Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why do I want a Ladner's Pool?
Ladner's Pools was established in 1985 by Ted Ladner Jr. We are one of the oldest and most experienced pool builders in the South. Over the course of the years, after experiencing what didn’t work and repairing and renovating other pools, Ted Ladner Jr. developed the design and configuration of a pool that is engineered smart. He has researched and studied to find the most cutting-edge equipment available on the market today and negotiated to include quality product in all of our projects. He has trained hundreds of technicians so that the chemical balance is optimum for longevity, safety and cleanliness. Ladner's is one of a very few local pool companies that offers service and maintenance after the sale.
2) Who else chooses Ladner's to create and protect their investment?
Ladner's did the aquatics for the major motion picture Final Destination IV, now in post production. Go to www.YouTube.com and search for 'Ladner's' to view the video of the Ladner's race car!
3) I am talking to a few swimming pool companies before I make a decision. What are some of the things I need to ask a contractor?
a) Have you been in business for over 20 years in this state, under the same name (not just years of experience)?
b) Are you adequately licensed, bonded and insured? Companies should have workman’s comp, general liability, full-coverage commercial vehicle and equipment coverage and insurance to cover the pool if it applies. Make sure to get the company’s proof of insurance sent to you from the insurance company (who is the certificate holder) instead of getting the document directly from the pool companys salesman.
c) Are you professional and knowledgeable? Did they pull up to your house in a clearly marked company truck? Did they try to sell/sign you or teach you by addressing minor issues also?
d) Do they have a record of proven quality? We have built over 3000 new pools.
e) How many commercial pools have you built in the past year? There is a reason why more people and commercial entities hire Ladner's to build and maintain their pools.
f) What awards or brag rights has your company had lately? Ladner's is currently constructing the largest residential pool in the US. One recent design was featured on the cover of 'New Orleans Homes' magazine this past summer for the July issue.
g) Is my pool a template or is it a one of a kind design? Ladner's uses state of the art software to approach each project and make it special. We threw away the templates and are proud of our art – you project is designed for your property and is not a copy of anyone elses.
h) If I have any problems, are you the person who I will be dealing with? Do you have the authority with your company to fix something if it goes wrong or will it be someone else?
i) Do you provide the best equipment available in your initial quote or is a premium equipment package an upgrade?
j) Will you put the name brand of every piece of equipment on my contract? Ladner's has buying power and will provide the best products in our initial quote, unless otherwise requested. Remember all new equipment will come with a one year warranty, but Ladner's buys the best.
k) Do you handle all paperwork and sub-contractors? Are you going to be there every step of the way? Will you be there when a sub-contractor is on my property?
l) Do you offer a first-rate warranty on the lifetime of the structural shell for as long as I own the pool? (keep in mind that if the past is an indication of the future, Ladner's will still be here in another 20 years.
m) Are all phases of the pool (from re-bar to plumbing) covered in one contract or is it vague?
n) Do they offer 100% financing on all pools built?
4) What makes Ladner's the best choice in swimming pool builders?
Ladner's is one of the largest privately owned swimming pool contractor in Louisiana and has hundreds of residential and commercial customers. Buy Louisiana, buy local!
Ladner's has an excellent Better Business Bureau rating. Lifetime Warranty on new gunite pools
Complete insurance coverage
Licensed in the State of Louisiana
25 years of pool construction and renovation experience
Always operated under the same name
Full Service Department after the sale
Full Pool Cleaning service after the sale
Start up instructions What we call Pool School -- until you know the operation of your equipment
Full retail showroom with all the materials, equipment and supplies you need.
5) How can I learn more?
Request a Consultation with one of our experienced New Pool Executives who will, at a time, date and place convenient to you, provide you with any further information that you need. Most pool companies do not have a store (usually just an office and some print material), so they come to you. We suggest an initial in-store visit so that you can see the equipment, coping, tile and deck materials, all of which are on hand at our 10,000 sq foot showroom in Harahan.
6) If I sign a contract with you, how long will it take before you can begin excavation?
You can expect that your new pool construction will begin one week to ten days after the permit is issued.
7) What is the process to getting started?
If and when you decide to contract Ladner's to build your new pool or renovation you can expect the process to begin as follows:
Price the Job
If you were referred by another Ladner's client, we will always give you the best deal with the best equipment for the long run. We are not cheapest, we are the best. We will not waste time wearing you down or getting into a bidding war that will compromise the quality of our work. If you are shopping price then simply show us your quote and we will honestly tell you if we can or cannot match the price and why.
Create Design
Once price is agreed upon, the design and material process begins. For new pools, a layout and design is created that complements your yards landscape and meets your personal preferences, as well as your tentative budget. For renovations we carefully suggest and together with the homeowner choose materials and equipment that will enhance the value of your home and the quality of their lives. At this time, you will be able to make changes in your design, as well as some of the features and options you desire, thus affecting the final proposal.
Write Contract
After agreeing on the design and proposal, a contract is written up and presented for acceptance. This contract is very detailed, and your sales director will carefully go over all the details on this with you. A 5% down payment check is due when the contract is signed and accepted.
Submit Final Design (New Pools)
Once the design is agreed upon, a final is drawn up for your review and then submitted to the permit office for parish approval.
Scheduling
Once the construction department receives the contract, your name will be added to our list of construction to begin. At that time, we can give you an idea of how many “dry days” we have until we start your project.
8) How long does it take to build a pool?
In the months of June through August construction completion is 6-8 weeks. In the months between September through May the timeline for completion is 4-6 weeks. In many instances, construction is completed ahead of schedule, but here at Ladner's we would rather 'under promise' and 'over deliver' Any construction done between the months of October through April will receive a 5% discount.
9) When is the best time to install a pool?
We builds pools and spas year-round, regardless of the weather. However, the best time to build a pool is before spring and summer. This allows you to have your pool and surrounding landscaping done by the first warm day… and gives your family a full season of fun!
10) What are the steps involved in building a pool?
Swimming pools are built in many steps that begin with the design phase, include several steps of construction and ends with filling the pool with water. Building a pool includes the following phases:
Create the design, apply for permits and pre-dig Inspection
Lay-out the pool with string or paint in your yard
Grading & Excavation and removal of soil
Place steel re-bar to create the shell
Installation of Reinforcing Gunite
Plumbing
Electrical Wiring
Tile and Trim/Rock work
Coping – the brick/stone that surrounds the pool and meets the deck
Decking – pavers, kool deck, flagstone, etc. that surrounds coping
Interior Finish (plaster) & fill with water
Start-Up
11) How should I expect my yard to look during the construction process?
Your backyard will be a construction site, so you can expect a mess. There will be mud, equipment, pieces of concrete and tile. Ladner's contractors are trained and instructed to clean up as much as possible after each stage in the process and after a day’s work.
12) Should I be wary about buying a pool advertised at a super low price?
It is realistic to build a pool that fits your budget. Often builders will advertise a super low cost pool to grab the attention of the consumer and 'up sell' the advertised pool. There's a good possibility that if the price of the pool is super low, the workmanship and customer service could be compromised. A pool is an investment that is built to last the lifetime of your home. Working with a reputable pool builder who guarantees their craftsmanship is key. Ladner's Pools stands behind our work 100%. Our standards, whether customer service or craftsmanship, are above 'industry standards', regardless of how little or how much you spend. 19 years in business and over 3,000 pools built proves our stability and strength in the industry.
13) Most pools seem the same. Why do costs vary?
There are many factors that determine the price of a pool. How big is the pool? What extras and custom features are added? The price of a pool is also determined by other factors such as, quality of materials and craftsmanship; soil conditions and the presence of water or rock and warranties provided by pool builder. Ladner's Pools offers the highest quality of work, has the best warranties of any builder in the industry and offers service after the build. Yet, our pricing does not reflect it.
14) If I have a small yard, can you still design a pool that will fit my budget, taste and yard?
We think that you would be surprised at what Ladner's Pools can build in a smaller yard. In recent years, we have seen lot sizes shrinking and have been getting very adept at building in these smaller areas. Our expert designers can create something for even the most challenging properties. Best of all, our pool and spa designs and estimates are free, so you can see how wonderful a custom designed pool will look in your backyard. Note that all pools are priced based upon a 900 sq. ft. minimum.
15) What options are available to add to my pool?
Almost anything you can imagine! Ladner's Pools custom design team can construct a pool that meets your wildest imagination. We are expert in designing and building all varieties of pools, spas and additional fun features… like waterfalls, jump rocks, cabo shelves with umbrella sleeves, tanning ledges, fountains, and grottos. Tell us what you'd like, and we'll do it. Need some ideas? Read below some of the custom features that Ladner's Pools' owners have chosen for their pools.
16) What are the Custom Features?
If you budget allows, custom features is where things really start to get exciting for pool owners. Choosing which fun custom features to add to their design is always a favorite. In addition to an array of choices for interior and deck finishes, Ladner's Pools can customize inground pools with features like waterfalls, colored lights, slides, Acapulco ledges, water jets, grottos, and more…all created with the personal touches of you and your family.
17) What pool shapes are available?
Your choices are unlimited when it comes to custom features, shapes and design. Freeform, lagoon, Grecian, it is up to you. If you would like, our expert designers can offer suggestions on the best way to utilize the size and shape of your yard. Wherever your imagination takes you, Ladner's Pools can design and build it.
18) How does the design process work?
Ladner's designer will set up a meeting to discuss your pool interests and budget. They will ask you about what you envision in your backyard to help them design the perfect pool for you. We can email you some photos of our designs upon request.
19) How much does a pool cost?
While the average cost of building a pool varies by region, a base pool will typically range between $37,000 and $65,000. Customized options and automated features, the quality of equipment and the cost of finish materials contribute to the total price of your pool. Ladner's Pools design experts are trained to create a pool that meets your imagination, yard and budget.
20) Can I finance my pool?
Yes. Many people are taking advantage of lower interest rates and the equity that they have in their home. Ladner's Pools works closely with lenders that specialize in finding a loan that suits your budget.
21) Will my pool have a warranty?
Yes. We know that customer service does not stop once the pool is completed. At Ladner's Pools, our warranties exceed "industry standards." We have a lifetime structural warranty as well as manufacturers extended warranty on our pumps, filters and heaters. Above all else, we want you to be happy with your new investment, so we stand behind our work.
22) How much maintenance is involved with a pool?
With today's automation, pool chemical testing and maintenance only takes a few hours a week. You can also cut down on maintenance by installing such features as Ladner's in-floor cleaning system or adding a salt generator. Ask your Ladner's Pools representative about all the timesaving options that are available.
