I used Anthony & Sylvan and my pool was completed the week before Memorial Day. Overall I was actually very happy with them. But there are a few things I would note:
1. They don't really do any of the actual work themselves - other than maybe the fence, and even that is a bit suspect. Every stage of the project was completed by a subcontractor who specialized in their own piece of the puzzle - excavator, electricians, plumbers, rebar, concrete, tile, plaster, etc. However, there is something to be said for this as well, as I felt like each crew REALLY knew their job - rather than a couple guys who were only so-so in any one area of the construction phases. As long as it is all well coordinated (which it was for me), you should have no problem.
2. I felt like some of the equipment/parts used may be a bit substandard. While they use name brand stuff - Jandy, Polaris, Hayward, etc., I think if they can get by with the low-end stuff they will. For example, straight cut pvc returns into the pool rather than any type of threaded eyeball returns.
3. They have a specific payment schedule and if the project shifts at all, they're very reluctant to adjust accordingly. This seemed to be a standard with all PBs. My pool build began last September with an interuption for the winter break. With over $11k worth of individual contract elements still left to deliver in the Spring, the only payment left was just under $2500. I asked if part of the last payment before the winter break could be deferred till Spring and they were very reluctant. They did finally cave in and allow me to push $3k off till Spring.
4. Knowing absolutely nothing about pools already, I felt they could have done a bit better job educating me as to my options. My sales rep was a really nice guy, and even threw in some stuff for free - even though he forgot he told me he would at first, and when I reminded him he said "Did I say that?...OK, no problem". But if I knew then what I know now - just from reading everything on this forum (wish I found this before I built the pool) - I would have done a few things differently (i.e. no Nature2, and perhaps a SWG).
5. The startup company will be the local pool store that services A&S pools for your area. They'll bring out all the items that go with the pool - brush, ropes, vacuum, auto-cleaner, etc., as well as a good supply of startup pool chemicals to get you going. Then they'll send you an invoice for over $400 for all the chemicals!!! Know what you're doing first and perhaps you can instruct them on exactly what chemicals you want and/or don't want. They also left out bringing my pool cover just yet, and stated they'll bring it in the Fall when they come to close the pool. That is being pretty presumptuous that I even WANT them to close my pool!!!
I've actually heard some horror stories about A&S, but the price was right for me and I took a chance, and luckily was not disappointed. Not sure which office you'd deal with, but I dealt primarily with the Doylestown, PA office.
Any other specific questions, please let me know.
