What the Waterline Score measures
Every builder earns a Waterline Scoreout of 5 — an editorial synthesis of five factors, not a single platform's number. We weigh each consistently across every builder so the comparison is apples to apples.
Our methodology
How We Review Pool Builders
Trust starts with transparency. Here is exactly how we evaluate and score every builder we cover.
01
State licensing (DBPR)
Verified Florida licensing and the qualifying agent at MyFloridaLicense.com — active status, license type (CPC/CBC), and a clean record.
02
BBB standing & complaints
Better Business Bureau rating, accreditation status, and the pattern (or absence) of complaints and how they were resolved.
03
Aggregate owner reviews
Owner reviews across Google, Houzz, Angi and Birdeye — weighing volume, recency, and how the company responds when something goes wrong.
04
Build quality & design range
Craftsmanship and finish work — gunite, tile, coping, decking — and the breadth of designs the builder can deliver.
05
Communication & warranty
How the company handles scheduling, project management, communication during the build, and warranty or service work afterward.
How we gather information
Our assessments draw on finished-project visits, builder interviews, public licensing and permit records, materials and warranty documentation, and first-hand homeowner feedback. We prioritize verifiable, first-hand information over anonymous online ratings.
Independence & integrity
Rankings are never for sale. A builder cannot pay to be added, moved up, or have criticism removed. If our relationship with a company ever changes, we disclose it. Read our full editorial disclosure.
Always verify before you sign
Ratings, ownership, licensing and reputations change over time. Our scores reflect public information as of their last update and are informational only — not an endorsement or legal advice. Before signing a contract or paying a deposit, confirm a builder's current license at MyFloridaLicense.com and read their recent reviews yourself.