Awful, awful, awful!
I signed up with Island Time in June 2015 and was told by Stephanie that our total bill each month would be $91. When we signed up, I explained that we were renters and any repairs would need to be pre-approved. On the first service, they "replaced" the backwash handle and o-rings, bringing our first bill to $214. We called and emailed, and explained the situation again, and that all repairs would need to be pre-approved.
Our next encounter was when a technician broke the timer and we had to contact them to come fix it. The day they said they could come out was a day we were out of town so we left the back gate unlocked. I got a voicemail from the manager, Brian, that the tech said the dogs were out in the backyard. Liar! I called back and told him there was no way they could be in the backyard when they were 4-hours away in Pinetop. He left a second voicemail the next day that said, "well, I guess someone didn't want to do their job today." That's the kind of employees they have?? Seriously?
Next, when the service tech, Mike, came out yesterday, we happened to be home and had to literally show him how to empty the baskets and purge the water in the pump filter. He said, "I'm really a spa guy. I don't know much about pools." This is the same service tech they've been sending since June so does that mean he didn't know what he was doing for the past 2-months?? We also asked him to check the pump, as we thought there may be a small leak. But when he opened the valve on the pump filter, it shot water all over the place so he couldn't determine what water came from the leak and what came from the geyser he created by being impatient and opening the valve too soon.
So, we had to call and ask that a tech come out to asses the pump leak. We were told that he came out this morning at 9AM. Another lie. No one was at the house at 9AM, as we were both here waiting and watching for the tech.
We were finally passed off to the owner, Dan, who said he'd "go to bat" for his employees, and that they don't lie, even after we told him that we had the voicemail to prove that Brian agreed the tech lied about the dogs being in the backyard when we were all in Pinetop. We also explained to Dan that we were very clear with Stephanie that all repairs needed to be pre-approved. He told us that their policy is that any repairs under $50 are just completed and they do not seek approval first. Yet were charged for a backwash handle that cost $62.65 without prior approval. Per his made-up-on-the-fly policy, and the last time I was in 2nd grade math class, $62 is higher than $50.
At this point, we are over the sub-par service and unethical business practices of Island Time Pools.
Note - we did get a call back from the owner who said he'd refund us for one-week of service and another $50 for our frustration. If they keep their promise, I'll revise this review. If not, steer clear! There are more ethical companies in the valley for pool service.
Follow up (Sept 2, 2015). On the same day I wrote this review, I emailed the owner to let him know what was happening. He responded with this "I do not lie. I support my employees. No I am being called a liar and accused of making up policy on the fly. Unfair and uncalled for. With this temperament and these accusations, what incentive to I have to refund the money.
This matter is resolved. At this time I deserve an apology. I will take the weekend to think about this, but the refund may be dependent on an apology. Let's move on and stop the childish bickering.
I will wait for your apology for your remarks. The check is written, signed and in an envelope. It will be mailed when the apology is given."
So basically, 1) we have PROOF on a voicemail that the employees lied; 2) even though the owner said that we'd receive a refund, now it's dependent on if I apologize to him??
I would stay far, far away from this company! read more