POOLS ETC MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

The pool guy showed up in my place on time the first time. However, the monthly service fee raised from $99 to $125 because I have a home warranty and that they may not get our "future" repair work. I was not aware/informed of this potential fee raise. Even though the lady-in-charge called me immediately after the first service about the fee change, I don't agree with the way the company charges their customers. She even offered to terminate the service immediately if I want to. Wow, business must be good for them! They can also put a $50 fee for replacements parts in the bill without notifying the customer cos' "this is their policy to provide a quote when the parts is over $50". I may have some surprise in my next bill then.

I maintain my own pool and the folks at Pools Etc. have been a great help. They provide valuable advice and they have the best prices on pool supplies of any retailer within 25 miles of my location.

I called on Tuesday. They answered right away and scheduled an appointment for the next day at 9:00. Two of their staff showed up at 8:55. They didn't introduce themselves (and I neglected to ask), so I don't know their names. They seemed to know what they were about, asked a few questions and took a look. The first diagnosis was that my filter was too small for the pool. I noted that I had sized it according to the manufacturers web site for cartridge filters, and that it had been working fine for a long time, and that was not mentioned again. They ran water through a "bladder" into the skimmer to test the system, and they noted there was a small leak around a fitting near the motor, where air would be pulled in when the motor was running. I asked if that would be enough air to reduce the vacuum that much, and they thought yes. They quickly and professionally undid and sealed the fitting (and they never suggested replacing it, which would have been unnecessary). After reattaching everything and running the hose test, the leak had been stopped. However, when the motor was restarted, the pressure remained low and air continued to come into the pool. The diagnosis then became that there must be a leak underground. I found it surprising that I wasn't losing water through the leak when the pump was off, and that so much air could enter the pipe from under a foot or two of dirt. However, all things considered, that is the most likely explanation, which I'll have to pursue separately (back to Angie's List to look for concrete removal!) I appreciated the fact that we got to (what I hope is) the right diagnosis, and that there was never an attempt to sell me something I didn't need (with the possible exception of the comment about the filter). They charged me only for a service call, $50, which I found very reasonable.

They are always on time and friendly. I don t have to worry about them when they are working. They are very responsible.