How long have the owners been in the swimming pool business?

Ask to be named as an additional insured on the builder's insurance?

Ask for copies of surrent insurance from every trade contractor who might work on your property

Ask to visit pools in your price range and your neighborhood that they have recently built and completed.

Ask for builder/realtor referrals and testimonials, and contact previous customers on their reference list.

Are they members of the APSP "Association of Pool & Spa Professionals" and the Houston BBB?

Have they given you trade and customer reference lists?

What type of warranties are offered?

Insist on receiving lien releases signed by all trade contractors and have contact information on those lien releases