The following is my personal experience with Tom Pike and I let the readers draw their own conclusions.
When I first contacted Tom, he had to look at the map to see if my locations falls within his territory even though he has accounts in the same city. Apparently, he draws his own territorial boundary. I made an appointment with Tom to give me an estimate and even texted to remind him. He was at least one hour late (that is an understatement). He gave me a price and wrote it down on his "Agreement" and gave me a copy. It contains the price of monthly service, filter cleaning, conditioning etc. He said if I get my own cleaning equipment such as a Kreepy Krawly, he would reduce the monthly charge by $10. That was a statement he made in passing but not in writing. I hired him on the spot. Because it was the first week of the month, he was nice enough to start the service right there and then. He informed me that he would send someone else to service the pool thereafter. That same day, via e mail, he reneged on the statement about giving me a discount of $10 should i purchase my own cleaning equipment. He said the monthly charge on the Agreement was 'in anticipation" that I obtain my own cleaning equipment. We finally agreed that his employee is to vacuum the pool and I wouldn't be installing my own cleaning equipment as it is bothersome when doing lap swimming. The following week, he sent his employee to clean the pool and I was not present to meet him. The third week I decided to wait for him and introduce myself. By 2:30 p.m, no one showed up. I texted Tom to remind him that his employee had not shown up yet. Finally, he showed up at around 4 p.m. When I went out to greet him, he greeted me with an attitude. He said that he was on his way to pick up his son and Tom made him turn around to come and service my pool. Well, that was part of his route and he should have taken care of my account regardless unless he had a different agreement with Tom. He begrudgingly scooped up the leaves from the pool with a net and hurriedly departed. He told me I should have given him a key to the gate ( which was left unlocked all day). Mind you, this is the first time I met him. With such hostility and attitude , why would anyone want to hand over a key to his/her property?
The fourth week, Tom phoned to let me know he could not find anyone to replace this employee and can no longer service my pool and referred me to one of his friends. He would not charge me for the services rendered. My question is (1). if he knew he would not have the manpower to service a new account, why did he continue to accept new business? (2)what good is the Agreement, which is LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE, when he breaches it whenever he pleases at a moment's notice? I was left on my own to find another replacement. Tom has been in this business for a long time. I am shocked that he was so unprofessional and irresponsible. If I could give a zero star, I would have. He is not going to add another 5 star to his reviews. read more