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| - We had our pool & landscape done approximately 1-2 years ago. We got quoted by 7 pool companies, and the final decision was between California Pools & Landscape and Shasta Pools. They are at the same level but CA Pools won the bid because Shasta did not want to complete a landscape 3D design unless we put down a $500 deposit.
Here are some tips/facts:
PRICING - Out of the 7 pool companies, Shasta is the most expensive and CA Pools came in second. The pricing for those two are very close. So if you are looking for the "cheapest pool deal" then this company is not for you.
SALES - If you do not plan to use in-floor system (the one with jet brushing the bottom of the pool), then you are likely getting a pool vacuum system. Yes, it looks somewhat unpleasant, but do NOT let your sales tell you that you won't need to put it in use most of the time. The fact is that you will have to use it almost every day in order to get an effective cleaning. If any sales tell you something else (such as you only need to hook it up twice a week), then tell him/her put it in writing and check it with Steve or a senior manager.
CONTRACT - The contract says "we do not believe in fine-prints". Do not take that for granted. Sales are friendly, and you might think you can simply trust them and get the job done with a hand shake. Do not forget you are signing a legal contract here. When things go south, it's all about the fine prints on the contract. All terms are negotiable as long as it's within reasons. This applies to all other 6 companies that I got the quote from.
ESCROW (Post-construction escrow hold back) - Only Shasta and CA Pool offered this option at the time. This allows you to roll your landscape project into the mortgage after your house is closed. This is not a finance class so I will skip the details and let readers look it up on Google.
I rank each item specifically, and hopefully that helps you make a better decision.
TWO STARS (under-perform)
TRAVERTINE - Don't go with their travertine. It took them more than 6 attempts (which translates to 2 months+) to fix the issue. Shop around, and you may realize that you are paying a premium for CA pool's travertine, so a quality work should be expected. Issues that took more than 3 attempts to resolve is unacceptable for the premium I paid. For those who already signed up with their travertines, just keep in mind that the crew they sent back to fix your travertine issue is not getting paid for the repair IF they are the same crew that initially installed the travertine. Keep an eye on them for your own sake.
SALES - Our sales is knowledgeable enough to answer some detail technical questions, but he failed to stay true with his sales pitch. He told us that we won't need the pool vacuum unless we experience a monsoon. That statement was quickly rejected by the owner and Steve. He also has poor communication, especially after the deal was closed. He won't reply 50% of the time. If this happens to you, don't hold back and take it up to the senior management.
POOL ORIENTATION - Horrible pool orientation. If I follow that guy's instruction I would have a green pool within 6 months. when I ask for details, he asked me to check youtube video. Note that every pool is somewhat different due to the environment, soil, landscaping, usage, system design and water condition. I understand the technician can't possibly tell me everything but he couldn't even get the basics right.
THREE STARS (meet the expectation)
MANAGEMENT TEAM - Again, you are dealing with a pool company that's on the pricey side, and you are paying extra for a reason. People like Greg, Cindy and Steve will make things right as long as your concerns are fair and reasonable. They have a very solid construction team on the pool & spa projects (but suck at travertine)
POOL & SPA - Several things went wrong but they fixed it. They didn't use cheap stuff on the system, but did take some short cut on the pipeline.
FIREPLACE - Designed and installed as agreed. They used a third party on the propane gas pipe (see below).
PLANTS - They provide 1 year warranty on shrubs and trees (with some exceptions). A few died after 10 months and they did honor their warranty without excuses.
WARRANTY - There are other items that are repaired, and so far they honored their warranty on every single case without any rejection. Again, you get what you paid for.
FOUR STARS: (exceed expectation)
PROPANE TANK - CA Pool hired a third party contractor to install our in-ground propane gas tank and line up the gas pipe for the fireplace. CA Pool gets four stars for picking quality contractors, but the contractor itself (Kerns Plumbing) is a 5-stars company.
ARTIFICIAL TURF (putting greens) - This is done by a third party and they are truly exceptional. I would recommend letting CA Pools handle your artificial turf assuming that they still use the same third party contractor.
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