The idea of an above ground pool, particularly in the summer, is a very attractive one for all of the family. With a rise in above ground pool scams and scammers, here are some smart tips to help you avoid falling into the trap.
- What is an above ground pool?
- Pool companies rating
- Above ground pool scams
- Tips to buy the best above ground pool
What Is an Above Ground Pool?
Buying an above ground pool is a big deal for most people. Whatever your reason for considering an above ground pool installation, there’s no doubt you’ll be excited to get it in place and start to use the pool.
It sits on the ground in your back garden or external space. Though these pools are a little more flexible than an in-ground on internal pool, buying an above ground pool is still a big decision as it could last you for years.
There is a huge range of above ground pool companies to choose from. Many are reputable and have been around for a long time. The market seems buoyant, but in practice it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs.
One thing to be sure of is to take note of pool reviews when you’re considering buying an above ground pool. With this in mind, PissedConsumer.com has a collection of 8.3K online reviews of pool and spa companies.
There’s also data sent in by customers so you can choose the appropriate pool and save yourself from any above ground pool scams.
Consumers often raise issues, such as “Is Blue World Pools Legit?” These consumer comment threads can provide real insight into how consumers feel about above ground pool companies scams and interactions with pool suppliers.
According to 2022 research, there are 130 million US households and around 8% have a swimming pool. Of these, 41% are above ground pools.
With so many people fitting above ground pools, it’s sensible to check customer reviews of pool companies to see if they have the experience and customer satisfaction levels you’d want for your above ground pool installation.
Pool Companies Rating
Above ground pools are popular for many reasons, such as:
- relative affordability compared to other types of pools than other types of pools;
- variety of shapes and sizes;
- option to select the design;
- possibility to store away when required.
Here is a comparison of the four most discussed above ground pool companies on our platform. This data is created by customers leaving reviews who also ask questions about the companies and their above ground pools.
Customer data demonstrates a huge amount about a company and its products. There can be indications of how good a company is, but also customer feedback may suggest that there are issues that need to be resolved or services requiring improvement.
The table below highlights the customer data regarding the four companies customers comment on the most regarding above ground pools. The scores* are out of 5.
Unfortunately, above ground pool scams are on the rise. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are searching for pools to enjoy at home. Due to this growth, it’s clear that scammers have moved into this market to exploit well-meaning consumers.
There are a range of ways that customers have experienced scams with above ground pools while working with companies they trusted but sadly let them down.
Above Ground Pool Scams
You may have heard stories about pool scams before. Through consumer reviews, we can get a really clear picture of what’s happened to some consumers and how this has negatively impacted them relating to above ground pool complaints.
If you’re thinking of buying an above ground pool, make sure you investigate all of these issues so that you’re fully informed and know how to buy an above ground pool safely.
Above ground pool cost
A common consumer comment when registering pool companies complaints is that the cost can be quite high. In Blue World Pools review #3592946, customers have complained that the final price for the complete installation of their above ground pool was significantly higher than the initial quote:
“They sell a pool for $13,711, but the real price after it's all said and done is $51,579! This is about 250% on the interest side. If you cancel, which is a joke, you still have to pay half of what the pool cost.”
Additionally, there are evidently some issues with Blue World Pools customer service. In review #2789887 consumers reported that they were made to sign multiple contracts that dramatically increased the complete cost of swimming pool installation:
“Purchased a pool, signed a contract once installation was completed they made me sign another contract which TRIPLED the cost of the pool.”
It’s no surprise that Blue World Pools reviews have indicated an estimated $740K total claimed losses as a company in light of these consumer experiences. The Blue World Pools complaints suggest that Blue World Pools customer support isn’t delivering the kind of service consumers would like.
Above ground pool parts and quality
Consumers leaving Polygroup reviews state that they sometimes have concerns about the quality of their above ground pool and the parts included.
Polygroup consumer complaints have been known to highlight pools that are somewhat faulty and do not remain intact long term like in review #3774849:
“New pool busted at the seam. Almost 4000 gallons of water gone in two minutes. Less than two weeks old. Customer service would do nothing but say maybe in six months we could get a liner.”
In fact, there are a number of above ground pool companies that consumers are reviewing to pinpoint ineffectual parts and disappointing quality. Here, a Bestway Pools review #4109205 discusses this issue:
“I put a claim in on Sept 20 22 about the metal parts of the pool rusting and about the pool hoses that are leaking because they crack.”
Another Bestway review left by customer says:
"Tell people to keep an eye on rusting."
These customers feel they have not been satisfactorily dealt with by Bestway Pools customer service and as such they want to spotlight these issues for other consumers through the Bestway Pools reviews thread.
Pool warranty
Warranty is a really important part of the whole customer process. Customers trust in their warranty and see it as a safety net in case anything goes wrong with the product or service they are investing in.
According to some Namco Pools reviews, a few customers have experienced their pool cover breaking within two years of purchase as it is described in review #3506726:
“I sent pictures and Namco Pools said it was caused by wind whipping and is not covered under the warranty.”
In fact, Blue World Pools complaints reveal that some of their customers have undergone a similar experience:
“DO NOT GET IN CONTRACT WITH THESE LIARS!!They lied about it being under warranty, they pull out their money like clockwork every month $320.00 never late for that, but can’t fix my pool!”
Above ground pool customer service
According to information provided by consumers when writing about above ground pool scams, there are a number of customers who feel customer service can be intermittent in terms of quality in some pool companies.
An example of this is one of pool reviews #4486117 where the customer deemed Bestway Pools to have “terrible” customer service:
“It could be the worst customer service I’ve ever dealt with in my entire life. I will never deal withyou guys again, it is the worst company I’ve ever dealt with. Absolutely ridiculous.”
In the Namco Pool review #2565216 a customer feels they weren’t listened to and didn’t have their particular situation rectified in a timely manner:
“Subcontractors began installation and the liner provided does not fit my pool! I’ve been calling NAMCO customer service every day and emailing different representatives and requesting to speak with a manager/sup and excuses every time.”
Tips to Buy the Best Above Ground Pool
Working out how to buy an above ground pool might look a little complicated on the surface, but once you have decided on your above ground pool cost ballpark, it can be easier than you think.
Being a smart buyer and researching the topic and key above ground pool companies thoroughly will help your decision-making process become clear and protect you against above ground pool scams.
Smart above ground pool tips
1. Avoid ‘too good to be true’ deals
Talk to as many pool companies and contractors as you can. Try to get word-of-mouth recommendations from people you know and trust. If a deal sounds like the best deal ever known, question this. Above ground pool cost is not tiny and you shouldn’t expect to pay too little.
2. Look at the company rating
When you read online reviews, you’ll notice company ratings. These give you a solid idea around how this company has performed in the past, and whether you can trust them with your money now. If the rating is consistently low, try to find another pool company to buy from.
3. Check contractor information
Read all of the contracts and information available online. If you can’t see something important, ask customer service to clarify points. Make sure you know if subcontractors will be involved in any part of the installation or upkeep process, and ask for proof they are legally approved to install or look after your above ground pool.
4. Read online reviews
Review as many as you can, use trusted sources and make sure you know how the company operates and the levels of quality involved in their products before you sign.
Being informed and aware of all above ground pool scams will help support your decision to install a pool successfully – one that will hopefully provide you with enjoyment for years to come. You may also share your experience with pool companies by posting a review.
*Disclaimer: Ranking and statistics are based on our users’ review texts and Pissed Consumer posters’ reviews. Also, a company’s rating is calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the profile, including users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company’s responses, etc. The algorithm is subject to change in the future.
Legal disclaimers:
1. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide any legal, medical, accounting, investment or any other professional advice as individual cases may vary and should be discussed with a corresponding expert and/or an attorney.
2. All or some image copyright belongs to the original owner(s). No copyright infringement intended.
