Feb. 26, 2010 - I want to make clear that Barefoot Pools is responsible for the construction of the pool, pouring of the deck, the stone-veneered retained walls and pool equipment wall.
H and H Tile and Plaster is responsible for the pool plaster.
Texas Etch and Score is responsible for the stained pool deck and patio. Like the pool plaster company, we found and commissioned Texas Etch and Score Inc. ourselves. These companies have nothing to do with Barefoot Pools. Let that be clear so the appropriate folks get the proper credit they deserve.
I've attached a few photos of the retaining pool walls and pool equipment wall that have a serious efflorescence issue that we will be remedying ourselves; another unforeseen out-of-pocket cost.
May 1, 2009 - Finally got the pool re-plastered and up to industry standard by H and H Tile and Plaster. As I mentioned in their review, they were highly responsive and showed the utmost professionalism and remedied a few minor issues expeditiously. Sometimes working with contractors can be trying but when they end on a good note they've earned a loyal customer. H and H Tile and Plaster have that in us.
Barefoot Pools' choice to listen to their customers (we did the research for selection) to use them was a good, sound decision. If you decide to use Barefoot Pools to build your pool make sure you check the other subcontractors they intend to use and get a list to verify references. This is a critical step in the decision-making process that my husband and I neglected to do with much regret.
As I'd previously mentioned, I had many issues with the contractor they used to pour the deck. To date, my deck has unevenly scored lines, rough patches from uneven/lack of troweling, and permanent staining from some chemicals they'd accidentally poured onto the deck but didn't adequately clean off. Note, to Barefoot Pools' credit, we got a minor discount for the inferior job but due to the nature of concrete most of these issues are irreparable.
I dragged my heels in writing this update because I was still conflicted. Although things finally worked themselves out...it took an excessive amount of time (9 months) and was very stressful, uncomfortable, and inconveniencing as we had to constantly push the issue. The owners eventually agreed to carry out their contractual obligations but we were only demanding what we should have gotten in the first place. The point is that it required a lot of strong-arming effort backed by an independent consultation from a pool building expert and legal advice which cost us nearly $1k out-of-pocket to make it happen.
From my experience I won't recommend or use them again but I will let it be known that they did eventually do the right thing. Unfortunately, I can't help but feel like it was "too little, too late" and the end doesn't necessarily justify the means. We like the owners at Barefoot Pools personally but stand by this review as an objective depiction of our experience. If yours is different great but this is ours and it is true. read more