How bad is this pool opening?

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J

jkatID

Member
Jun 27, 2023
8
Idaho
Before I light these guys up on a review I would like to know what everyone thinks. This is my pool AFTER a $637 "de-winterization". This is how they left it. My pool was cleaned well before the winter and covered with a tarp. I think all these guys did was pull off the tarp ($137 charge) and let all the Crud go into the pool. There were 2 bricks holding a corner of the tarp and they let them fall in the pool and left them there. Then they said it was "a bad winter for debris" and would need multiple cleanings (for more money). On top of that they charged me crazy prices for all kinds of chemicals including chlorine tabs (I have a salt pool). I spent all weekend vacuuming this Crud to waste and the pool still looks so bad I can't see the bottom.

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pool3.jpg
 
That is very shoddy work for $637...except, what did the contract specify for "de-winterization." A lot is involved. Restoring equipment functionality, removing the cover, balancing chemicals, cleaning the debris, storing equipment etc. If you wanted an equipment restoration, full cleaning and return to clear, likely $$ would be higher.

The pool service industry sucks. That is why the majority of us have punted them and taken control ourselves on TFP.

I think they are Pool Storing you (I am PoolStored). I also think you have some responsibility to specify your expectations for the services and the price before agreeing to the service. (Yes, as a professional service professional, I take it as my responsibility to set expectations with the customer; sadly the pool service industry does not...)

Take control...
You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
 
Last edited:
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My pool guys did the cleanup in about half an hour as part of the opening.

I instruct them to add NO chemicals and do not expect to be charged for any.

pool-2025-2-jpg.638266
 
Perfect I didn't expect but they pretty much trashed my pool. This is their VIP service they were supposed to do.

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization Includes
(NEW Services at No Additional Charge!!!)
-Completion of 50+ Point De-Winterization
Checklist
-Blow Off Pool Deck Area
-Same Day Follow Up For Every Visit with Pictures
-Provide Equipment Inspection Report
(Previously Included Services)
-Perform Diagnostic Inspection of All Equipment
-Inspect, Remove and Prepare Cover for Storage
-Inspect Exterior Surround of Pool Deck, Walkways,
etc.
-Inspect Pool Surface for visible damage, cracks,
stains, etc
.-Re-Install & Secure All Pool Peripherals (handrails,
ladders, etc.)
-Reinstall Plugs in the heater, pump, chlorinator,
etc
-Pull Winter Plugs from the Pool Area (ex: returns,
inlets, etc.)
-Check Functionality and Initiate All Pool Equipment
(ex: filter, pumps, heaters, automation, etc.)
-Inspect all water seal points-Clean & Tidy Equipment Area
-Full range test & properly balance water chemistry
using LSI
-Empty, inspect and reinstall skimmer basket-Empty, inspect and reinstall pump basket
-Check Filter Pressure

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization + Initial Clean
Includes-All Services from VIP De-Winterization
PLUS Initial Day of De-Winterization Clean Which
Includes:
-Brush pool walls
-Brush pool steps
-Brush pool waterline
-Brush pool tile
-Backwash filter when applicable
-Skim Pool Surface with Net
-Vacuum pool floor
 
jkatID said:
Perfect I didn't expect but they pretty much trashed my pool. This is their VIP service they were supposed to do.

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization Includes
(NEW Services at No Additional Charge!!!)
-Completion of 50+ Point De-Winterization
Checklist
-Blow Off Pool Deck Area
-Same Day Follow Up For Every Visit with Pictures
-Provide Equipment Inspection Report
(Previously Included Services)
-Perform Diagnostic Inspection of All Equipment
-Inspect, Remove and Prepare Cover for Storage
-Inspect Exterior Surround of Pool Deck, Walkways,
etc.
-Inspect Pool Surface for visible damage, cracks,
stains, etc
.-Re-Install & Secure All Pool Peripherals (handrails,
ladders, etc.)
-Reinstall Plugs in the heater, pump, chlorinator,
etc
-Pull Winter Plugs from the Pool Area (ex: returns,
inlets, etc.)
-Check Functionality and Initiate All Pool Equipment
(ex: filter, pumps, heaters, automation, etc.)
-Inspect all water seal points-Clean & Tidy Equipment Area
-Full range test & properly balance water chemistry
using LSI
-Empty, inspect and reinstall skimmer basket-Empty, inspect and reinstall pump basket
-Check Filter Pressure

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization + Initial Clean
Includes-All Services from VIP De-Winterization
PLUS Initial Day of De-Winterization Clean Which
Includes:
-Brush pool walls
-Brush pool steps
-Brush pool waterline
-Brush pool tile
-Backwash filter when applicable
-Skim Pool Surface with Net
-Vacuum pool floor
Click to expand...
Where you there for the opening and to observe their work and checkoff the services they performed?
 
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jkatID said:
I had the VIP+clean service. Unfortuntely, I wasn't there and they didn't call me with any issues. This is what I came home to.
Click to expand...
In the future security cameras can record their work so you can review it later and have documentation for discussion and disputes.

It is unfortunate that is needed but such is the state of service workers now.
 
jkatID said:
Perfect I didn't expect but they pretty much trashed my pool. This is their VIP service they were supposed to do.

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization Includes
(NEW Services at No Additional Charge!!!)
-Completion of 50+ Point De-Winterization
Checklist
-Blow Off Pool Deck Area
-Same Day Follow Up For Every Visit with Pictures
-Provide Equipment Inspection Report
(Previously Included Services)
-Perform Diagnostic Inspection of All Equipment
-Inspect, Remove and Prepare Cover for Storage
-Inspect Exterior Surround of Pool Deck, Walkways,
etc.
-Inspect Pool Surface for visible damage, cracks,
stains, etc
.-Re-Install & Secure All Pool Peripherals (handrails,
ladders, etc.)
-Reinstall Plugs in the heater, pump, chlorinator,
etc
-Pull Winter Plugs from the Pool Area (ex: returns,
inlets, etc.)
-Check Functionality and Initiate All Pool Equipment
(ex: filter, pumps, heaters, automation, etc.)
-Inspect all water seal points-Clean & Tidy Equipment Area
-Full range test & properly balance water chemistry
using LSI
-Empty, inspect and reinstall skimmer basket-Empty, inspect and reinstall pump basket
-Check Filter Pressure

VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization + Initial Clean
Includes-All Services from VIP De-Winterization
PLUS Initial Day of De-Winterization Clean Which
Includes:
-Brush pool walls
-Brush pool steps
-Brush pool waterline
-Brush pool tile
-Backwash filter when applicable
-Skim Pool Surface with Net
-Vacuum pool floor
Click to expand...
Would have been interesting if you had shown that list to the guys on site and asked them if they did all that.

I would bet they would say they never saw that list.

The guys doing the work often are not aware, or forget, what marketing is promising.
 
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jkatID said:
I had the VIP+clean service. Unfortuntely, I wasn't there and they didn't call me with any issues. This is what I came home to.
Click to expand...
I think I’d just send them a picture of the dirty floor (and the bricks) with a note that says “it looks like they forgot to vacuum the floor, are they coming back to do that today?”
 
jkatID said:
VIP Signature Pool De-Winterization + Initial Clean
Includes-All Services from VIP De-Winterization
PLUS Initial Day of De-Winterization Clean Which
Includes:
-Brush pool walls
-Brush pool steps
-Brush pool waterline
-Brush pool tile
-Backwash filter when applicable
-Skim Pool Surface with Net
-Vacuum pool floor
Click to expand...
That's ALOT of words for brush, vac and skim. De-winterizing is kinda unnecessary also but sounds fancier than 'opening'. I tried to make 'summerizing' become a thing for my snowblower and pool but it didn't take off.

Anywho, the leaves they dumped in didn't settle right away. They very well could have vacuumed and wouldn't have caught one leaf that was swirling around off the bottom. Then when you vacuum too quickly, you stir up the ones that are on the bottom, missing those too. Their time is money so it would be extra to take more of it.

And no more bricks of any kind on the cover for reasons you're seeing. You risk floor damage when they get yanked in. Use aquablocks, sand / water bags, or 5 gallon buckets filled with water.
 
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