Maksym KuzaievGrowing up, we didn’t have the luxury of having our own backyard pool and instead would visit other friends’ or relatives’ houses, or public pools in Ottawa during summer.
This is why one of my non-negotiables as a new homeowner is to have my own swimming pool, not just for the summer heat but to somewhat make up for my childhood. Fortunately, Ottawa’s best pool builders were just one call away!
After interviewing fellow homeowners, calling and visiting these companies, I’ve ended up with only a handful that we think are reliable and reputable. We’ve listed and reviewed them below to help you with your new project!
What is the average cost of pool builders in Ottawa?
The cost of pool builders in Ottawa ranges from CAD5,000 to CAD200,000 or more, depending on the size, material, and type of the pool (above-ground, in-ground, etc). Furthermore, you have to consider extra costs such as landscaping, heating, and permits.
1. Poolarama
Services: On and above-ground pool installation, renovations, water analysis, safety cover, liner replacement
Location: 881 Richmond Rd.
Contact: +1 613-728-1731
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Poolarama was already on our radar long time because it’s a well-known company for 50 years and counting. Their tenure lends itself to experience, too, as previous clients we spoke with had nothing but praise to share.
One of the things highlighted was Poolarama’s reliability. Many were impressed with the quick turnaround times and professionalism of the workers, with some being completed within 24 hours of the initial phone call.
We also appreciate the range of their services, as they can do simple repairs, installations, renovations, and more. They even offer safety cover installations, which use products from Kafko, one of the leading companies in the industry.
Poolarama also impressed us with the variety of pool types they install, offering vinyl in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground pools. However, what caught our attention the most was their state-of-the-art hot tubs, which are self-cleaning.
The only downside here is the pricey rates. However, we do appreciate their transparent fee structures.
These guys saved the day!
“Wow! These guys saved the day! We were in a pickle when our pump died a few days ago. Poolarama was able to install a new pump the following day, in peak season. Adam’s communication was excellent and timely, which is super appreciated.
We will be coming back to them for our future pool needs! Highly recommend!!”
Lisa Perry, Google Review
Friendly and honest
“I have been doing business with Poolarama for the last 15 years. The folks are friendly and honest. Their knowledge and technical expertise have helped me maintain our swimming pool. I have fully appreciated their patience as we moved along that steep learning curve.
Ricky’s advice has never been wrong. I highly recommend Poolarama sales and services.”
Mike MacDonald, Google Review
2. Pool Builders Ltd.
Services: Safety cover installations, excavating, pool installations, saunas and hot tubs
Location: 1127 Carp Rd.
Contact: +1 613-836-1324
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pool Builders caught our attention because of their project gallery. We were immediately impressed with how varied their work was, ranging from free-form to rectangular vinyl pools, and more.
We also reached out to their previous clients, and the common consensus was that their workers were professional and personable. They also showcased good communication skills by providing constant updates throughout the project.
Some clients were so pleased with the skills and experience of the workers that they still marvel at their swimming pools months after the project. Aside from pool installation, Pool Builders Ltd. also offers other services like excavating and installing safety covers.
Furthermore, they install saunas and hot tubs as well. We were impressed with the variety of saunas they offer, as they come in different shapes and forms, like barrels, cabins, and pods.
They’re also one of the most reputable companies in Ontario, being around for more than 45 years and having served over 2,500 households.
Our only gripe is that they’re a bit far from the city centre, as they’re located in Carp Street. This also means that their services are limited to West Ottawa.
Skilled, talented, and so personable
“We can’t say enough about Pool Builders Ltd. The service we received was exceptional. Never having a pool before, we weren’t sure what to expect. However, during all aspects of the build, we were clearly informed of each step.
The staff and crew were amazing. Skilled, talented, and so personable. Communication was key, so it made the building process that much easier. They are extremely hardworking. Lots of funny moments along the way, too. A great group !! We strongly recommend Pool Builders Ltd.”
Joely Smith, Google Review
We still get “WOW” from visitors
“In one word, FANTASTIC! This is TRULY a family business and professional from start to finish!
I had many pool companies in my backyard as it had a steep incline and was not an easy job to put a pool in, and after 5 years of research, I went with Pool Builders and could not be happier.
From the start, Dominque comes to your home with his expertise and no-pressure approach and helps you make the right choices (as we knew nothing about pools), as well as being aware of our budget.
Then, once the pool is ready to go in, welcome sister Shanelle. I had tonnes of questions and she answered them all promptly and with kindness.
The crew came each day and worked like bees, efficient and unseen. Even my neighbour commented on how well they worked. This company goes above and beyond, and you can tell they are passionate about what they do.
We love our pool, and we still get the “WOW” from visitors who cannot believe how our backyard was transformed into a beautiful oasis. Thank you, Pool Builders, for your great service.”
SuperLove, Google Review
3. HB Pools
Services: Pool closing and opening, installation and repairs, maintenance, landscaping
Location: 2930 French Hill Rd
Contact: +1 613-212-0036
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
HB Pools was recommended to us by a friend who recently had an inground pool installation done by them. She was kind enough to take some pictures of her new pool, and its aesthetics blew us away.
We took a closer look at the company and discovered more of their impressive portfolio. For starters, we were amazed at the different shapes they offered for inground pools, including unique ones like lagoon, figure 8, and Dominican.
Also, based on our interviews with their previous clients, we can confirm that the company’s workers are extremely technical and friendly. We also appreciated how they laid out the entire process to their clients before proceeding.
Another thing we like about HB Pools is that they offer an online store where they sell essentials like filters, heaters, pumps, and sanitation systems.
The only thing they could improve is their responsiveness. Some of our clients had some minor complaints about how the company takes a couple of days to respond to their inquiries at times.
Extremely satisfied
“Moved to a new home with an inground salted pool. Never managed a pool before. When searching for a company that offers services to teach us how to operate a pool..HB pool reached back within 24h, and I was extremely satisfied with their services.
Very efficient and professional. Our pool tech was able to come and show us everything we needed to know about our pool, especially on how to operate the salted pool system. He also sent us a short-form video on it, specifically on our pool system. Love it!
Thank you so much, HB pool! Extremely satisfied with your services and how you operate.”
Kristina Heroux, Google Review
The process was excellent
“We recently got a pool installed by HB Pools in late fall 2024. The process was excellent, the communication was clear, and they were transparent about all the costs. The staff is very friendly and easy to reach when we have questions.
The pool was customised to our needs and size preference. Would HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone who would like a pool installed.”
Anne-Marie Lalonde, Google Review
4. Linerteck Pools
Services: Inspections, remodellings, liner repairs and replacements, grout installations,
Location: 1541 Star Top Rd, Unit 10
Contact: +1 613-744-5980
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Linerteck Pools is another veteran in the industry, boasting over 49 years of experience, specialising in relining. Although the major downside with this company is that they don’t install pools from scratch, it’s made up for by their repairing, remodelling, and maintenance services.
For starters, their remodelling services do a fantastic job of making pools look and feel brand new. Our interviewees were generous enough to provide us with before and after photos of their backyard, and the new pools were always unrecognisable.
We also reached out to previous clients who had their pools relined, and they were mostly praising how quick the workers’ turnaround times were. A handful of them told us that the total time of their service from the phone call to the relining was completed within 24 hours.
They also highlighted how professional and personable their workers were. For instance, they were patient enough to answer every question that the clients had and even provided some tips on how to avoid damage in the future.
Could not be happier with their work
“We have been working with Linerteck since last summer, planning our pool transformation and the work was completed a week or so ago. I could not be happier with their work and customer service.
When Andrew came to give us our initial quote, he took the time to explain everything and gave us different options for what we wanted, being completely transparent about it all.
He even took the time to fix an air leak at the pump we’d had for MANY years that other pool companies never addressed, AND spent 30 minutes trying to fix our heater to see if we could salvage it and save some money.
Fast forward to this year, Trevor was in contact with us right away to schedule the work as soon as possible and work with our other vendor to ensure a seamless process.
During the day of the work, Andrew and his team took the time to explain everything they were doing, and worked with us for our last-minute decision to switch to a chlorinating system from an ioniser.
We had our liner changed, a new skimmer, drain, jets, sand filter, and chlorinator installed, as well as our steps re-epoxied (Total Epoxy). The pool is running flawlessly (which we’ve never been able to say before) and looks completely brand new.
From the exceptional communication and transparency throughout the process to the unbeatable price and the great workmanship, we could not be more impressed and happy with this experience.
We will only be using Linerteck for all pool services moving forward and will continue to recommend them to friends and neighbours!”
Jess Valenzuela, Google Review
User review title
“I am extremely satisfied with the service received today by Trevor, Andrew & Chris at Linerteck. They were able to pop by quickly to help put my pool liner back in place, when other companies refused or didn’t return my calls.
They have a lot of experience, are honest and courteous and know their stuff. We will not hesitate to call them to replace our liner and renovate our pool in the near future.”
Tracy Peppy, Google Review
5. Mermaid Pools and Hot Tubs
Services: Saunas, pools, spas, hot tubs, repairs, maintenance, liners
Location: 2012 Tenth Line Rd.
Contact: +1 613-714-7946
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mermaid Pools and Hot Tubs is one of the most well-known pool builders in Ottawa. Aside from being around for more than 60 years, they’re also known for their wide array of pool installation, repair, and maintenance services.
Starting with their pool installations, the variety impressed us because they offered just about every variation. This included the common ones, like in-ground and above-ground pools, as well as niche ones like the trek pool, which takes the form of a shipping container.
We also loved how they offer the complete set of services, from simple vinyl relining to seasonal maintenance, etc. Furthermore, they can cater to hot tubs as well, offering the usual repair services, as well as closing/opening.
Lastly, we appreciate that they also sell essential items such as filters, ionisers, cleaners, etc. The only drawback, however, is the expensive rates for both these products and the offered services.
Golden standard for sales and customer service
“Adrian Campbell helped us with our new pool. He was professional, responsive, and wasn’t afraid to go out of his way or take extra time to make sure our questions and concerns were addressed.
He’s got a great sense of humour, making the entire process a more humanised, pleasant experience.
The combination of expansive knowledge and care for customers makes him one of the best I’ve encountered, and his methods should be studied in schools; he should be regarded as the gold standard for sales and customer service.”
Boyang Wang, Google Review
Quality of service is truly top-notch
“Absolutely Outstanding Experience!
From start to finish, my experience with this pool company has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff are incredibly delightful, friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Their professionalism is evident in every interaction, and the quality of service is truly top-notch. Whether it was answering questions, scheduling appointments, or handling the work itself, they made the entire process effortless and stress-free.
I was particularly impressed by their attention to detail and the pride they take in their work. It’s clear they genuinely care about their customers and stand behind what they do.
Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for reliable, expert pool services. You’ll be in excellent hands!”
Jolly Jabbour, Google Review
