Restrictions sought for swimming pool builders

Art Nadler

Tuesday, May 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Assemblyman John Lee is attempting to pull the plug on overzealous swimming pool contractors.

Lee, D-Las Vegas, is introducing a bill in the Assembly's Commerce Committee today that attempts to regulate residential swimming pool contracts. If it passes the Senate and Assembly, contractors will no longer be able to charge large amounts of money up front for work not completed.

The bill stipulates, in part, that it shall be unlawful for a contractor to require a cash deposit or down payment of more than $200, or 2 percent of the price stated in a contract. This will exclude finance charges for a pool or spa.

"This bill is a protection for the homeowner," Lee said. "There won't be any front-ending of a contract. Anyone in a legitimate swimming pool business won't have any problem with this bill."

Homeowners in Southern Nevada have complained to the state Contractors Board in recent years regarding swimming pool contractors who take their money and don't complete jobs. Some contractors have reportedly collected 90 percent of the money before finishing pools.

"A lot of contractors, who don't have a lot of money, use homeowners' (front-end) money to fund other projects," Lee told the SUN just before he left for the Legislature in January. "Then they can't finish the jobs and file for bankruptcy."

Lee said he hopes to have a teleconference of the Commerce Committee hearing set up from Carson City in about two weeks. He is urging pool contractors and homeowners to voice their opinions.

Lee said the only requirement in Nevada to date is that contractors post bonds. He feels this legislation will strengthen consumers' rights.

For information, call Lee's Carson City office at (702) 684-8599.