This is an addendum to my previous review of EML Pools and Spas. I invite you to read our initial review so you will understand my desire to shine a light on EML's business practices. In summary 1. After delaying the install of the spa for 14 months EML quit the job before it was finished 2. The handrail was not installed 3. The water pipe system leaked and had to be replaced 4. The pool light purchased for the install failed and was identified by another company as junk 5. None of the cosmetic issues they agreed to fix were addressed As a final word of precaution: We signed a contract with EML that stipulated that any disputes had to be resolved via arbitration administered by the Florida Pool and Spa Association as opposed to seeking litigation. You will not be able to litigate the issue in court. It turns out this is a bulwark to protect the contractor. You will have to pay 2500 to 3500 nonrefundable fee and in the unlikely event they decide in your favor you will then have to go to court to obtain the remedy. Strongly recommend; do not sign a contract requiring arbitration by a professional association. Because of limited discovery, lack of a jury, and limited appeal rights and potential for bias, it is hard to see why arbitration would be more fair than court litigation. read more

We signed a contract February 11, 2022, with Lawrence Losciale, owner of EML Pool and Spa, Inverness, Florida. The clearing and preparation of the construction site occurred shortly thereafter. However, work stopped and there were many delays over the one-year construction period. EML contract promises diligent performance, but industry professionals have told us that the installation of a preformed, inground fiberglass spa should have been completed in less than 3 months--not 14 months. Client reviews on social media indicate that ours is not an isolated case. In fairness there EML did receive a few positive reviews, at least one of which was written by Lawrence Losciale himself, but the majority are quite negative. EML's business plan is to sell as many pools as possible, start the project, and then keep the client in a hold pattern. The client is a hostage since their home is a construction zone, they have invested significant upfront funds, and it would be difficult and expensive to find another contractor to take over the project. At one point, one of EML's employees stated that they had started 12 projects but only have two construction workers. After waiting ten months we asked for an update on the schedule to which we were provided this curt reply; "let me be clear, I don't know when we will finish". Our contract with EML specified that a conflict cannot be litigated but must be arbitrated through the Florida Swimming and Pool Association (FSPA). I considered this option, but there is a minimum nonrefundable fee of $3500 for the process. Since the arbitration board is composed of other pool contractors, we suspected there might be a bias in favor of EML and, because of this perceived risk, we did not pursue this option. If you search online for an article entitled "Beware of Pool Contract Arbitration" bias by 'FSPA arbitrator board our suspicion of bias appears to be justified. It appears that the FSPA focuses on marketing and serving as a bulwark for its members. Towards the end of the project, we discovered construction errors. After our protest, EML agreed to fix the problem. However, we were then informed that it would further delay the completion of the project and, again, EML would not provide a completion date. After eleven months of frustration, we directed EML to finish the project as soon as possible and we would hire another contractor to correct the mistakes. At this point we had other contractors look at what needed to be done to finish the project. After seeing the quality of the workmanship and hearing about the time frame, they shook their heads while laughing in disbelief. Although the spa was functional in February, one year after signing the contract, another two months went by as we waited for EML to install a handrail, fix a leak, and repair cosmetic issues. In May I wrote a note indicating that after 14 months it was time to complete the project. This appears to have angered Mr. Losciale and his field manager (Carl) blocked my phone calls and text messages. This clearly indicated he had quit the job. I arranged with the Citrus County Building and Codes to perform the final inspection, and after I made a few repairs, it passed the inspection, May 1, 2023. Since EML had not completed their obligations under the contract, this was clearly a breach, and we were confident that our claim would be supported by Citrus County Florida Small Claims Court. However, since our contract with EML had the mandatory FSPA arbitration provision, the court dismissed the case. We are certain our claim is justified but given the cost and our concern that we would not be treated fairly in a FSPA administered arbitration. Since FSPA arbitration fee was $3500, and our financial loss was $1935, it is not practical to pursue that option. We had paid the total amount specified in the contract and while we recognize that it is not likely we will be able to recover our loses; we would still hope to be able to shine a light on Mr. Locale's business ethics to provide a warning to his future clients. read more

This guy is slow as molasses. Not only that but you can't get him to work! My daughter is having absolute nightmares with him. I would positively suggest you RIN FROM HIM! If I move to Florida and want a pool built, this guy AINT GETTING MY BUSINESS! read more

We hired this company to install a San Juan pool with a Rico rock waterfall feature. Larry is nice and professional until you sign the contract. Then you get the run around. It took this company 1 years to from time we signed our contract for them to finish. Not only did they install our pool unlevel they screwed up the water fall. It leaks from behind. Larry tried to fix that so we could pass inspection. He basically stuffed cement in all the crevices. That stopped it..... temporarily. Please save yourself, do not hire this company. read more

We had EML pools come out and start our pool on January 11, 2023 and told us the pool would be done in three months. They almost put my pool in the wrong spot. Luckily I was there then they put my pool in 9 inches too high.The texturing on my pool was terrible. The tile work was terrible, the forming of the slab was unlevel, there are three stain spots on the bottom of my brand new pool.EML then decided to grind down the texturing To fix it in a bunch of concrete, went into my pool and then EML decided to VACUUM ALL THE CONCRETE through my pool system and left it in my filter while my pool was still running. It took them a total of nine months to finish my pool, which was still not completed due to them, messing other things up in the process of trying to fix everything that EML did wrong. they only show up once or twice every two weeks and only work about six hours. The company has about 10 to 15 pools going and they only have three employees so if you're looking for a reliable company look somewhere else this is the worst experience and stressful company I have ever ever dealt with. read more

We contracted with EML Pools and spas for a pool on June 15th 2020. We were told by Larry Losciale (owner) they would start the end of September if not sooner if someone's financing fell through and it would take about three to four weeks to complete. We heard nothing until mid September after repeatedly trying to make contact (they will not answer the phone or emails) was told then we were never scheduled for September it was October. October no pool, November no pool. They will not contact you for updates all contact was initiated by us. December no pool. Late December was told January will start. Was leaving for work January 15th notice a back hoe in front of my neighbor's house asked the guy if he was there to dig our pool, again NO contact just showed up. Fast forward two months, Pool in the ground, Plumbing done, footer for the coping done, city inspector shows up, pool does not meet setback code. Larry tried to blame the city but he had NO permit. Had to Bust up the footer and water fall and DIG THE POOL UP AND MOVE IT. Two more mouths pool is finished. Hollow spot under the pool, will it be a problem who knows. When paver company (Heavenly Hardscapes) sealed the pavers they put it on too thick and now they're milky white. EML Pools and spas takes on more pools then they can manage in a timely fashion only working on them one or two days a week. With this company's total lack of customer service and professionalism we could not recommend this company. read more

Terrible won't clean tile if they show up To your home at all Make sure u check your filter cause may not clean either read more

Worst service ever. Took advantage of the fact that we were out of state and did not properly maintain our pool. Called ahead of arriving at the home and asked them to vacuum the pool for us. The pool was not vacuumed actually what we found was a pile of sand on the stairs leading into the pool and a dead lizard. there was sediment piled all around the pool. Only hire this company if you don't care about your pool or your money. read more

My parents had their pool built by EML. It turned out beautifully. The construction is wonderful. Everything went smoothly, which is rare when you are having construction done. Everything was handled from beginning to end with great efficiency. They love their pool, and as a matter of fact, we all enjoy it! It's really made family time more enjoyable overall. read more