Blue Sparkle Pools

OK no problems

I have used this company for the past few years for pool opening and end-of-season closing, and have given them at least $ 2000 in business. I originally found them on my own, i.e., not through Angies List. For the most part my experience was satisfactory. I called and made an appointment once again this season (May 2013). The company called the night before to confirm. Then just two hours before the confirmed time they called to advise that they could not honor the price I paid for the past two years ($ 290 - and I always tip too). I was disturbed that this was not raised when I made the appointment or when they called to confirm. However, I am a reasonable guy, so despite their lack of professionalism was willing to consider a modest increase. Instead, I was told that the cost to open the pool would be $500 - a 58% increase - for the same pool and pumps as always. As a result, Blue Sparkle Pools has lost this customer permanently.

They came within a couple of hours of making the initial call; diagnosed the problem; said they may have the part back at the shop; went back to the shop; came back and installed the part and changed a couple of hoses. It wasn't cheap for a part that probably shouldn't cost more than $100 and a couple of hours from the initial inspection until the job was finished, but they came and got it done quickly the day before a heat wave. Gotta like that!

We have been using this company for pool openings/closings since 2007. Everytime we have used them there is a different team who shows up to do the work. Each time we also get a different explanation of how to care and maintain the pool. This last time they charged $200 approx. just to dive in the pool. That did not include any other work, just the dive. To replace the liner was going to be apporx $1,000. $600 was just for labor. They were not willing to accept credit cards, ony cash or check. We decided to price around and other companies were charging less for labor and were not charging to inspect the pool. We won't use this company again.

I've been using this company off and on - mostly on - for the past 6 years. Big Love/Hate relationship. They charge $374.43 for a pool opening; and $181. for a vacuuming. I dropped them when it seemed everytime they came to my house there was always another $300 part that had to be replaced. I've used 3 other companies that were even worse, and then went back to them and they stopped making the type of recommendations that caused me to stop using them originally. However, this year seems to be different - I imagine based on the economy. The company will arrive most times always as arranged and will call to confirm appointments. On the whole quite reasonable. They will move planters, lounges, etc. to do the work and actually return them into place when finished. They will fold up and store the pool cover, etc. and that is always well done. Greg Higley is very knowledgeable and I always trust his judgment; however, there is another top worker, Richard, who doesn't speak English proficiently and he has a way of always saying there is another part for $300 that needs replacement. This year is the same and it's hard to know what is true and not anymore because it is not explained why the part is defective. I am having difficulty right now because the pool developed a leak and again I'm told a $300 part needs replacement. I called three times asking for this to be explained to me because the pool filter was not on when the leak developed. I was told that the value has to be replaced and that a line test would then have to be performed for another about $250. Because of a language difficulty - I called the person I most often speak with - Marina who is usually extremely professional and helpful. She hung up on me twice today when I asked if she could explain on their behalf why they believe the water is dropping in my concrete pool though the filter was not on. Hard to recommend a company that hangs up on their clients when they simply are asking to understand the problem in a manner that makes sense. I imagine they are more accustomed to people taking what they recommend at face value. I wish there were more recent recommendations on Angie's List because I really need some recommendations for pool workers - and to get another opinion. Thank you.