Aquarius Pools, opened it's doors in 1972. The company was founded by Eugene "Gene" Wells, a well respected builder and innovator in the market. Gene built many award winning pools.
Winner of Over 90 National and International Awards for Excellence in Design and Construction, Aquarius continues to be Sacramento's choice for quality craftmanship and lasting beauty. Aquarius Pools website
Gene, sold the company in 2000. Now here's where the story becomes interesting! (In all future posts, lessons to be learned or items of particular interest will be highlighted.)
Gene originally sold the company to Steve Hage in 2000. Steve went on to sell his interest to the partnership of Rich Carnation & Kevin Towle. No problems yet! Clue: Multiple changes in ownership in a short period of time. As a consumer you should make sure you ALWAYS CHECK WITH THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE BOARD before signing any contract!
Rich & Kevin, not wanting to run the company full-time hired Greg Wolfe to be the sales manager. Greg has been in the pool industry for many years, and has worked for several companies. Nice enough guy. But...Greg had a reputation of being a "cookie cutter" pool salesman. That in it's self is not the problem. The problem started with the "Pools starting from ..." ads in the Saturday Sacramento Bee! Companies that solicit business with promises of low starting prices, typically target the "cookie cutter" type customer where price is number one. The benefit for the advertiser is a large number of "leads". Companies looking for a large number of leads are typically volume based and not quality based!
Greg then purchased the company in 2004, while still owing both Kevin & Rich a large sum of money. Hmmm, I remember loosing numerous sales to Aquarius Pools, because they were priced the lowest. I always recommend, get a minimum of three bids unless the company is a strong referral (still use caution), and with the same wish list, there should be no more than a one to two thousand dollar difference. If the difference is more, WATCH OUT. The sales person either missed something in their pricing (ie., the cost of the spa) or the company is abusing their margins.
Skipping to the end of the story:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A swimming pool construction company that shut down has left dozens of Sacramento-area homeowners with partially completed backyard pools. KCRA3 - August 23, 2006
Lessons to be learned:
1. Check out the contractor's license with the Contractor's Board!
2. Multiple changes in ownership over a short period of time could indicate problems. Ask the company for an explanation.
3. Get a minimum of three bids.
4. If the price is too low, you're rolling the dice!
For more information:
Before You Dive Into Swimming Pool Construction - CSLB
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