PB opening Cost

[Matt F 1]

l Got a letter from the PB over the weekend. Which states that the cost to open the pool will be 600 bucks but will discount it if I send a "Testimonial Letter" $50, "Google Review" $50, and also a check before March 31 $50. When we signed the contract the PB stated that the cost for opening and closing will be 500 bucks, then this arrives not happy camper if its mandatory to do all the required reviews just for a one time savings. Then next year its 600 bucks again. Letter also states that anyone other than the PB that opens and closes the pool voids all warranties with PB. Last year the owner stated that as long as they close the pool they would guaranty the underground, plumbing and utilities. The PB also stated that once I see them open the pool that I'll be able to do it myself as I'm "handy", but I should have them close it.

Whats a guy to do?

 

[ajw22]

Send the PB a letter stating what he told you and that you expect him to live up to his agreement. If not you will consider writing reviews and not the kind he expects.

I think you just got the general customer mass mailing that does not reflect what you were told.

 

[revitup]

Ask him to itemize the $600 cost to open.

 

[JamesW]

Letter also states that anyone other than the PB that opens and closes the pool voids all warranties with PB.

Unless the build contract said that, they can't just unilaterally say it now.

In fact, it's probably illegal.

Below relates to warranties for cars, but the law should still apply.

You can contact your state's attorney general or the ftc to file a complaint if necessary.

In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

Auto Warranties & Routine Maintenance

Is it ever okay for an auto dealer to deny warranty coverage because someone else did routine maintenance on your car?

www.consumer.ftc.gov

 

[JamesW]

Tie-In Sales Provisions

In general, tie-in sales provisions are prohibited. A tie-in sales provision requires a purchaser of a warranted product to buy a particular item or service from a specified company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive the benefits of the warranty. For example, the following illustrates a prohibited tie-in sales provision:

In order to keep your new X Brand Lawnmower warranty in effect, you must use genuine X Brand Lawnmower Blades. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Y Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.

Warranty Laws and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

This article explains what the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is and how it affects consumers.

www.findlaw.com

 

[JamesW]

For a manufacturer to disclaim warranty coverage, they would have to be able to prove that any damage was due to neglect, misuse or abuse.

For example, if the equipment or plumbing is damaged by freezing, the warranty probably won't apply since it's proper procedure to take necessary precautions to prevent freeze damage during freezing weather.

For example, if you used a different service provider to close the pool and then had freeze damage, the service provider would be responsible and the builder would not be responsible.

The builder should notify you of all required maintenance and safety requirements so that they can be done, but they cannot require you to use their services.

The builder would be responsible for defects in materials and workmanship.

 

[mguzzy]

Well there's a new bait and switch scam... if that is what it is. I would turn it on him. Tell him in light of the new demands you will get a bad review unless the start up costs are now included since he just voided your contract without a proper change order.

BTW: You do know we can walk you through the start up and shut down procedures.. then you can do it on your own... it really feels like this guy is trying to lock you into some kind of re-occurring revenue stream for himself.

 

[JamesW]

The next letter will say that they have to buy all chemicals from the builder or the warranty is void.

Salt 40 lb. bag ........$100.00 bag
Liquid chlorine........$100.00 gallon
Total alkalinity.........$100.00 per pound.
Cyanuric acid...........$100.00 per pound.

 

[mguzzy]

The next letter will say that they have to buy all chemicals from the builder or the warranty is void.

Salt 40 lb. bag ........$100.00 bag
Liquid chlorine........$100.00 gallon
Total alkalinity.........$100.00 per pound.
Cyanuric acid...........$100.00 per pound.

hey if prices keep going up, that might be a good deal soon!

 

[JamesW]

The prices will be listed as "Market Price" like they do at expensive restaurants.

The liquid chlorine will be sold like fine wine.

The sommelier will bring out the bottle and let you smell the cap.

We have a nice 2021 vintage from a local supplier that I think you will like.

It's unassuming and unpretentious with hints of hydroxide.

 

[Matt F 1]

I've heard from the PB they stated they haven't raised the cost in ten years but will honor the $500 opening cost. With the closing cost being $600 in the fall.
I'm willing to pay the cost to close because if something breaks over the winter they have to come back and repair it.
But don't you think there should be a cost difference for pools with auto-covers verses pools without. It's a little more labor and time consuming to fold and unfold a stand alone cover verses pushing a bottom.

.

 

[JamesW]

But don't you think there should be a cost difference for pools with auto-covers verses pools without.

They can charge whatever they want. I doubt that they're going to care what we think.

Unless we're going to be ready, willing and able to do the job for the price we say, it doesn't matter.

If you're going to have any negotiating leverage, you have to be willing to walk away.

If you can't negotiate an acceptable price, call someone else.

They can't void the warranty just because you don't use their services.

Use a reputable business that's licensed, bonded and insured and make sure that they guarantee their work in writing.

 

[superuser]

The next letter will say that they have to buy all chemicals from the builder or the warranty is void.

Salt 40 lb. bag ........$100.00 bag
Liquid chlorine........$100.00 gallon
Total alkalinity.........$100.00 per pound.
Cyanuric acid...........$100.00 per pound.

They can charge whatever they want. I doubt that they're going to care what we think.

Unless we're going to be ready, willing and able to do the job for the price we say, it doesn't matter.

If you're going to have any negotiating leverage, you have to be willing to walk away.

If you can't negotiate an acceptable price, call someone else.

They can't void the warranty just because you don't use their services.

Correct. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would apply, and your warranty stays fully in effect regardless of who maintains the pool.
(YMMV, IANAL, etc.)

 

[Cephrael]

My builder wanted $350 to close and I told him to take a hike. He cost $350 to open last year, and I wound up doing 90% of the work, and the pool was a lovely shade of green and smelled like a swamp (Frogs included). This was probably due to him not closing it properly at the end of the previous season. Closed it myself this year, and when I peeked under the cover recently the water was still clear.

I’d shop around for someone cheaper, or better yet learn to do it yourself.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Opening a pool is the simplest of jobs, closing not so much. Tons of threads here explaining how it’s done. It’s a medium skilled job to close one, monkeys can open them.

Tricks by PB’s include removing salt cell in the fall and taking it with them for cleaning (ya right) leaving you with a key piece missing, or stuffing foam rope in the suction line before the pump, etc etc.

 

[mguzzy]

monkeys can open them