Don't get burned by an unlicensed contractor!

Most pool contractors are not licensed to install gas pipe! Or electrical for that matter.And the contractors that are installing gas pipe, really have no idea on the problems they are creating for a customer after they have collected your hard earned money and moved on to their next pool. An R.M.G.A. or Rocky Mountain Gas Certification does not make your pool contractor a licensed gas contractor.You as the homeowner,need to make sure that your new 20K -100K swimming pool and heater are installed correctly.
Almost 99% of the time, if you are building a swimming pool and have added a pool heater,(even a small one) you are going to need to change your gas meter!.Think about it this way, the average size home of about 1500sf to 3000sf is built and gets a new meter installed by the gas company.The meter that they will install will be a meter that will accommodate only the appliances inside your house. Which by the way usually totals roughly 250 to 500 cubic feet per hour. Now you have decided you want to add a swimming pool to your home, with a pool heater that consumes as much gas as all the appliances your whole house does alone.This is where the problems begin! If, when you built your swimming pool, your gas meter was not changed out to a larger meter, your pool heater is probably burning incorrectly! Don't be alarmed! This is fixable in most cases!
Your new pool heater installed incorrectly will create problems for you! It's just a matter of time! Some problems you can see right away, and some you can't.
Low fuel pressure can cause your pool heater hours or even days of run time to get your temperature up even a few degrees! Extremely high gas fuel bills, repeat pilot light outages, carbon build up, very costly equipment damage, or ultimately bodily harm or death can also result if your pool heater is installed incorrectly.This is why you would want a licensed plumber or hvac contractor to install your gas piping. Call your local gas pipe specialist to have them check your system, usually for free. You can also call your local gas company and usually get a free evaluation to let you know if your pool heating system is installed up to par.
Be sure you know who you hire! Get many references and ask to see some of the work they've done! Check with your states Department of Professional Licensing! Do your homework! Oh and one other thing, Do not give them your final payment until you are completely satisfied with your finished construction project! There are many great builders out there but there are also just as many that will take your final payment and you will never see again! Sad but true, this economy thing is hitting everybody! A lien release may also be a good idea for when each of the subs are paid.