A & H POOL & SPA SVC

unknown

Positive initial meeting. Small one-man shop (Andy), which I was okay with (prefer personal service and long term business relationships to large firms w/ no investment). Very friendly. Seemed to know his material. Was confident he could provide the services requested. No contact option other than a phone number that would go to voice-mail during the day, with 'all calls to be answered after 6pm' (again, fine by me).
Did a walk through of the property and pool, reviewed needs (control system, pool cleaner). Was supposed to provide an estimate on both a pool sweep/robot, as well as the components and effort required to bring the pool into operation (new controller, programming of pump timing, solar routing etc). Wanted pool back in full operation by April 1 at the latest.
Began servicing in February. Physical cleaning appeared adequate, but difficult to judge due to dirt on bottom of pool (per above, no pool sweep/robot). Called/left messages several times to inquire about estimate and timeline for controls work. After several calls over several weeks, finally got a verbal 'estimate' of ballpark price, with no specifics as to hardware or materials being quoted. Requested specifics. Cycle repeated (several phone calls, several weeks). No written estimate or description of materials or work was provided.
During this same span, purchased a spa to be placed adjacent to the pool. Wanted to ensure it wouldn't interfere with or complicate his servicing of the pool. Managed to connect with Andy, said it wouldn't be a problem, and could roll servicing the spa into his regular pool service visits. Spa needed an initial chemical set-up and balancing before it could be used. Again, called and left messages but no reply. After a week of our new spa sitting idle, did the setup ourselves.
Now at 6 weeks passed initial engagement, no work done on control systems, no estimate provided, no pool sweep/robot. Can't judge the chemical treatment, didn't have adequate testing chems or strips - part of his function. Per above, difficult to judge the physical cleaning as without robot cleaner/sweep, dirt settles out as sediment on the bottom. I did check the physical filter located at the pump, and it had obviously not been cleaned since the renovation (large rocks in the filter, no way they were introduced after service began)
Short version: nice guy, very friendly, seems knowledgeable, but very hard to reach, poor response, poor follow-through on services and commitments. He did mention he and his gf were dealing with some job and health issues that added challenges, but behavior was pretty consistent from beginning. Price was lowest quoted, so if you have a low-maintenance pool. want to keep costs down, and aren't concerned about delays in response, he may be a better fit for you.

They have excellent service. They go the extra mile. I have been using them for a year now.