No reputable pool contractor will sign a contract , get engineering and permits... without getting a deposit from the homeowner... its the companies who dont want a deposit that you have to be worried about... they can just take your first lump sum payment and run with it since they are already not following contractor board procedures. Just make sure you're not paying more then $1000.00 for your deposit. Thats the limit they can collect. Also make aure that if you are having a lot of work done the payment schedule is broken down accordingly dont let a contractor do "frontloading" (collecting money before the work has been completed). Always ask for references and always check out there license information on www.cslb.ca.gov
Actually you are wrong. We do not take any money until we are ready to plaster. In business since 1959
Cheers