Outdoor Living Pool & Patio

Contract for Pool was signed on July 22nd with an expected finish date for end of October. Here we sit January 3rd and I have an unfinished eye sore in my back yard. I understand delays happen for weather, permits being approved by the city, and equipment being delivered. But weather has been great all summer and winter (we had no rain), permits took a few days, and pool equipment has been sitting in my yard since Dec 2nd. The result of these delays solely land on Outdoor Living. For example, they are horrible at coordinating when their sub-contractors come work, sometimes I get emails 24 hours in advance but often they show up unannounced in my backyard and I have to talk to them to get an idea what they are working on. Delays are a result of poor scheduling, For example the Electrician was scheduled and showed up but immediately left after completing no work when he found out the plumbers were not scheduled first to do their part, then the electricians showed up the following week, again only to find that all the equipment was not there and would have to come back a 3rd time to complete a 1 trip job. Reached out to my project manager Colin on Dec 20th to inform him the electricians are missing equipment, have never heard back as of Jan 3rd and the electricians have never came back. Reached out to my Sales rep Clint, to inform him on Dec 21st about this and other issues - was told he would get back to me on Dec 22nd, as of Jan 3rd no response. I am easy going and understanding but I could write a book on why I am so dissatisfied after spending $110 thousand dollars - this kind of money any reasonable person would expect some type of customer service and a quick response/resolution to my questions, but here I sit unsure of when anything will be finished - who knows maybe next week or maybe by end of summer. Best of luck when choosing your pool builder! Correction, they are very fast and prompt at getting back to you to sign that initial contract, since then, not so much. Sad!

Tanner was great, sales guy owners son. After that it went down hill. They marked the dig wrong and it was the excavating that caught it. the foreman never was on nhe job. he said he is in charge of so many builds he cannot take care of everyone? Never on time or could not keep a schedule still to this day. After 4 months salt cell did not work, the deck cracked, after 5 months the pool cracked. They said ground movement in exas..lol We live in Justin the excavating guys said this is hard ground and the pool company said they have built pools in Justin and never had any problems..the ground is hard they said. they are the so called experts? i would not use these guys. all kids are running this business. the girls in the office is dating a foremen that has no experience in pool building. his father is the pool maintenance guy who never is on time. concrete guys came out and so did lance. concrete guys blamed lance and lance blamed him. we had cracks on ever slap poured. they wanted to fix the cracks. we said no way this is a brand new pool. the concrete guys after talking to lance agreed they would replace the concrete. the pool crack guys showed up in July and and after putting underwater putty on three cracks that came back they said they wanted to saw cut the crack. this was to happen in October 2019. 4-8-20 we still have a cracked pool, salt cell not working, water level is 1.5 inches off from one end to the other. i have requested a phone call since 1-01-20 from lance. i have emails from 2 years of the problems. i would not use these guys. all kids are running this business. the girl in the office is dating a foremen that has no experience in pool building. his father is the pool maintenance guy who never is on time.

Excavation for our new pool started May 1st of this year (2017). From day one there's been a series of issues. Their superintendent has only step foot in our property 4 times (3 or those times to collect a check and once more to measure sq.ft and charge us extra for deck area after he himself marked the deck framing wrong)  we also ended up getting the wrong stamp on our new deck and after arguing about what was on our signed contract, having sales man agree that's not what we had selected in our property only to take it back once inside owner's office, and almost taking it to a commercial litigation lawyer, they came out and demolished what was our new deck in order to start again and honor our contract selections. This led to our new coping being cracked and broken. Here we are July 3rd and we are still looking at an empty pool with just gunite, tile and broken coping (and of course a big pile of dirt all around pool and in our front yard). The only ones swimming in pool are the hundreds of mosquito larvae that have made it their home for the past month after gunite went it..it feels like they have delayed our pool as long as they can just to be vindictive although $66k of our $72k pool has already been paid by us and cashed by them. I will add that $7000 of the $72k contract is for sprinkler re route and a $5,200 retaining wall which have nothing to do with pool interior. Both of those items of course have not yet been done either. Their logo is "bring your vacation home" and with the money we've spent already we could've gone on some awesome vacations several times over. Not a happy customer so far. We hope they get their act together soon and stop delaying our build. We are sharing this to hopefully spare you our troubles with this company. Reviews on yelp show other people are having the same problem. I will update accordingly.

Maybe pools are always a disaster but this one was painful. Hard time getting a crew on site had the pool dragging out to ten weeks without much hope of completing in the near future. In efficient scheduling caused huge gaps in time where no work was accomplished and I was left with an ugly yard to look at.

They were okay. They are alright. We weren’t going to go with them. His design that he came up with wasn’t anything wonderful and he took a couple of weeks to get back to us. He wasn’t responsive as the other companies we talked to. We never got a price from them. He said he was out of town for the week or something. He was on time.

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They basically put together a plan for a pool like an estimate. We got estimates from three different company and we ended up going with them to build our pool. We decided to go with them because probably of their design. We felt like we had more options and one big thing that they have is they have a lifetime warranty on all the equipment except for the pool cleaner itself. All of that has a lifetime warranty. If anything goes wrong, they replace it. They are prompt. If I had to build a pool all over again, I do not know that I would use them. If I had minor things, I probably would use them.

We were happy with the final product from Outdoor Living Pool & Patio.  We bid our fence job to three contractors and Outdoor Living Pool & Patio was the low bid. The install went well, and they arranged for the old fence to be removed during bulk trash pick-up day, which assisted in keeping the price down. Service was good, and the fence looks great.  4.5 years down the road, the fence is still going strong. The only thing that wasn't done was a baseboard as quoted, so some of the pickets weren't raised off the ground.  This hasn't presented any issues to date.  Regardless, the price was right, the service was good, and we'd recommend them.

We selected this company in the Fall of 2014.  They were prompt to come out and evaluate the property and worked up a complete custom pool design.  They began construction in December and completed the work in March, which was in a timely manner.  They worked around inclement weather as needed.  They were quick to address and resolve an issue with a leak during the construction process.  They immediately responded with multiple crews during rain and snow and quickly diagnosed and corrected the leak.  They are completing the project tomorrow with a "pool school" on-site and they provided the best warranty out of all the companies I considered.

From start to finish the project went very well--it did take a little longer than I anticipated but at the end I understood and was very happy with the quality of the work and the professionalism of the entire team. They spent significant time with me on the front end designing the project. Daryl Adams was the designer and he  was very patient with me as we went through several revisions to get the right answer for what i was looking for(and this was done at no cost and before I selected them to do the work!!)

Once the design was ready we signed a contract at which time i met the owner , Lance Hill , to walk through the process and even then he offered some thoughts which resulted in a couple changes that further enhanced the project. I was very impressed with Lance and could tell he is focused on customer satisfaction and quality.

Jeremy Schneider was the project manager and he was excellent to work with. Very professional and very knowledgeable and was always seeking the best quality and the best final outcome based on what he knew I was looking for. He made several suggestions during the project for me to consider and even though I couldn't totally visualize i trusted his judgment and I am glad I did as all the suggestions were spot on and as a result I have an even better final product!

I was also very impressed with the various crews involved doing the stonework , woodwork, electricians , pavers, etc--all were very professional and very accommodating throughout., I also was very pleased working with April Karl who handles scheduling and invoicing. While all my communications were via email or phone I always found her very friendly and easy to work with and very responsive

Bottom line I am very satisfied and I get great compliments from friends and guests when they come over .I would highly recommend Outdoor Living Pool and Patio and if I ever have another project I will certainly call them.. I did talk to and get thoughts and quotes from a number of other companies but they didn't come close to what i experienced with Outdoor Living.

Happy to discuss with anyone as well as more than happy for others to come by to take a look if they want

We should start by saying we are overall pretty happy with the finished product. However, we could never in good conscience recommend this company to anyone else. The sales and design phase seemed to go well and we loved the designers vision. We had an existing roofline that we thought might be awkward to add a cover too, but he assured us it could be done seamlessly. The digital pictures they provided were exactly what we wanted.

We were a little disappointed when the project started and they put in cedar beams instead of metal wrapped with cedar which is what the designer talked about during our meeting. However, after reviewing the written estimate, it did say cedar so that was our fault for not paying closer attention. Additionally, the designer told us they would be digging piers to put in the posts so it would be more secure in storms. They showed up prepared to attach the posts with brackets, but thankfully we were home when they came and explained we wanted the piers dug. Again, we checked the estimate and it did say brackets, so our fault again for not ensuring the written estimate contained what the designer had talked to us about.

When digging the piers, it was discovered that there were sprinkler lines in the way that had to be rerouted. This was not a major issue, except for the fact that they sent out a crew to do yard repair and clean up before they rerouted the lines. We told the company and the clean up crew that the sprinklers still had to be done, but they went ahead anyway. They actually filled in the holes where the sprinkler lines were so that when the sprinkler crew came out to reroute them, they had to dig the yard up again. Outdoor Living never sent another crew to do more clean up, my husband had to do it himself.

That was just one example of the horrendous communication issues within the company. We were told to work with our project manager on any concerns or questions, but most communications came from a woman in the office. One would tell us that a crew would be out on a certain day and then the other would give a different timeframe. We never knew when anyone was showing up. Then when the crews did come out, the project manager was not with them and it appeared he had never spoken to them because my husband had to go over with them the exact things he had already gone over with the project manager. It was very frustrating and if my husband hadn't been home at the times they showed up, who knows what would have been done.

The biggest problem was with the roofline. It does not look like the pictures the designer gave us. They had to create an ugly little wall on the roof, supposedly to redirect the water, which actually created a water ramp that water jumped to land solidly on the patio. We wanted them to fix it so that it looked more like the design pictures but they refused. They said that the design sold can't always be done and that the little wall was the only way to do it. Their solution was to add an ugly gutter to the ugly little wall as well as a diverter to catch any water overflow. Suffice it to say, that is the one part of the patio cover that we dislike. When sitting under the cover, it's great. When looking at it from the backyard, not so much. We knew the roofline might be an issue going in and made sure that the designer knew we were concerned how it would look from the very first meeting. We chose them because we really liked the way the design worked with the roofline. How disappointing to have them do it differently, without any prior warning or discussion. We explained this to them but all they would say is the only way to fix it is with a gutter. We still do not believe that and will likely have another contractor come out to try and repair it eventually.

This company made a big pitch during the estimate meeting that they want the customer to be happy with the finished product, even if that meant having to fix or redo things. Please read between the lines, and know that what they are saying is that things will need to be fixed or redone and unfortunately, they will fix them in whatever way they think is best, not what you think is best.

Outdoor Living does a pretty good job on the front end with sales and design handled by Michael Huddleston. He is very professional, and has a good grasp of their capabilities. He worked with us to achieve the design we wanted, and provided very nice 3D renderings of what the final project would look like. This was very helpful to my wife who likes to see what she is buying. The project was started shortly after the 4th of July, and was finally completed the week of Labor day in early September. It took longer than Outdoor Living had estimated, but we were not surprised that it took longer than the 4-6 weeks they had stated. The summer without a pool sucked though. Our project manager was Jeremy Schneider, and he is a good guy but seems stretched pretty thin. You don't see or hear from him too much during the process. Most communication was handled through a construction coordinator at the Outdoor Living office, and this communication was by email for the most part. The coordinator would let you know what work was next and when to expect a crew at the job. They also would handle collection of the various $$$ payments along the construction process. Outdoor Living uses mostly sub-contractors to build their new pools, and do remodeling work. The company is very competent, and I would use them again. My only complaint is the lack of a real on the job presence from Outdoor Living, but their business model seems to work for them as they have excellent sub-contractors. The jobsite was a little messy at times too, but what is a hole in the ground with dirt all around supposed to look like. The end result is a very nice looking and well constructed pool remodel that we are very glad to come home to each night.

Design process went very well with multiple visits with the designer and email consulations.
The warranty was the tipping point that led me to this company - others provide standard warranty but this one for a little more money was a full lifetime warranty on the pool and equipment. The other companies provided nice designs but when considering the entire package we went with Outdoor Living Pool + Patio.
Once selected, there was a self induced delay as we had to move the electrical line that went right through where we wanted the pool. Finally construction started. Weather played a factor, lack of grass caused some delays, but all in all we got our pool finished within a little more than 2 months which is pretty much normal.
Frustrations:
Our supervisor quit on the day after excavation. Another supervisor from another town about an hour drive from us was assigned initially - but that did not work out. Eventually we got a super that was closer and could come out and supervise more regularly and things improved.
Sometimes communication with the company lacked. My main complaint is that they never would give me a schedule - it was here are a few things that are coming up - and some vague days when they hoped it would occur - but it seems like they scheduled from day to day. I know that a schedule is only a plan and it changes. Stuff happens and schedules get adjusted, but I think this is an area where you as a new customer of Outdoor Living will need to be proactive. I fully recommend this company, but I would suggest that you aggressively ask and demand a schedule that can form the framework of when to expect certain actions.
All of the equipment was Jandy and it works very well so far. As for plaster color - make sure that you pick a color based on an *actual* picture and not some internet search. I went with a color that they had not used before, they did not have a picture, and ultimately I was not 100% happy with the final color - however this was my fault not theirs, but the recommendation is the same either way - pick your plaster color based on an actual picture from their book and not some google picture.
So - bottom line - go with this company you will not be disappointed. Don't settle for poor communication and require a schedule from them and things will go well.

The design process was lightning fast. The designer, Mike did a fantastic job, emailed drawings and an estimate of the full cost of the design that was closest to our budget compared to the two other companies we met with. One company we met with never bothered to follow up with us again after the initial design and the other one was almost $15K over our budget and then refused to email the design drawings to us as we were trying to make our final selection.
Due to Mike's flexibility, responsiveness and gorgeous design (and the fact his price was fair and not much over our maximum budget, we went with Outdoor Living.
When we first met with our project manager, we were told it would take 30-45 days for our pool to be finished. We found out very quickly as a couple of days of rain caused insane delays (one subcontractor didn't come out for 8 days to lay out the patio wiring, and then with a small rain fall on the day they were supposed to come, it was delayed by a whole other 9 days, so that NOTHING was done to the project for over two weeks), that the 30-45 day timeframe we'd been quoted was wrong during the busy summer season and that we were supposed to have been told 8-10 weeks.
It took exactly 10 weeks for our entire project to be done. And by the end, we were pretty cranky. But through it all, they really did the best they could and we've learned that in construction, a company is only as good as its subcontractors and is fully at the mercy of them NOT showing up when they said they would. I'm sure this is beyond frustrating for the company, as it was too for us the homeowners.
However, I have to say that now that the project is done, I wouldn't hesitate to call Outdoor Living again. Our pool is gorgeous. We don't live in a million dollar neighborhood, not even CLOSE to it. But friends of ours in a million dollar + house had a pool built around the same time as us and when we were invited to a pool party at their house, we were stunned. They spent way more than us, and yet, even with our amateur eyes, we were able to spot so many small details where their builder cut corners. Like the arbor design has no detailing whatsoever, while ours turned out so beautifully, their concrete patio still has the filler that they use during the construction phase and was never finished.
The quality and finishes of our pool, arbor and patio are unbeatable for the price point. I wouldn't hesitate to use Outdoor Living again knowing that they really do strive to give you the best quality product. We love our pool, although dislike the fact that the shallow end was dug too deep and it wasn't caught by the project manager, so that our 'shallow end' is 4 feet deep, so that our small kids have nowhere to stand, except for the steps. Other than that, it's the perfect pool and we look forward to many years of enjoyment.

Outdoor Living was referred to me by my Daughter who used Outdoor Living for her pool. Outdoor Living was referred to her from a friend who also purchased from Outdoor Living. That says a lot.
I love my pool. Not only is the final product beautiful, but it was constructed with the care and craftsmanship I had hoped for. From the beginning to the end I was impressed. Lance was great at understanding what I was trying to create and followed through with the design I was envisioning and, as with all pools constructed by Outdoor Living, one that exceeded code specifications for strength and durability.
My very experienced Project Manager, Allan, seemed to take a personal interest to ensure that everything was on-time and correct. He was always just a phone call away. The in-house staff, Lessley and Cindy, were extremely helpful whenever I had a question regarding scheduling. And it seemed that every worker who stepped foot on my property took pride in the quality of his work. They were all true craftsmen.
I also contracted with O/L for landscaping and the re-route of my irrigation. Not only did this eliminate any additional coordination (and headaches) on my part, but the final product is beautiful. Mike and Bruce were great at accommodating me from beginning to end and did a great job on both landscape design, plant selection and installation.
I sincerely hope I have an opportunity to refer O/L to someone else for I feel I would surely be doing him or her a favor.

It was a great experience from beginning to end. I received personal attention in that the representative met with me to provide computer graphics of the plans and design we agreed upon. The job was carefully done and completed on-time, and they saw to it that all permits were obtained and that the architectural board approved of the plans before any work was done. I knew all costs upfront and if any changes needed to be made I was made aware and given the new changes and costs in writing to be signed off on before they did them. At the end the clean-up was totally complete, and the rep went over the pool and equipment to make sure I understood everything. I hired them on to do my pool weekly maintenance and care. This is an excellent company and I highly recommend them.

The design phase wasn't puctual. Somewhat cookie-cutter. When outlined on actual ground, we ran into problems with exising items (flower beds) and ended up gutting everything out of the back yard. Also, they seemed to underestimate the drop in elevation and that caused further change as the project progressed.
Not to mention, they will abuse your items in the back, like your hose and hose reels. I had to replace three hoses.
The landscaping that they suggested was a joke. I don't think the person in charge knew what she was doing. I ended up using a separate landscape company which did a super job.
Also, as far as payments go, even though they tell you the final check isn't until it is completed, they want the final payment before what they call and quot;pool schooland quot;. So, what happened was, one day a guy comes by, runs through all components of how to maintain the pool and what valve is what, and quot;onceand quot;. After that, if you have a question about anything, they do not answer your calls at all.
Very poor follow up. Of course, that is probably different if you pay them mega bucks to maintain the pool for you. $130 a month.

From the design process through the completion of our new pool the experience we had with Outdoor Living was fantastic! Lance, Glen, and Cindy were all extremely helpful through the building process. I was kept up to date through every phase of construction. Glen made it a point to touch base with me on a regular basis to see if I had any questions or concerns. I really appreciated the fact that all the contractors used were respectful of my property. I would highly recommend this company to my friends and family and I plan on using them in the future for projects.

They rescheduled our first visit to start planning a pool then they didn't show up for the 2nd appointment and they did not call.

Just Ok.