BLUE HAVEN POOLS & SPAS

I had one of the most disappointing customer experiences of all time this morning with John Delaforce of Blue Haven Pools. I reached out to schedule a consultation two weeks ago. We finally spoke this morning for 10 minutes on the phone. That is all it took for me to understand Blue Haven was not the pool company to deal with on my project. The other pool companies I am working with have been gracious and energetic about the opportunity to win my business. I have a healthy six-figure budget that every other person I have spoken with (including friends in the industry not competing for the business) have said is a significant amount of money to spend. I have told each company that I can be somewhat flexible depending on what they present back to me. The other companies feel they can design a great "environment" and expressed no concerns about providing me a great end result. On the phone this morning, Mr. Delaforce was as rude and condescending as possible. In an incredibly short amount of time he told me that Blue Haven does not do "cheap or average" projects. This came after I shared my target budget so it was clearly directed at the information I had shared. He also told me they do not like "competing against other companies" because that prevents them from designing truly "special" projects. In other words, when they have to stack up against other competitors they fail to win the business. It did not take any real imagination to understand why that is the case. Apparently, Blue Haven is not interested in anything but truly mega-projects. My question to Mr. Delaforce -- why not just say that up-front? Why be rude and offensive by telling a prospective customer they were not doing something worthy of you and your company's time? Two things are completely ironic about the discussion. First, he described for me the price tag for Blue Haven to do all of the things I was requesting. Not shocking -- the prices he quoted were right at my budget. (I have done a lot of research and knew that I was in the right vicinity with my project funding.) So he was offending a prospective customer who had quoted a budget that matched the funding being suggested by Mr. Delaforce himself. Second, the Blue Haven website specifically calls out their focus on affordable pool design and offering reasonably priced design choices. This is the exact sales message of his company, but apparently is not representative of Mr. Delaforce's opinion of his design capabilities. In the end, I simply told him that he was clearly not someone I would ever want to work with on anything let alone a project of this size and complexity. I cannot imagine how horrific my experience would be throughout the actual design and build process. I have found two other great companies and will end up with something amazing. I just do not understand why anyone would be so unpleasant to a prospective customer when all he had to say was "we are not really in a position to take on your business at this point". Keep your rudeness to yourself and move along.

I will give them a A for responsiveness as they called back within 24hrs of leaving a message, but I still feel I'm being generous with a D rating for professionalism considering the individual hung up on me when I would not pay a $1250 retainer to see a solid proposal. I was told it was not worth the work (Words used) to draft a proposal for a maybe client. I work for a Custom Home Builder and we will put in weeks if not months of work to ensure the client is comfortable with our proposal with nothing as a retainer, and we are talking about 750K+ projects. That is what sales is, you put in the upfront work to obtain the client. In the end we went with another company and we dig tomorrow 9/30/16.

After a lot of research and meetings, we chose Blue Haven Pools for our pool install, and the only regret I have is that we didn't do this years sooner! We considered going with an alternate company that several neighbors have used, who specialize in vinyl. I am so glad we met the folks at Blue Haven, and not only went with concrete, but also went with them for the design and install. We'd deliberated whether to do a pool for years - it's such a big investment and the process of figuring out what to choose (from material to shape to surrounding patio, etc.) seemed very daunting. But from our first meeting with Blue Haven, our PM John walked us through everything. We started by having them do a design, which is a no-brainer if you are serious about doing a pool. (In fact, we'd already had another design done, and were so excited about Blue Haven's ideas we had them do a second.) While a design is an investment of money, when you are doing this type of major back yard project, I think it's crucial. (And Blue Haven credits that $$ back to your pool build!) Start to finish, the build took around 4 months, and anytime we had questions or concerns, the PM was very attentive. The final result is amazing and I'm so happy we did this. Our entire family is outside ALL the time now, and probably most surprising to me is that we use the space year round, in all seasons, even when we aren't swimming. I think this is illustrative of the difference with Blue Haven - they design an outdoor living space that includes a pool. Other companies are only concerned with providing you with a hole full of water. I've also been impressed with the company's attention to any issues post-install. Even with warranties, you often have to fight to get things addressed. Any small issues that have popped up since our install have been addressed promptly and efficiently. If you are thinking about a pool, I highly recommend going for it, and I HIGHLY recommend going with quality professionals like Blue Haven.

They were great and they did everything that they said they would do. They are really nice and very responsive.

Very thoughtful site design of an in-ground small pool with swim jets, hot tub spa, and patio surround. Helped us out when our hardscaping work via another contractor was not being accomplished in an expedient fashion. Very professional and prompt to respond to any pool questions. Good outlines and in person "pool school" to help us understand proper maintenance and functioning of the pool. Have continued to follow up on our satisfaction and answer questions about pool functions.

.Aqua Haven did a really excellent job. They gave us a clear and detailed estimate and discussed linear pattern and lighting options. They kept strictly to their schedule and let us know in advance when a crew was to appear on our property. Unfortunately, an old electrical conduit under the concrete pad around the pool had collapsed, so that it was necessary to cut the concrete and dig it out and replace it. This was extra. But they discussed it with us in advance, and it was nicely done. The job went quickly with no apparent problems. It looked beautiful when done. In the early fall after the new liner was installed, I noticed that the water level was dropping too quickly. After talking to the owner, Scott Hoffman, about it and measuring the rate of drop, he agreed that there was likely a leak. He arranged to have a subcontractor detect the location of the leak. It turned out to be at stairs. We were sent a bill for $400. I queried the bill, thinking that it was in fact a warranty issue. While Mr. Hoffman said that he did not think that the leak was related to the liner installation, without any argument, he cancelled the bill. We agreed that he could repair the leak when the water was warmer in the spring, and that we would determine whether it was a warranty issue in light of what was actually needed to make the repair. However, when the spring came and I opened the pool, I again measured the water loss. It had essentially stopped. I really don't know what happened to the leak -- its existence was confirmed by the professionals, but it seems to be gone now (2015). In light of the mysterious self-healing of the pool and the fact that I did not give Aqua Haven a chance to look at the leak site again, I paid the $400 in the summer. Aqua Haven was one of the most professional contractors -- business-like and efficient -- that I have had the pleasure to use. I would recommend them to anyone

Blue Haven did not build my pool however they do service it. They have never missed a week. They proactively order small parts that need replacement but tell me before ordering anything expensive. They have brought warranty issues to my attention for me to discuss with the people who built the pool. The manager, Curtis, comes out and checks on things periodically to make sure things are looking like they should. My only complaint is that they seem to have a hard time keeping a service technician. I have lost count as to how many we have had over the last two years. They have all been fine, but there is no consistency.

Our circumstance was a bit unique, perhaps, since we were purchasing a home with a renovation mortgage. In other words, the cost of the pool was getting rolled into the mortgage itself. As such, there are additional inspections and paperwork requirements required to having the pool installed. We set up an appointment to meet with the pool designer (since forgot his name). Unlike other pool companies we talked to, they wanted us to come out to their office rather than them coming to our home to see the lay of the land and draft out a very rough idea of what kind of pool we might like. Their office was set up in a bit of a warehouse district and there was not much to it. Not much room for coping samples, display equipment (pumps, lights, cleaners, etc.). We didn't know why, exactly, we were meeting in their office space rather than at our home and therefore did not know what to expect. The salesman we sat down with immediately started delving into filtrations systems, pumps, lighting options, etc. This was like getting into trim and wheel options on a new car before deciding on which car to go with first. In the end the salesman seemed inflexible and unwilling to go through the process of processing contract paperwork so that we could purchase a pool. The lender required a project estimate on paper, but Blue Haven wanted us to sign a firm contract prior to providing a rough plan and project estimate. In the end, we did not feel comfortable going with a company that seemed unwilling to work with us and had a poor approach to pool sales. Update: Now seeing the provider's response, there are several inaccuracies. #1 is that we were buying a pool and not deciding if we were going to. #2 is that we were not asking for a and quot;fakeand quot; estimate but a bonafide estimate (lender's requirement). John would not provide an estimate without a design. John doesn't do a design unless they are hired. John wanted to charge something like $275 for a design without a contract to hire them. It is true in that we did not own the home yet, but we were under contract with SOLID financing. Every other pool builder (Backyard Oasis and Rising Sun Pools to name two) were practically begging to come out to the place (that I did not own yet) and compete by providing an estimate. No design required... just an estimate. We weren't looking for a free design to take elsewhere. But I am also not going to pay hundreds of dollars for their design fee just so I can get an estimate. What contractor is unable to provide an estimate without shelling out hundreds of dollars. John's final comment says, and quot;...we were never hired and refused to provide our service for free.and quot; That's an interesting statement. Is Blue Haven pools in the pool building business or pool design business? Blue Haven is so paranoid that people will steal their design that we couldn't get past step 1. Sad.

I had a landscaper install an inflatable pool, the base was not properly installed and the water pooled on one side of the pool. The water turned mucky in less than 4 days. I called Blue Haven to come and remove this pool since it was too big a job for me. They showed up quickly, drained the pool, remove it all in less than 2 hours. They were professional and honest.

Overall, went as planned and on schedule. Due to the very awkward backyard space, it created some challenges with digging out the extension and getting equipment in place. Blue Haven pool designer, John Delaforce worked very hard to keep on schedule and always be responsive to any questions or problems. The pronect was a challenge that he met and delivered. Would recommend to anyone looking for designer/well built pool.

No work was actually performed. I was given the estimate and it was over my budget. The gentleman that I spoke with was very nice and very professional.

Curtis and his team just seemed more professional than any of the other contractors we met with. And we are very happy with the pool that they built for us. All our concerns were addressed during construction. They seemed to err on the side of quality and customer satisfaction. We had a minor misunderstanding about the stone pattern that we wanted on the spa, and they did it over for us, at no charge, without us even asking! And they have provided excellent service and advice after the project completion. It has been several years since this project (we just joined Angie's List) but I would go with these guys if I had another pool to build (which thank goodness I do not). Regardless of which contractor you go with, keep an eye on what they are doing. That will help eliminate problems at the stage where you can laugh about them. Don't assume that everything is 100% clear and you can assume things will be completely as you want them, just because you thought they understood.

Overall the service was very good. We had a pretty complicated refurbishment of an indoor pool and they were by far the most knowledgeable group that we spoke with. The price was reasonable. The only issue we had was that the project was delayed by a few weeks as they were very busy. We had a couple of o minor issues upon completion that they resolved quickly and professionally.

I wasn't very impressed with them. It took multiply calls to get a hold of them and quit a while for them to get back with me. They might be a great company but my job might not have been big enough for them.

I hired BHP to finish what was left of a shell of a pool from the first company that I had to fire. BHP came in with all intentions of finishing the pool. They just tell you what they think you want to hear and do what suits them. They made promises that they didn't keep, from the concrete guy laying the deck to the finishing guy doing the deck, from the plaster being done, tile, kitchenette that was installed by them is terrible. This was a 9 month project from start to finish and I never would have built it if I would have known it was going to take that long. Their communication is terrible, but they find an excuse for everything you ask about to their benefit so that it doesn't really seem like a problem. I have lost sleep over this pool. I hope I can soon enjoy it!

After deciding to add a pool in our back yard, we extensively researched and talked to several pool builders in the area. In the end we decided to go with Blue Haven for several reasons (and are we sure glad we did). First, they are a very large national company with strong financials and the ability to back up the local branches if necessary. Second, we found in several cases that Blue Haven successfully delivered a pool to customers having problems with other pool companies in the area. Third, Curtis Brock (Blue Haven General Manager) was very knowledgeable and strived to work with us on the pool plan and keep us within our budget. Fourth, we found out that the contractors Blue Haven uses to build the pool are very experienced and really take pride in their work. Last but not least, while the price was slightly higher than some of the competition, we still felt like we were getting a fair price for a pool that quite simply no other company was capable of delivering. After all was said and done we have absolutely no regrets - we have a spectacular pool in our back yard now! The entire project took about 3 months - it would have been done in 2 months but there were some delays due to lots of rain and some chilly weather (we chose to start in the fall to get some additional savings). All of the contractors were very professional and delivered superior quality and product. Communication was excellent during the entire process and continues even after the pool has been completed. John Deleforce (Blue Haven Construction Manager) is a pleasure to work with and really knows pools from construction to the maintenance and chemistry (he's been working in the pool industry all his life). We are doing the landscaping around the pool ourselves and Blue Haven continues to help by identifying product (pavers, firepit materials, etc) at a discounted price as well as recommending good contractors to help out if we need it. We are really looking forward to opening our pool this spring and we feel secure knowing that Blue Haven stands behind us if we have any questions or need help in the future. In fact, some good friends of ours are looking into a pool and the first thing we did was recommend Blue Haven to them.

I contacted several pool companies before deciding to let Blue Haven Pools-Raleigh build our pool. We made the right decision. They used a 3-D software program to show you how the pool will look in your back yard before any construction begins. This helps in picking your proper pool location, pool shape, deck size, and features. We were given a timeline for completion date, which was ahead of schedule. I credit this to John, their construction foreman. John seemed like a conductor leading a great orchestra. His contractors showed up on time, did a great job, and cleaned up their work area every day they were there. John's communication skills, from answering any questions we had on the project in a timely manner, to training us on pool chemistry, to operating the pool controller was impeccable. At the end of the project a care and maintenance document will be given to you, and explained by John in detail, an invaluable aide. Overall we were completely satisfied and highly recommend them.

There isn't much more to say other than customers must be patient when dealing with weather related delays. As far as I know, there isn't anyone who controls Mother Nature.

They were extremely professional. The owner came out to the house for an estimate. Blue Haven used Eric Artibani to install the pool cover, and he did a superb job. They performed one week of pool maintenance then recommended me to another company.

With a one word summary - WOW! We have beautiful pool in our back yard; what was once a wooded area is now a work of art. The permitting process was very challenging - we needed to have a newly designed and approved septic repair area only to then run into an impervious surface area restriction. Curtis was always optimistic about the outcome and stayed on top of the process to address all of these hurdles with Wake County. After permitting, the construction process went flawlessly. Blue Haven uses excellent professionals for each phase of the construction. We have been enjoying the pool since the end of May and we love it! Best endorsement I can make is we would not change a single item - design, material selection, equipment selection, etc. We have a final product that we are very proud of and one that will provide enjoyment for years to come. Blue Haven provides a premium product but one which represents excellent value. My thanks to Curtis, John, and Jimmy for all their work and for giving us a great final product that we are very happy with.

. His name is Curtis Brock. He came out in April and looked at the deck and said that it is normal for the finish to crack and peel in the cracks. He also said that he and his guy would come out and fix it. I asked him where I can get the product so that I could learn to apply it. He said, and quot;No, we will come out and do it for sure.and quot; They have not contacted us. In the end we have a beautiful pool, but it took an immense amount of supervision on our part and rework...particularly with stone work. After many phone calls and a lot of argueing, Curtis agreed to repair all of the stone work. He hired a top rated guy. The previous crew worked for 3 weeks and really didn't know what they were doing. It was so poorly done that the real stone guy ripped it all out. There was so much pain and suffering in the process of getting our pool done. It was worse than building a house. You have to stay on top of them all the time and you have to supervise all the details of the job. I would not use them in the future or recommend them. We had the pool built and finished in 2008 of November and the deck started to peel by the end of the next summer. They came to resurface it later in the following Fall (2009) I believe. It rained the day they resurfaced it. Then the cracking showed and it has been a good year before they came out after many calls. I had called them the day after it had rained and I also called them this year to come out and look at it. Then they told me that they have no warranty against rain. But that is not what he told us when he was applying the stuff. He said that he was trying to schedule around the weather. When he first installed it, he told us that we have an 11 year warranty on the decking. After coming out in Aprill of 2011, he has not come to fix the peeling or called. However, I just called Curtis (7/15/11) and he now denies saying that he will come out to fix it. This is classic with Curtis. He says one thing and then unless it is written down, denies it later.

They did a good job and did it in a timely fashion. If we had any questions they were right out here 30 minutes later to answer them. It did not take them long to respond. The pool is beautiful. It did not cost us anything the last time they came out.

The entire experience was very positive. I highly recommend Blue Haven Pools. I am continuing to use them for monthly chemical balancing and maintenance. I can't say enough good things about the people at Blue Haven Pools!!! Incredible company and even better people!!!

I am happy with the pool, but the construction process seemed excessively long. I was not entirely pleased with the way the company did not keep me informed of progress as they went along and did not listen to things that I told them as the construction went along. I signed the contract to build the pool in mid-May and construction did not start until the end of June. The pool had water in it toward the end of August but was not completed until September. Pool opening service was very good.

Went very smoothly, they kept me up to date on everything. They came by the job site everyday and supervised every phase. All my upgrades and changes during the build were done close to cost. it was refreshing to work with these guys. This was a huge project but it went so smoothly and my pool looks awesome!