Here's the big secret....

Buying an in-ground cement swimming pool is buying a MAJOR construction job. Just like buying a room addition to your house. Would you buy a room addition for your house without first having an architect draw plans that meet both yours and your city's requirements?  Of course not. How else can you get 2 or 3 bids to compare, and make an educated decision?

It's a fact folks: The ONLY way to compare pool companies is to have them bid the SAME plans and specifications.  DO NOT accept any other sales tactics or high dollar marketing gimmicks. They're ALL just POOL SPIT!

So how do you get a set of 'legal and to code' plans to put out for bids? There's only 2 ways.

1. Like the tip above says, you can hire a landscape architect to draw them. Expect to pay $1500 to $5000 for a set of biddable plans. This step should be taken if you're budget exceeds $150,000. For the average pool buyer, I recommend the step below.

2. Most swimming pool contractors offer "Free Estimates" to new pool buyers. Contact the best known contractor in your area and make an appointment for a free estimate. Be sure to act like your ready to make a decision and to get started ASAP. This is the chum. Some designers will spend 3-5 hours with you in your home and design your pool at the kitchen table. Some will get an idea of what you want and leave, bringing you back a design at a later date.

Do not mention wanting a copy of the plan until the end of the appointment when the designer turns into Salesperson and tries to "close" the deal. If you do, the designers antennae will pick up the question as a red flag. You see, they don't want you to have the plans without signing a contract. They don't want you to truly compare prices with their competitors. Wait until you are asked to buy, then act surprised (Surprised, not angry. Like it's funny) that you are expected to answer on the spot. Reinforce the fact that you're ready to decide but you need a day or two to mull it over. Ask them to leave the plans and estimate and promise them that you will call within 48 hours with a decision.

Then call for appointments with 2 or 3 other companies. Don't tell them you have plans until they're in your house. Ask them to write you a bid according to your plans. This should only take about 30 minutes to do. When you have collected and compared all your bids you can start negotiating using one companies bid against the other. Good Luck!