Custom Dream Pools Inc.

This project started Mid May 2017 with no Final Inspection to date. Original promise was to complete by July 4. Weather did play role in legitimate delays. Many good working days were no-shows or very late starts. This contractor has other businesses that distract from completing your pool project. He is dependent on renting or borrowing equipment and dependent on many sub contractors to do the work when they are available. His "commercial" pool building background works against custom residential designs, installations and attention to detail. Spa spillway is too high (water should sit at the midpoint of the tile). Spa jets are not positioned properly. Skimmer is not in a good position to pull surface water across the width of the pool. Pressure cleaner outlet is badly positioned to avoid having the cleaner hang up in the stairwell. Beware of his selection of "Bull" brand outdoor kitchen equipment. Within weeks the stainless steel began to rust. Avoid the commercial specification to use two 2 pumps for a spa/pool combo. We're still working through problems related to the equipment installation (BTW - all equipment was splashed with concrete and never cleaned). The spa pump does not run very often (bad for pumps) unless it's during freeze protection. The spa pump does not circulate through the filter or sanitizer. Caulk and grout either fill or overfill inconsistent and sometimes very large gaps. Within two months the travertine stone deck is cracked. We are taking care of the remaining leftovers and shortcomings by Custom Dream Pools. This includes needing a larger natural gas line/meter to provide enough volume for the heater (huge miss by CDP and the Plumber they use). This contractor would not establish written records to document upgrades and changes. No replies or returns since before Thanksgiving. We paid off the pool project due to disgust and not wanting this contractor on site any longer. He can be an interesting nice guy with charm, but do not hire for those characteristics. There are too many other competent, capable and responsible pool builders to choose from. I suggest getting input from neighbors, friends and reading forums to detail your specifications and expectations when selecting a builder. There is a reason why this builder does not show up in web searches like Houzz and Home Advisor. Choose a builder that has a lot of visibility and reviews. Choose a builder that has owned a pool to know the ownership experience. This one does not know what it's like to wake up to an operating pool every day. We typically are not negative reviewers. This experience was bad enough to make the effort to warn others about what can happen with this contractor. Final advice - keep cameras on your project and property to protect your interests.