#1. Budget
#2. Have an idea of how you intend the pool to primarily be used. Recreation, swimming laps (exercise), sports, etc. Do you want to be able to jump/dive, etc. Give PB an idea of who will be using it and they can make a recommendation on the size and shape and depth that would best suit you.
#3. Spa/no spa.
#4. Any specifics that you definitely want incorporated....but don't worry, they'll ask you the questions to draw the info from you if you don't tell them. If you have an idea of whether you want rocks, waterfalls, diving boards, slides, etc. let them know!

#1 is budget. Are you building an oasis or just want a pool? PBs come with lots of different skill sets. Some are great with elaborate features, some are great with more basic pool designs and that's it. Try to look down to see the whole picture of what you want. Don't tell a PB you want a 25x50 with a kitchen and bath cabana and a built in outdoor grill for $25K when you know that that's likely to be a six figure project. Keep it real. Budgets have a habit of breaking. Let them break beforehand, at the idea stage. It doesn't hurt then.

#2 is the Want/Need lists. This will help you decide how you envision the use of the pool and what type.

#3 is deciding on who to use. This is the second hardest decision and not just because of the money (huge but...)

4th is contract negotiations. Attorney reviews can be immensely valuable for what isn't in a contract as well as what is. Time and again, we have seen people who's contracts appeared simple until some not so simple things happened that can significantly drive up a contract's value unexpectedly. If it wasn't written, it wasn't said. Surprises are always more costly. Most can be planned for. If the potential bad things don't happen, like high water tables, rock, etc., then you can look at the want/need list again.

#5 is to take lots of pix! Share with us.

#6 is breathe. Keep focused, watchful, and calm.

Scott

Thanks so much for the great insight Scott and Lookingforapool! I'm sure I'll have many more questions, but you've given me a good starting point. Marta

While not necessary prior to meeting with pool builders, take a look at the documents received when you purchased your house. These things will need to be sorted out in the early stages.

Do you have a current survey? Look for easements and other problems that could restrict where your pool is placed and, therefore, how big it could be.

Do you know where your septic field, electric and gas lines are? What about the location of any overhead lines? While almost anything can be moved, it adds to the expense and will need added attention from your pool builder.

Are you subject to restrictive covenants and/or a homeowners' association? Check to see what is required when building a pool...formal proposal/approval, special fencing, landscaping requirements, etc. (Hopefully, your PB will be familiar with the requirements of your city or township!)

And, when all of this begins, ASK QUESTIONS! If you don't understand or something just doesn't seem to make sense, stop and ask questions.

Enjoy the journey....pools are awesome!