Anthony & Sylvan Pools

AMAZING!!!!

Awesome and fast

Just had my pool finished about a month ago by Anthony and Sylvan Pools and WOW I am soooooo totally HAPPY! Everyone who came to my home did an exceptional job and in the end the pool is rocking fabulous. We talked to 3 different companies but I knew Anthony and Sylvan was the way to go especially when they have been in business for like almost 70 years. The designer was Tim Clark, who was so well educated about his products and so fun to deal with plus I/we knew we could trust him. He came to my home, and in the first meeting we designed the pool on this really cool 3d program which made it very easy to see the pool in my yard. Tim was very patient with all of our questions and never did he push for the sale. So no brainer, we signed an agreement . Tim introduced us to our Project manager Marty Wynne who was totally easy to talk to, ready to work and just a great guy. He came when he said and inspected every important step along the way. The crews were great, the yard was kept clean and the workmanship was exceptional. And I love, love, love the recommendation to go with the pebble-tec finish, it’s easy on the feet(WHICH WAS A BIG CONCERN FOR ME) and it looks so cool. Tim mentioned that Anthony and Sylvan had us covered with most importantly, OUR POOL WARRANTY and to insure customer satisfaction. That was an understatement, I’m thrilled and there was never a point where I was worried. We feel like we made friends with everyone who came to our home!

Met with Bill Howell from A&S Pools. He was nice and very knowledgeable. We described what we were looking for and he promised a quick turnaround with a detailed design and estimate. We had our contractor send Bill our detailed renovation plans (the pool is part of a larger remodel project) and then we waited...and waited. Then we sent emails. And waited. Then we called. At that point (over a month after the initial visit) we did hear back that our design was almost done and that he was sorry for the delay. We were excited when we received an email from Bill shortly after this conversation. The excitement faded when we opened the attachment to find a generic rendering of a pool attached to an outdoor area that had no resemblance to the plans that we had sent him. No estimate. No details. Nothing at all that would help us understand what was being proposed or how much it would cost. I called Bill for clarification and (you guessed it) got no response. Some time after my call (about a week), Bill sent an email asking if we could get together to discuss things in more detail. By then, it was nearly two months since our initial meeting...and a week after we decided to sign a contract with a different pool company (who managed to provide a detailed plan and estimate in a few days after an initial consultation). I don't know if they didn't want our project, were too busy with other jobs, or just lacked the professionalism to follow-up. I just know that I wouldn't want to see that lack of communication during a big project.

They started in February and not finished. Their crew seem to be very good but they are not very well supervised. You pretty much pay in advance for everything.

The work was excellent. I would definitely recommend them. Everything was excellent and they exceeded all expectations.

They work turned out very good! The project manager was very attentive to the job. I would use them again and I have recommended them to neighbors who have pools.

The work was good! They delivered exactly what they promised on the time they promised. That was beneficial.

I thought that did an okay job. They were a little expensive and there were some delays.

The initial consultation went fairly well. Like all sales, the salesman made things seem better than reality. The pool build process was methodical, but did progress at a reasonable pace. Several key issues that I had were the lack of professionalism of the sub-contractors as a whole. Many of the teams failed to replace the safety nets around the pool, exposing liability to me and the pool company. The grading team did a poor job of build a SMOOTH grade as the ground sloped away from the pool into the yard. The electrical team had to come out several times to get the installation to my expectations. To date they never installed the DirecTV feed out to the pool in a professional manner. The wiring was not put into a conduit nor was it terminated into a single box with the outlets. It makes things look junky with multiple boxes. Also, several of the parts at the pump are already starting to rust and it is only 2 months. In general, I had to carefully oversee every aspect of the project, which is disappointing when there was supposed to be a site manager. He was never here as the work was being done. Update: I have worked with Owen Sakovics from corporate to mitigate concerns with the build out. I thank him for that hard work to smooth out the bumps in the road. At this point, no open items remain that I am aware of.

Sept ’96 we contracted with A&S to build a gunite pool for us. The pool was finished approx March ’97. During the construction of our pool, several times I showed the workers that I could slide my entire hand up to my arm between the ground and the concrete deck. This was true of the right end and the back of the pool. At one time, due to the sloping of our yard, I had suggested that maybe we needed a retaining wall at the right end, the largest slope. I was politely told that they knew what they were doing. I had to trust them. Almost immediately, within months, the tiles started to fall off. We put the first ½ back on ourselves but then I contacted A&S after that. I’m sorry but I do not recall the date. Nothing was ever done. Again not sure of the date, we started to notice discoloration of the pool surface. This could have been a year or so later. We had our water tested to make sure we weren’t doing anything wrong. The testing proved that we had not. It simply appeared that the finish was wearing off of the surface of the pool. I complained to A&S complaining of both the tile and the surface. Nothing was ever done. The more we used the pool, I noticed that there were tiny wires protruding from the coping on the spa. Also, the coping was very sloppy. I complained about that but nothing was ever done. During all of this, cracks were appearing in our deck but they said it was just settlement cracks, which was expected when this much concrete was poured. The pool deck on the right end of the pool was cracking more and more and actually DROPPED inches. I complained and complained and FINALLY got a response. They came out and looked at it and finally agreed to take the existing deck out and re-pour it. Again, I could slide my hand and arm between the deck and the ground. No one listened to me. I can’t remember how long it was, but the deck FELL AGAIN. Exactly the same way. After NUMEROUS complaints, they came out, removed the deck and re-poured. Again, the large gape between the ground and the deck. The last correspondence that I have in hand is from April 2000. I’m begging them to help me with the tile, the surface of the pool AND the deck. Nothing was ever done. Years go by and the cracks and sinking of the deck is getting worse and worse. The tiles continued to look bad so we contacted someone to come out and give us a price on replacing the tile. The contractor tells us “Your problem is NOT your tile. Your pool deck is pulling away from your pool”. SURE ENOUGH! The deck on the back where there was ALSO a gap between the ground and the deck was pulling away ever so slightly. We were shocked. So, NOW we have the right end sinking more and more and pulling away AND the deck on the BACK of the pool is pulling away. Oh, that’s not ALL!!! The deck on the LEFT end of the pool is ALSO pulling away. The gaps that used to be between the ground and the deck, are NOW gaps between the FRONT of the deck and the ACTUAL POOL!!! It has gotten worse and worse. I contacted a concrete specialist. He told me that this was happening because the ground was not prepared properly before they poured the concrete. He asked why A&S wasn’t taking care of it, that there was no doubt it was their responsibility. He said if the ground was prepared properly, we would get no more than a stress crack here and there. I started to contact A&S. No response. I tried over and over and over. Still no response. FINALLY Bill Howell, who was the manager back in 2000, contacted me and told me who I needed to contact. He gave me a managers name who, as it turns out, was on indefinite medical leave. I didn’t find this out until later. I was finally FED UP. I contacted A&S Corp. After not hearing from THEN, I found their facebook page and started posting photos of my pool “THIS is MY A&S pool”. RIGHT away, the pix were removed and I have a private message from Alan Walker, the regional GM. THEN almost immediately, I am contacted by the local A&S. Kam, the construction manager came out to see our deck. He says the deck fell because there was no ground to support the deck. HUH? I told him there was no GROUND under the edge of the deck from the beginning. He says it’s not their responsibility because the ground eroded. My husband asked him “What would you do if you were coming out here right now to build this pool”. Kam said he’s put in a retaining wall. I told him how I had asked about that. He just repeated he couldn’t do anything about it. How he put it is, this is something that’s above my pay grade. I asked him who I should contact now. Rick Kelso. So, I immediately go into the house and prepare an email and send it to Rick Kelso. About a week later, he contacted me and, without ever even coming out to see the pool, tells me that it is not covered under warranty. I emailed A&S corp and Alan Walker again. After several weeks of no contact, I start to post pictures on A&S’s facebook page AND on Alan Walker’s. I also made a video of the pictures that I had taken of my pool and post that all over. Still no response. I had had a landscape specialists come out and give us a price for removal & replacement of the deck. I sent THIS email to Mr. Walker: We have met with Corey Ewart, Owner/Designer of Natural Landscapes. He has verbally agreed to remove our deck, replace it and build a retaining wall in the areas where needed for $16,000. He will supply a written estimate. If you would like to be done with this, I will accept that amount. Also, it would be nice if you could offer a discount for refinishing the inside of the pool and replacing the tile. I have found a tile that I like through Classic Pool Tile and Stone. Please let me know your thoughts. Judy Stanley Charlotte, NC Then I receive this email from Mr. Walker: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 8:47 AM Mrs. Stanley, I understand Rick Kelso, our Vice President, has responded to you and explained your requests are not covered by the warranty or contract. Alan Walker 215-489-5600 Ext 3860 I immediately respond: Is this your final response, Mr. Walker? Do you HONESTLY feel good that one of Anthony & Sylvan's pools turned out like THIS? Really? http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-0602-da8a-194d?ln (to see the video, copy and past into your browser) I have two experts advise me that this WAS a design flaw. Several times, it has been mentioned to us that our pool IS 16 years old. I asked them how many people would put in a pool and NOT expect it to last LONG beyond 16 years. The age of my pool has NOTHING to do with the horrible mess that’s in our back yard NOW! They absolutely refuse to help me. I don’t know what else to do but turn to you … . Thank you for any help you can be. Judy Stanley THIS HAS GONE HORRIBLY!My deck is broken and falling apart and falling AWAY from the pool.I've had 2 professionals tell me that the ground was not prepared properly before they poured the deck.My pool is a joke. It looks like a practice job for new installers.

It was a nightmare. The pool turned out terribly and we will pay double to fix it

I ended up going with a different company but my interaction with this company was very good. The salesman was very professional and he met with us at our convenience rather than his.

They deserve the highest ratings. The salesman was detail-oriented, he listened to us and worked with us, and he made suggestions. When we signed the deal, we were turned over to the project manager and it was just such an easy process. He always called me back within ten minutes, if I had a problem he addressed it immediately, and the subs that they used were a totally pleasure. I have nothing but high praise for this company. I’ve asked to be on their reference list because we seldom get companies like this.

The pool looks excellent now. They were very efficient and finished the work in timely manner. Their quality of work was very good and I was very happy with their work.

Great but still in progress,will update at completion.

A worker came out and reviewed my property to see about putting a pool in my yard. He went through some shapes and options with me and gave me the estimate. The timing was quite right for us so we didn't use them but he was good. He was punctual and professional and I liked him.

This company did a superb job. Their expertise and craftsmanship are top notch and they have an eye for detail. I was pleased that they were very dependable and honest. The crew showed up on time and they kept me informed of what was going on and the progress. I would recommend this company to everyone looking to have a pool built.

The sales representative was very attentive and responsive, but was most concerned with getting us to commit to the project on the front end. From there things seemed to take a turn for the worse. The project was slow to take off, slow to progress and late to fully complete. The project manager had too many projects under way at one time. As a result he could not be proactive. My wife had to frequently call him for status reports (ie. when is someone going to come back to the house to keep this project going?) and get his help with resolving issues with their subcontractors. The company subs out all of the work. Their subs were hit or miss in keeping commitments and delivering a quality product. My wife had to play a much more active role in overseeing their work than she had time for. But without her doing so, we are not sure it would have turned out as well as it did. That said, there are still items on our punch list that have yet to be resolved.

We had a few kinks along the way, but overall, Anthony & Sylvan were very responsive to our issues. They finished the job in about 6 weeks even with rain holdups and other holdups due to my own deck contractor. Brian Syvrud, the sales rep was very knowledgeable and helpful. Matt McCoy, the site supervisor was very responsive and always returned calls promptly. Chris and Cam in the scheduling office were also very accommodating and professional. They gave us no problem when we wanted to remove decking from our contract to hire someone specifically for that job, which was money out of their pocket.

MY WIFE AND I MET WITH THEIR REPRESENTATIVE AND GOT SKETCHES AND IDEAS PUT ON PAPER. HE PROMISED TO GET BACK TO ME SOON WITH A FORMAL DRAWING AND COST ESTIMATE FOR THE PROJECT. I HADN'T HEARD BACK AFTER WAITING SEVERAL WEEKS, SO I CALLED OUR CONTACT BACK. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY PROJECT HAD BEEN FORGOTTEN. I FIRED THEM EVEN BEFORE I HIRED THEM. AN UNBELIEVABLE AND UNPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. MY PROJECT IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION BY ONE OF THEIR COMPETITORS.

THE SALESMAN CAME OVER, GOT OUR LIST OF REQUIREMENTS, TALKED ABOUT OPTIONS (FOR 2 HOURS). THEN WE NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED WITH BOTH CONTRACTORS THAT SUPPLY CONCRETE POOLS, HOWEVER THE CONTRACTOR THAT SUPPLIES FIBERGLASS POOLS FOLLOWED UP AND GOT THE JOB.

THE JOB THEY DID ON OUR POOL WAS GREAT! THE POOL TURNED OUT WONDERFULLY AND HASN'T BROKEN DOWN OR ANYTHING!

THEY WERE FANTASTIC, BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AFTER HEARING REPORTS FROM ANGIES LIST. I THINK IT MADE A DIFFERENCE THAT I CONFRONTED THE COMPANY ABOUT THEIR RATING. THEY DID EVERYTHING IN THE TIME FRAME THAT THEY COULD.(VERY TIME CONSUMING JOB) THE JOB WAS TRULY METICULOUS AND I'M PLEASED AS PUNCH.

WE CONTRACTED WITH A & S FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR POOL IN EARLY MARCH. THE POOL WAS NOT COMPLETED UNTIL THE SECOND WEEK OF JULY. EVEN AT THE COMPLETION OF THE POOL, THE YARD WAS NEVER GRADED (WE HAD TO DO THIS BY HAND!), AND WE HAD TO EXCAVATE CEMENT AND PLASTER FROM AROUND THE POOL BEFORE WE COULD LANDSCAPE THE AREA. IT TOOK WEEKS FOR A & S TO COME HAUL THE LEFTOVER DEBRIS AWAY. DURING CONSTRUCTION, THEY DAMAGED OUR NEIGHBOR'S FENCE, THAT WE ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY TO HAVE REPAIRED BECAUSE THEY NEVER MADE GOOD ON THEIR PROMISE TO FIX THE DAMAGE. THEY TOOK MONEY FROM US TO HAVE A COLORED FINISH PUT ON OUR CONCRETE, BUT REFUSED TO NEGOTIATE THE ACTUAL INSTALLATION OF THIS TREATMENT. BEWARE: ALL PAYMENTS ARE MADE TO A & S UP FRONT, SO THE BUYER HAS NO LEVERAGE WHATSOEVER DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS!