Brinkmann Pools LLC

Brinkmann Pools installed our pool about 5 years ago. We did a lot of research including looking at 4 different pool installers and whether we wanted a fiberglass, lined or cement pool. We finally decided on a fiberglass pool, and Brinkmann had the most experience installing fiberglass pools in our area. In addition, Rob (The owner) had a lot of recommendations that help making our investment in an in-ground pool an enjoyable experience. These include a salt-water generator, automatic cover, electric heat-pump and control system with in-house control panel. Rob was a great sales person and very helpful during the sales process including letting us talk to several previous customers and even setting up an in-person visit to one customer near our house. Also, in comparison, his price was in-line or maybe even slightly cheaper than a comparable setup. We used our own electrician, cement finisher, landscaper and fence person... Brinkmann's price was higher in these areas than if we used our own contractors. The installers maybe were not the most professional/customer focused; however, they really seemed to understand how to install a fiberglass pool and only took a couple days (One of the benefits of a fiberglass pool). Per the contract, they installed the pool, pool water lines, pump/filter, heat-pump, and rough-in for the future automatic cover. They also answered my electricians questions regarding the required electrical connections and control panel. The main reason I gave them an overall rating of and quot;Band quot; is their follow-up/customer service since the pool was installed. When you call with questions/concerns, unless you speak to Rob (The owner) they act like you are inconveniencing them. In addition, we were sold on all the benefits of a salt-water generator, heat-pump and automatic cover but over the last 5 years, we realized we were not told the complete story. (1) Don't expect to use your pool early in the season when the weather is cold for several days and then hot for a day... there is not enough time to allow the heat-pump to increase the tempurature enough. Our neighbors with a gas heat can heat there pool much faster. The up-side of the heat-pump is the operating cost savings. (2) Salt-water generator. Sold as a cost savings benefit due to the reduction of yearly chemical costs. Although this is true on a yearly basis, I just found-out this year that the cell for the salt-water generator needs to be replaced every 4-5 years at a cost of $500-$1,000. (3) Automatic-cover. This is a huge advantage due to the simplicity of opening/closing the pool for winter, the safety benefits and since we have a dark-colored cover it works as a great solar cover. The downside, in our mid-west climate these covers last only 5-6 years and need to be replaced at a cost of between $2,500 and $5,000. Finally, when my cover starting ripping on the edges this year, my first call was to Brinkmann. After several days of no response, I tried again and got Rob on the phone. I told him my issue and this is when I learned that these covers only last 5-6 years. I asked Rob for an estimate and I'm still waiting 6+ weeks later. Again, customer service is not their strong suit once the installation is complete. My yearly closings are done by a local pool maintenance company at a fraction of the cost of Brinkmann, and in my opinion is done is a much more professional and thorough manner. Just to summarize, great sales/service on the front-end, good installation services but poor follow-on support once pool installation is complete.

It was a good experience and I would use them again.

THEY WERE VERY GOOD - CHARGED BY HOUR BUT KEPT TRACK FOR MEMBERS. GAVE GREAT SUGGESTIONS! VERY PLEASED