Pool construction

[jaspertd]

Update

We're nearly there, or so I thought.

Pebblecrete went on late last week, acid wash and filling was due on Friday and handover this week.

Fortunately the acid wash didnt happen on Friday as today I found three areas where water is weeping through the pebblecrete, taking the actual pebblecrete with it.

I noticed it as damp patches and stains running down the base of the empty pool.

Although its Sunday I rang the supervisor, more to leave a message to make sure nothing happened Monday until we had this sorted. To be fair, he called back almost straight away and explained that he would arrange for the Pebblecrete guys to come back and fix it.

I notice BH-RM have posted citing the quality of their workmanship. I'm not sure this fits with that position.

Luckily the pool hadn't been filled, but thats good luck not good management.

It may also be something to do with the fact that the pool was still wet after the rain we have had, when the pebblecrete was applied. I'm fairly sure it actually rained during the application too.

This is the first "Workmanship" issue we have had, assuming the rest of what has been done is sound.

Still have not heard from Remonda (have left a couple of messages for her to call me back).

Will let you know how it goes.

[wishful thinking]

Blue Haven are incredible. After making us wait for MONTHS to get the repairs done on our pool, which were only completed because I withheld money from them and rang them repeatedly, the moment the pool is completed they are emailing me, ringing me and sending letters for their payment.

Different when the shoe is on the other foot isn't it? I told them I would pay them when I could, and I will. But surely they can wait 30 days like any other company for payment, after all, I had to wait a hell of a lot longer.

[Thing]

Good for you wishful thinking - make them wait..

[Fingerscrossed]

Update

Plans have been approved by council. Had a small issue with fencing but got it passed (and how I wanted it). As soon as BH received paperwork they were in contact with me. The Supervisor (Gary) made contact with me the day the paperwork was received. Two days later (This morning) he attended site to inspect what is required to start next week.
Very happy and feel very confident having Gary as the supervisor. Very nice guy and very upfront. Gary has installed a hugh amount of pools in my area and comes highly recommended.
He went through the process and discussed all the key point that needed to be discussed.
If everything goes to plan they will start the dig next week.

Remonda has been very helpful. Every time I have a question I email her and usually get an answer within the hour.
Have also had dealings with Lola who has also gotten back to me promptly.

To date I can't complain about BH service (Been very professional) and beleive my dealings with BH may be contributed to efforts to constantly improve their customer service
(As mentioned by Remonda in her previous posts)

I will be taking photo's of the construction stage so that I can look back on the transformation of my back yard.
If anyone wants to see photos once they start construction or has questions please let me know.


Fingers Crossed

[Fingerscrossed]

Update

Escavation has been completed. Escavators were very nice guys (Family team 2 brothers and father). Was a bit concerned at first because we had to gain access through neighbours property. The guy were very friendly and curtious to my neighbour.
The dig went very well. They made a really neat cut and left no mess at all. The builder pulled the panels out of the colourbond fences to gain access and put them back when they were finished. The steel fixers have been on site the last 2 days putting in the steel. Also a family team (Husban , Wife and son). Very friendy also.
The concrete is due to be poured in 2 days if it doesn't rain.

So far everything is looking good and I am very happy with the progress.


Fingerscrossed

[Poz]

In January this year I made some complaints about customer service issues that I'd had with BH.
This week, my pool was completed.

I must say that my dealings with BH since my complaint have been nothing but professional and of a good standard, and it has alot to do with my project manager.

During the construction process, there were a few hiccups and expenses but all of which BH were not able to foresee. During the excavation, a sewer inspection pipe (it was not mapped on my plans) was broken and it happened to be smack bang in the middle of the deep end.

Here's the scope of the costs I've had:

$640 to fix and move inspection pipe.

$600 for extra concrete and steel for sewer easement (sydney water and engineers requirements)

$500 for cost of coping and cutting.

$950 to have the dirt carted away to a bloke in the next suburb.

$400 to get security window grilles

$2300 for pool fencing.

$670 for peg out survey

$370 for site inspection following dig (required by syd water)

Total: $6430

That brings the total cost for the pool to just over $31000. Luckily I didn't just get the $25000 loan the salesman suggested...

Now, in the end I was frustrated with the company during the pre-construction process and that won't change, but the construction and handover process was smooth and well rehersed. The pool is a quality one and I am very happy with it and now everything is done, I would recommend them for your pool project.

[Fingerscrossed]

Poz

Glad everything worked out for you in the end.

My pool construction is going good. Everything is happening go fast (Which is good) I am having trouble keeping up with things. The shell has be concreted and the large artificial rock waterfall is now being build.
So far my costs are a bit above budget but i did expected this and most of the costs are to do with variations or landscaping that I am doing myself. Most of the actual pool additional cost were mentioned in my contract and also advised to me in advance by the builder.
Can't fault BH or my builder as they have been very professional.

Buying a pool can be like buying a car. You never walk out with the basic model. Not that often that I am going to install a pool so might as well do it right the first time.


Fingerscrossed

[greatgats]

great discussion here.. I might put it off for another 12 months!!!

[Fingerscrossed]

Update

Pool was finished and commissioned last Wednesday. The pool come out looking excellent (Just to cold now to swim).
The only problem I have found is that the rock waterfall need adjusting.The water is running off the side O.K but the centre stays dry. Because it is shaped by hand I have been told that this can occur. I have spoken to BH and they are sending someone out to fix the problem. BH have been very professional to date and very quick at installing my pool.


Fingerscrossed

[User007]

NGE note: valid name required for NGE membership

[Fingerscrossed]

Pool has been completely finished.

BH and the contractor were quick to get back out and adjust the waterfall.

The whole process from start to finish was a very pleasent experience. Like any building or construction work there is always inconviences but BH worked with me the whole time to make this as easy as possible.
The contractors were fantastic and very curtious to my family and neighbours.
I was worried at first about going with BH due to negative feedback but now I am glad I did.

Conclusion

I have ended up with a fantastic looking pool that was better than expected at a very good price.

Other companies quoted alot more for the same type of pool(Hugh Saving by using BH). While other companies service may be the same I couldn't beleive it could be any better than what BH provided me.

Hope my posts help anyone looking at installing a pool.

While I understand this site is mainly for posting problems with products or services I beleive credit should be given were credit is due.

These people were fantastic

R at BH

S at BH

G - Builder

Total Rock Concepts - O - is a artist of artifical rock making.

I would definately use BH again and recommend them to friends and family.


fingerscrossed

[Decision Validated]

I'm glad the outcome was good for you fingerscrossed. My experience with BH was a little different though limited to the sales side.

I just had BH provide me with a proposal to build a new pool and when I put it beside a couple of other proposals it just didn't tick as many boxes as a couple of the other proposals and it was more expensive. But when the Blue Haven Sales rep phoned and I told him that I was considering 2 other pool builders he started to abuse me and complain on the one hand that I had waisted his time and on the other that I didn't give BH the opportunity to review or revise their proposal. If this is an example of BH's customer service I will happily take my custom elsewhere.

[NGE]

Blue Haven has requested and been supplied with contact details for Decision Validated.