Artistic Pools of Florida Inc

Contracted for $2200 for inground spa to be filled in and area converted to paved patio. The $2200 was a "reduced rate" we were given if the contractor was allowed to start the work in 3 days. The pool company uses subcontractors which is fine-if the subcontractor is reliable. The original subcontractor did not show up as promised so we lost the $300 discount. Second contractor only Partially completed the work- took 3 pump motors for salvage without permission. Only stayed a couple of hours and then several times did not show up at all. Third contractor was excellent- he had an adequate crew and completed the work in November with minimal problems-a month after we had signed the contract (we were originally told it would take only 4 days). 7 months later the whole area caved in when we had a heavy rain. I'll admit we got verbally aggressive with the company owner at that time. It was nearly a week before they showed up to fix the mess.

This company claims to have been in business for 40 years, but I can only speak from a recent experience. Owner claims my job was underbid (he fired the salesman), hired a crew that was not experienced enough to complete the job (although he claimed they did have experience) and then told me I would never be satisfied. The paver installation is poor, the pool finish is uneven, the main drain was never properly secured and floated to the surface, the pool was drained twice, the job took over 8 weeks, and finally the salt system was installed incorrectly. I have since spent additional funds to have mist of these issues resolved by others. The owner (James) is so combative and defensive, it was not possible to resolve.