BY Orlando Sentinel

After meeting with six licensed and insured pool contractors, we have selected the firm we want to build our dream in-ground concrete pool. What happens after the contracts are signed?

Answer: Before turning the first shovel of dirt, you should have all the documents that you and the company representative or owner signed, along with the final "working" pool drawing. This legally binding contract and executed final pool drawing will be your guide and blueprint.

Once the contract is signed, you have a three-day right to rescind or cancel the contract. Look closely at the pool drawing. Does the pool and deck area fit into the yard without encroaching onto an easement?

Does the construction company visit the site before starting? If not, you might request one with a knowledgeable employee. At this time, you can review issues such as access to the backyard, sprinkler systems (will they be capped or destroyed?), property fences (who will move and reinstall?) and landscaping (what will be saved, replaced or trashed?).

Before the visit, review your contracts and paperwork. Note any concerns in writing and ask questions. What happens if items that are to be left intact or moved are damaged during construction and who is responsible for replacing them? Answers should be in the signed and executed contract.

Have a sealed survey on site to verify location of the pool and deck and tell the pool contractor's employee where it will be stored when the site visit takes place.

The pool contractor should notify you of the projected start date and verify your funds either with approved financing or draws based on a prearranged schedule, also contained in your contract.

"Don't be surprised when your pristine backyard is quickly turned into large piles of dirt, and the whole yard is in turmoil," says Keith Pariani, owner of Lake Helen's We Know All About Pools.

When the pool has been formed with stakes, verify the dimensions in your yard compared with the working drawings. You also might ask the contractor's employee to assist you.

Once the hole is dug, rebar is installed and an inspection is requested. Within a few days the shell will be installed. The project will continue with plumbing and tile installed.

Verify that you have the correct equipment (for example, a 1-horsepower rather than 3/4 hp pump) and your choice of tile. Read your contract, and make sure the contract and the working drawings match. Then, verify on the contract how to resolve a complaint.

After the tile and plumbing comes the decking surface.

Also, the Equipotential grid will be inspected. This is used to ward off stray electrical current within the ground. Compaction of the soil is also taken into consideration. And a termite treatment will need to be done. If the property has a termite bond, tell the pool contractor who holds the bond. That contractor should be used to spray along the foundation before a deck inspection. Verify on the contract who is responsible.

After workers have gone for the day, look at the project. If something is amiss, the next time the supervisor is on the job, send a written request to inspect your concerns. Don't hold a scheduled payment to your contractor because of a small cosmetic issue. In some cases, a concern can be resolved with a phone call. You can also mail or fax your concerns, keeping a copy of your written requests.

Finally, your pool is filled with water, and the contractor will teach you how to use the equipment. You may request a letter to submit to the utility company for a deduction on your water bill.The contractor should have a provision in the contract that the company will clean up the yard.

The state of Florida requires a final inspection before the pool is used. This will include making sure your pool complies with the pool safety act. Check with your municipality to see if your pool has passed all required inspections.

Now, that your pool is complete, request a finalized bill that states "paid in full." You might request a contractor's final lien wavier. This will state that the contractor has paid for all the required labor and materials for your project.

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