Are you thinking about hiring a swimming pool builder in the St. Petersburg area to get more enjoyment from your home’s outdoor space? With a culture built around outdoor living, it is no surprise that custom, luxury pools are one of the most sought-after home features in the Sunshine City. But before you dive into an online search for “pool builders near me,” be aware that Florida has become a hotspot for pool contractor scams.
The Alarming Rise of Fraud by Swimming Pool Builders in Florida
Since 2019, Florida has seen a concerning increase in construction fraud by swimming pool builders that has left hundreds of homeowners high and dry, both literally and financially. Here are a couple of examples shared by Florida media outlets.
One of the most notorious cases involved a swimming pool company run by a married couple, who scammed more than 300 homeowners and collected over $2 million in payments without finishing a project. According to CBS 12 News, the couple used the funds to finance a luxury lifestyle, leaving customers with nothing but empty holes in their yards. They now face multiple felony charges, including schemes to defraud and filing false documents.
In another jaw-dropping case, a swimming pool contractor was sentenced to 18 years in prison after defrauding nearly 100 homeowners out of more than $1 million. According to NBC 6 South Florida, the scheme included offering too-good-to-be-true prices, asking for massive upfront payments (up to 40% of the contract value), and then abandoning the work or never starting it in the first place.
These schemes are just a couple of examples of why you should always do your due diligence when hiring pool contractors in St. Petersburg. Below are some of the most common pool scams that every Florida homeowner should watch out for, along with some tips on how to avoid them.
5 Pool Scams Every Florida Homeowner Should Know
So, how do you determine if you are dealing with a pool con artist or a reputable, custom pool builder in St. Petersburg? One way is to ask a lot of questions and look for a swimming pool builder who provides pricing transparency. Be on the lookout for warning signs of a costly pool scam.
Here are some of the most common pool scam warnings from the Florida Attorney General.
1: The Deep Discount Scam
If a contractor’s bid is dramatically lower than others, your first instinct might be to jump at the deal. But this is exactly how pool scammers entice their victims. These swimming pool builders use lowball estimates to lure in clients, collect a deposit, and then disappear without ever breaking ground. Or, worse, they leave behind a project half-done with mounting repair costs.
2: The Deposit and Ditch
Some pool scammers will go as far as beginning the project. They may even break ground and start bringing materials to the site. But once they have collected a large upfront payment, they disappear. The homeowners are often left with an expensive mess in their backyard.
3: Fake Credentials
Fraudulent pool contractors often operate under expired licenses or use entirely fake documentation. They may also carry phony insurance policies or none at all. This not only puts your wallet at risk, but also your liability as a homeowner if something goes wrong during construction. Always verify a contractor’s credentials directly with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
4: Mid-Project Money Grabs
The DBPR also warns homeowners to watch out for Florida swimming pool builders who start the work and then claim they have uncovered “unexpected issues” that require more money. These pressure tactics are common in scam operations. Homeowners who refuse to pay up often find their projects stalled or abandoned entirely.
5: Phony References and Portfolios
Not every swimming pool builder’s website is what it seems. According to the DPBR, some of these pool contractor sites use stolen images from other builders, fake testimonials, and even fabricated business names to build false credibility. Ask for references, and be sure to verify them. You might even be able to visit completed projects in person.
How to Protect Yourself From Pool Scams
The good news? There are clear, actionable steps you can take to protect yourself when hiring a pool contractor in St. Petersburg. One way is to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which shares reports of pool scams across Florida and the U.S. Here are some tips from the BBB on how to avoid pool scams so you do not become the next victim.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
As we noted earlier, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is a great resource for checking the credentials of pool contractors in St. Petersburg. Before signing anything, check the contractor’s license directly through the DBPR at MyFloridaLicense.com. Also, request proof of insurance. Ideally, ask that it be sent directly from the insurer rather than through the contractor.
Get Multiple Estimates
You want to compare at least three bids for your pool project. While cost is important, you should never automatically go with the lowest number. Look for competitive pricing paired with professional communication and a strong track record.
Research the Contractor’s Reputation
As we mentioned above, you can scan online reviews of swimming pool builders and contractors on the BBB’s website. Look for consistent patterns — either positive or negative — and see how the company responds to complaints. If a contractor has changed business names multiple times or has no online presence, this should be a red flag.
Demand a Detailed Contract
Your contract should include a clear scope of work, payment schedule, timeline, and warranty information. Avoid vague or overly simple agreements, and never sign a contract that does not specify all terms of the agreement. You only want to do business with custom pool builders in St. Petersburg who offer fully transparent pricing.
Limit Upfront Payments
In general, a reputable contractor will not ask for more than 20% upfront. Using a check or credit card can reduce your risk rather than paying in cash. Also, avoid contractors who pressure you to pay more than one phase at a time.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect fraud, report it immediately. File a complaint with the DBPR or contact the Florida Attorney General’s office. Quick reporting can help protect others and may aid in recovering lost funds.
DBPR: MyFloridaLicense.com or call (850) 487-1395
Florida Attorney General: MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1-866-9NO-SCAM
Choose a Trusted Custom Pool Builder in St. Petersburg
Building a pool is a major investment, so you want to choose a custom pool builder with a reputation for quality work and business transparency. At Winway Pools, we have designed and built custom, luxury pools in the St. Petersburg area for over 20 years.
Feel free to browse our Winway Pools portfolio, ask us plenty of questions, and learn what sets us apart. When you are ready to transform your backyard into a luxury oasis, contact us to schedule a consultation for your free quote. Learn why Winway Pools is one of the most trusted, premier, custom swimming pool builders in the St. Petersburg area.
