The Pool & Spa Store

We continue to have problems, so honestly, the service was never completed. Mr. Kitchel probably believes he was done in May, 2013 which is not true. Contract price was $36,740 but unplanned add-ons totaling thousands d/t poor planning substantially increased the price as we progressed Ken Kitchel purchased the fiberglass pool we chose from Tallman Pools in Georgia, a great company who offers a quality fiberglass pool. As a statement of fact, Mr. Kitchel instructed all subcontractors during this job, even though he's now saying "they" were not his responsibility. Really Mr. Kitchel??? He was the one who told us we could save money by contacting subcontractors nearby to work. Who did he think was going to direct them??? First major problem which is haunting us now, the hole was dug too low, but he placed the pool in it anyway. Even the guy from Tallman Pools who delivered it said it was too low. My husband is a 100% war wounded Vietnam Veteran - Mr. Kitchel suggested we get steps (!)...not really an option and he knew that. WE paid ($2100) the next day under Mr. Kitchel's direction to have it crane-lifted out of the ground, back filled to get the pool at ground level, and set back in the ground the second time. He said he pulled some strings and did us a big favor to get these folks back............a favor???? Rather than the professional standard, of which Mr. Kitchel apparently does not partake, would have been to place an adequate and firm SAND base for the fiberglass pool unit to settle in to. Mr. Kitchel simply lightly dusted it with the leftover sand AFTER first pushing back in the dirt which was previously removed - the dirt containing rock and clay - stating he doesn't like to do that....but did it anyway!!! Why didn't he buy more sand???? Such an inexpensive way to do the job right the second time around. Remember we paid $2100 to rectify the wrong and to get it right. In HINDSIGHT, WE SHOULD HAVE THROWN HIM OFF THE JOB THEN and saved ourselves the mess he created and left us with. Guess what - OUR DREAM POOL HAS SETTLED AND CRACKED!!!! Not the fiberglass, but the whole fiberglass unit has sunk down and pulled away from the tile work and cement decking leaving GAPING CRACKS. Additionally, and because of Mr. Kitchel's poor planning at the beginning, we had to have built a retaining wall, ($2500) under Mr. Kitchel's instructions to the subcontractor. Mr. Kitchel promised it would be a seamless blend using the same product he was placing on the decking surrounding the pool. Because I stated the quality of the work was not what he promised, he angrily signed an addendum stating in his own words:...."If wall guy does not fix I will and then I will file a lawsuit against the wall guy to cover my costs to fix." Sounds to me like he was managing the work if he wants to sue the guy - didn't know Mr. Kitchel was the litigious type who settles his problems in court....that in itself tells a story. Mr. Kitchel also made the ridiculous statement that since he's the last man standing he'll get stuck with the blame.......gee, you think so Mr. Professional Pool Builder/Contractor????? He also facilitated the purchase of a pool dome ($6100) which he promised he would install for us this fall (now), nominal costs involved, but we're not holding our breath for follow through on that promise either. Someone is coming out to install this dome, which Ken purchased with our money and promised to set up, for a fee of $800. AGAIN, not what we were promised or bargained for!!! Overall, this pool installation has been a nightmare. Unprofessional. Disappointing. Extremely poor workmanship. He is proving himself belligerent and without responsibility for his work. MR KITCHEL WON'T CALL or EMAIL US to ADDRESS the PROBLEMS he has left us to deal with!!!! We have tried repeatedly. I know for a fact the profit from this sale /job was substantial - but he is not a professional and has simply taken our money and left us with his problems d/t poor workmanship - he says that they are not his problems...................Really Mr. Ken Kitchel??? Do yourself a favor and stay far away from Ken Kitchel and The Pool and Spa Store in Mocksville, NC.

As i have already stated above, this company does not do what it says it will and counts on the homeowner not to pursue him when he refuses to fix his shoddy work. I really can't afford to pay my attorney to take him to court. I also am not living in the house anymore although I do still own it. i am a retired single woman on a fixed income. I guess he saw the perfect victim to take advantage of.