OUTBACK POOLS & SPAS

Description of Work: Requested to hire pool maintenance service.

Description of Work: We purchased a new hot tub from Outback and it was installed at our home.

Description of Work: No services performed

Description of Work: Opening the pool for the season .

Description of Work: I m writing to submit a complaint against Outback Pools & Spas, for their customer service, chemical fees and business practices. Recently, based upon the recommendations of their representative and the testing done, we purchased numerous chemicals from their establishment. Upon receiving these chemicals we found that we did no longer need the purchased chemicals and had already started the closing process with chemicals already in our possession. With the understanding that returning a product not to be a problem, and with receipt in hand the chemicals were returned on the Monday after the purchase (10/18/08) only to be told by Mrs. Donna Buckingham, that the chemicals could not be returned because Texas Law prohibited it, and that their policy too was not to accept any chemical returns for fear of tampering. After examining the chemical boxes Mrs. Buckingham agreed to take back the chemicals but not for monetary refund, but store credit, an action that was acceptable at the time. But, in leaving I could not help, but wonder about the Texas Law that prohibited the return. In researching this law and in contacting other establishments, I found that no such law existed and that I was mislead into believing that the policy of the store, was not its own, but it was backed by lawful prohibitions. On 10/24, I placed a call to the business with hopes that they could direct me to the governing law or directive and was told by a male, who declined to give name that it was their store policy. After which, the male representative began to berate me in making several insinuations that we had utilized their services only to obtain water testing to purchase products elsewhere. Of which, was not true. Several other accusatory things were said, where I felt I had to mention that I had legal service on retainer as he retorted. The male representative, instructed me, that I should never bring in water for testing in the future and after a few more comments, abruptly ended the conversation by disconnecting the call. So, in closing, my complaint to you is that, as a customer I resent the fact that they falsely lead me to believe in a governing law pertaining to pool chemicals that doesn t exist. That I was accused of deceiving return practices and lastly, that I was met with harsh words and confrontation, when only I asked for the clarification of the stated governing law. No one, should be treated the way I was, and know one should be made to feel like a criminal for wanting to return a product, that is their right to do. No one should be charged an insurmountable amount of money for chemicals that can be purchased elsewhere for a fraction of the cost. The Outback Pool & Spa Company did not on this occasion conduct themselves with integrity or professionally, which should be dutifully noted as a warning to prospective customers.