On the latest episode of the Aloha Deep Dive Podcast, marketing team member John Watts sat down with owner Brad Cook to answer one of the most common questions pool shoppers ask: why are some pool companies cheap and others expensive, and what actually drives the price of a pool?
Quick highlights from the episode:
- Pool prices go up almost every year. Brad explained that rising prices, while frustrating, are usually tied to the broader economy, material costs, and things like tariffs on manufactured goods and equipment.
- Materials matter more than people think. Small choices, like backfilling with gravel instead of dirt, using better valves, or adding reinforcement in concrete, add up over a pool’s life. Aloha backs these choices with a 5-year warranty, including full coverage if a liner floats due to water getting behind it.
- Labor costs have shifted significantly since the pandemic, and Brad says Aloha pays above-average wages to keep experienced, qualified crews on the job, believing that a well-built pool matters more than picking up every phone call.
- Yard conditions change the price. A flat, open yard is faster and cheaper to build in than a sloped or tight lot that requires retaining walls, extra excavation, or hauling dirt in or out.
- Location plays a role too. Building in a dense market like St. Louis, with multiple required inspections between phases of construction, costs more than building in a rural area with fewer regulatory steps.
- Aloha aims for a middle ground: not overbuilding a pool just to spend money, but not cutting corners either, since warranty coverage and reputation are on the line.
What to watch for when comparing pool builders:
Brad shared a few red flags for anyone shopping around:
- Be cautious of companies asking for large down payments upfront. Aloha typically asks for just 5 to 10 percent.
- Check for a contractor’s license and insurance. Without them, the buyer takes on more risk if something goes wrong.
- Look for an online presence and real reviews. A legitimate, established business will have a reviewable website and a track record.
- Read the one-star reviews, not just the five-star ones. How a company responds to criticism says a lot about how they’ll handle problems after the sale.
Brad also touched on his company’s track record, noting that Aloha carries over 2,200 five-star reviews out of more than 2,400 total, with a 4.8 average rating.
Why this matters for pool shoppers
Aloha Pools & Spas has been building pools since 1969, and this episode reflects the company’s broader commitment to transparency, something the podcast itself is built around. Understanding what drives cost- materials, labor, location, and service- can help buyers avoid comparing pools that aren’t actually apples to apples.
Listen to the full episode
Curious about financing, warranties, or what a fair down payment looks like for your project? Listen to the full episode on our podcast page or YouTube channel, and reach out to an Aloha sales rep to get a real quote for your yard.
