Sales vs. Service…read more This is not the first time I've walked out of Leslie's feeling like their "customized treatment plan" was more about selling me extra chemicals than actually getting my pool balanced efficiently. My recent visit was yet another example. What Leslie's Recommended * Add nearly 9 lbs of Alkalinity Up to raise alkalinity. * Follow immediately with 7 lbs of Dry Acid (pH Down) to lower pH. The problem? Alkalinity Up raises both alkalinity and pH, and then Dry Acid lowers both alkalinity and pH. In other words, they tried to sale me a product to push my water one way, and another product to push it back the other way. The net result? My water chemistry ends up about the same, but I've bought twice the chemicals. What the Test Results Actually Showed * Free Chlorine: 0.2 ppm (dangerously low) * pH: 8.3 (too high, chlorine won't work well) * Alkalinity: 75 ppm (slightly low, but not critical) The real problem was high pH and no chlorine. The most direct solution was simple: * Add a moderate dose of pH Down (2.5-3 lbs). * Wait an hour, then shock with 4 gallons of liquid chlorine. This addresses the core issue immediately, allowing chlorine to sanitize effectively. Only after the pool clears and stabilizes should alkalinity be fine-tuned and in this case, it would take far less than the 9 lbs they prescribed. Why This Feels Sales-Driven Instead of recommending the one step I needed most (lowering pH so chlorine could work), Leslie's plan layered in unnecessary products, driving up cost. It's a pattern I've seen before: solve a minor issue (slightly low alkalinity) in a way that creates another imbalance (raising pH higher), then sell the counter-chemical to "fix" it. The Smarter Approach By following the simpler path, pH Down now, chlorine shock after circulation, then retest tomorrow, I'll know right away if the problem is under control. From there, I can decide if alkalinity even needs adjusting. This avoids chemical waste, unnecessary expense, and keeps the focus where it should be: on actually clearing the pool. Look for results tomorrow, I will follow up post. Final Take Leslie's missed the opportunity (again) to give advice that put my pool back on track quickly and cost-effectively. Instead of being a trusted partner in pool care, they came across as pushing product. The practical, stepwise approach works better and future testing will prove that good chemistry doesn't require buying half the aisle of chemicals. STAY TUNNED FOR UPDATED TEST RESULTS

I live in Broken Arrow and normally go to the Leslie's near me. It is always a negative experience…read more They are rude and condescending every time. Went to this Harvard store and what a pleasant change. Very warm and welcoming staff; the customer service was beyond great, and they were even seen to be helping customers out to their cars with supplies. Very nice customer service. I will be back for sure.