Here are some links to a few complaints sites:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/
http://www.ripoffreport.com/
http://www.complaints.com/
http://www.bbb.org
These are good for doing searches on any of the builders you plan on talking to or have talked to. A few complaints may not really mean anything but lots of them very well could. It comes to the argument of how many pools they build. Of course, I have seen salesman tell someone that the reason they have so many complaints is because they build so many pools. That could be true but it could also mean that those were the only complaints that were reported. There are companies out there that go to great pains and money to refute these complaints and get them removed from the Internet as well. You kind of have to figure it out on your own as to the relativity.
Here are links to a couple of forums about pools:
http://www.poolspaforum.com/
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/pools/
The forums are good for posting questions about builders or in general. They usually have some disgruntled and some happy customers. You will find everything from excitement to full out misery with pool experiences. Keep in mind, these forums are watched closely by the builders. so, you may get hit with a sales pitch or even someone pretending to recommend someone (and they happen to be the person they are recommending). Overall, these are really good places to check out and even use down the road.
Here is a really good blog to check out about pools:
http://buyingaswimmingpool.blogspot.com/
Ha, just kidding...well sort of.
Have any of your own? Or something to say about these? Feel free to tell us by leaving a comment.
30 April 2009
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Are you thinking on building a new pool? Well, do you homework right before sign any contracts. Be careful with “Blue Haven Pools” they said to you that you are contracting and experienced, reputable, dependable and long-standing company and it is false and misleading. Blue haven licenses its brand name to pool contractor without requiring them to construct pools to minimum standards. The truth is that there has never been any single company operating under the name "Blue Haven" in any state since 1954 and that none of the companies operating under the name "Blue Haven" have been in business since 1954, are not "national" companies and do not have 250,000 satisfied customers coast to coast. (Info from a Class action against Blue Haven)
ReplyDeleteHere is a little description of my experience with Blue Haven, hopefully it will open your eyes.
I have problems from the beginning.
They started building on June 07 and finish at the end of November 07. They have to redo the stamped concrete around the pool because the first time was not made right. Blue Haven did not push the subcontractor to do it; it was only done because my husband and I handle the situation with the subcontractor directly. Then, we noticed that we were loosing water and finally we found a crack on the shell, emptied the pool and fixed it (after long argument with Blue Haven) but we always had problems with the pump making terrible noises that even the neighbors complaint about it. It looses pressure all the time. They changed the Hayward motor and replaced with another one with less power. After several calls they replaced the motor one more time at the end of November 08 when the pool was winterize for a cheap brand motor so Hayward does not cover their warranty now. They also installed the ozonator on the wrong place making the filter fill with air. We still have a lot of problems...to many to describe. Now we have to figure out how to re-pluming the whole system to see if it can work.
The worst thing is that the office in Knoxville, TN is close after only one year on business and Blue Haven National does not want to be responsible for the problem. I call the 1-800 customer service and Ms. Ellen which number is 972-316-8662 provided me with the worst customer service I have to deal in my life, treated me so bad that after talking to her I almost cry. She said that it is not their problem. She does not want me to call her anymore, give me any number or names from other people in Blue Haven that can help me to solve all these problems. She is not even returning my calls. I spent $70,000 on my pool to be treated poorly and they washed their hands simple like that. I decided to build with Blue Haven and not with a local company for their national presence, financial security, warranty, and experience.(that's what I thought them)I thought they will back me up in a case like this. (I guess, I did not do my homework well because there are a lot of Blue haven complaints on the internet. Just google “blue haven complaints” and you’ll be surprise)
I know that I can not do anything about it. I will have to deal with the problems myself and spend more money fixing them but I will like to advise other people about this company and their terrible business model they have.
picasam, sorry to hear about your experience. Your story is exactly why I started this site. Many homeowners have been down your road. Doing your homework is vital to surviving the process of buying and building a swimming pool. There are actually things you can do. Like getting the word out, filing a complaint with the BBB, consumer affairs or attorney general and being persistent. Many builders think that ignoring you will make you go away. That is the hope. If you don't, it is usually cheaper to fix your problem than it is to have to go to small claims court or have to defend themselves. FYI, if they are incorporated (the individual franchise) they would have to pay an attorney to represent them, even in small claims. I have heard and read problems from companies like this involving subcontractors. I will get a post up soon addressing something that you need to know about subs and the problems that can arise.
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