave Group because of our decades of consistent results. We’re always happy to provide proof, arrange walk-throughs, and connect you with references so you can move forward with total confidence.

The Right Questions Build the Best Partnerships

Hiring a pool contractor should not be a one-off transaction. It should be the start of a relationship that will span months, possibly years of quality service. Neave Group invites prospective  clients to ask detailed questions upfront because clarity now prevents costly issues later.

Here’s what to ask before you commit to a pool contractor:

• How do you manage the full process, from design to build?
• Who is my point of contact, and how often will we communicate?
• What’s your typical project timeline based on scope?
• How do you handle weather delays or unexpected site challenges?
• Do you provide maintenance after the build is complete?
• What quality standards do you follow for materials and construction?
• Will I receive a detailed, itemized contract?

Every Neave Group client is assigned a dedicated project manager who acts as a single point of contact so you never have to guess who to reach out to with questions or concerns. The entire process hinges on communication, so that you feel informed and included every step of the way.

Ongoing Service Matters Just as Much as The Build 

As stated, building your pool is just the beginning. To keep it operating flawlessly and looking its best, ongoing care is essential. Many pool contractors build a pool and that’s the end of the engagement, leaving you to find a service partner on your own. Neave Group offers comprehensive post-construction services so homeowners never have to worry about upkeep or finding a new provider.  Pool maintenance services include:

• Weekly and seasonal pool maintenance
• Water chemistry balancing and equipment inspections
• Filter and system upgrades
• Pool opening and winterization services
• Service plans and warranty support

Neave Group’s pool service teams understand the systems we install because we built them. That makes it easy to keep your investment performing beautifully, season after season.

Neave Group Puts Professionalism and Communication First

Skill alone isn’t enough when it comes to building a pool. If your contractor doesn’t respect your time, your property, or your expectations, the project will suffer. Neave Group understands that trust is built through professionalism and follow-through—long before the first bit of ground is broken. We always deliver:

• Clear timelines and expectations from the start
• Responsiveness to questions and changes
• Respect for your property, neighbors, and schedule
• Transparent documentation and billing
• A commitment to honoring our word, even when conditions change

Our team treats every project site as if it were our own. And because many clients continue working with us for pool service, landscape maintenance and future enhancements, we build relationships that last well beyond construction.

Neave Group Is the Region’s Trusted Partner for Outdoor Living

Choosing a pool contractor isn’t just about price—it’s about working with a team that understands your property, your priorities, and your long-term goals. At Neave Group, we’ve been designing and building outdoor environments across New York and Connecticut for decades.

From pools and patios to lighting and landscaping, we manage every detail in-house to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your outdoor space, we’d be happy to talk.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Neave Group today to schedule your consultation and start planning your outdoor retreat