Pools Plus LLC
About us
Pools Plus LLC is your one-stop-shop for new (inground gunite only) pool construction and distinctive backyard environments. In order to get started please visit our website at www.poolhouston.com and fill out a Contact Form and upload your survey or plot plan for a new home build. We will set up a virtual or in-home visit. We do not install or service above-ground pools.
Business highlights
Services we offer
New in ground Gunite Pool Construction, Outdoor Kitchens and Shade Arbors, Patio Covers, null
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 95% | ||
| 4% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% |
Our neighbors had a consultation with Mr. Burkhart from Pools Plus and recommended him to us. Later they also used him to build their pool. I called him on the phone and he came by our home the next evening. He had no pre planned pool to sell but listened to our wants and desires. We measured the backyard and told him some of our vision of a pool. He then opened his computer and in front of us worked with us to place and design a pool in our backyard. The computer technology he used was awesome. After our initial meeting we emailed back and forth multiple times as we fine tuned our plans. He was always prompt and willing to listen to all of our changes. He made sure we know the costs and timeframe for building the pool. Our pool took about 8 weeks to build as we had several obstacles in the elevation of the backyard to conquer. Mr. Burkhart was there all along the way to see us through the build. The best part for me is that the work was meticulous. The crews that did the plumbing, gunite, tile, and all aspects of the pool were friendly and kind and were first class. I oversaw the pool being built each day and they always kept me informed on what was going on each and every day. I would recommend Pools Plus with the highest satisfaction rate possible. The pool has been wonderful and has been a great addition to our home. My only regret is that we did not build it sooner, but we did not know Mr. Burkhart and so I am glad we didn't build until we got to know him.
I wish I could post a picture because you would not believe how beautiful my pool is and why I am more than happy with it.
THANK YOU POOLS PLUS!
"An appointment was held from a phone call with the understanding a contact form with survey attached would be sent. Sorry for the miscommunication. I still cannot find any contact nor any copies of of documents we require for our first visit. We apologize for wasting anyone's time. We make appointments, show up on time, spend quality time explaining our process and product, explore upgrades and provide a complete estimate and preliminary drawings so the Client has a good starting point in evaluating pricing and design. I certainly don't think is grounds for a F rating. We have clients forget appointments occasionally and we graciously reschedule. Once again we offer our sincere apology and would be willing to reschedule upon receipt of a contact form submission with survey attached form our website at www.poolhouston.com. We will offer price concessions for the wasted time as well."
Overall Pools Plus did a very good job and now 6 months after the pool went into service I'm very pleased. The good:-
We got the ultimate spa- so far it is just that. Really good, heats up quickly and excellent pressure on the jets.
The pool self cleans very well. We get a lot of leaves in the pool but the pool and pool cleaner generally do a great job of shuffling everything into the catch baskets. My only grumble would be we have a spillway from the spa into the pool, part of that spillway goes onto the step in part of the pool, which is very shallow, and where there is no current from the built in cleaning mechanism and therefore leaves get stuck here and have to be manually swept or pushed into the pool to get caught in the self cleaning mechanism. Slight design flaw that wasn't thought through.
The subcontractor who did the tiling did a truly excellent job. Also the quality of the material for drains on the decking is very good. That said my decking isn't very flat, it slopes a little. We don't have much decking. If we did it would be annoying as its uncomfortable to sunbath. As it is there is no room to sunbath so it makes little difference.
As per other reviews, Jason, the construction manager, keeps in constant contact, gives timely updates and lets you know exactly where you stand.
Phoned in a bolier warranty claim shortly after building was complete. Turned out there are two gas valves, one near pool and one near house and the council had turned off both during an inspection. I only turned one back on. I called in a warranty claim. It was dealt with in 24hrs and pools plus was very responsive, and the guy who came out realized the other valve was off in roughly 25seconds (a little embarrassing for me). So not really a warranty claim as such, but the speed of response from pools plus was very good. Bodes well if I need a future claim.
Had to phone Jason with a few questions after going into service as I've never owned a pool before. Even though the job was technically finished, Jason was always happy to answer and help.
The not so good:-
We have raised walls on two sides of the pool. The tiling of the backsides of those raised walls were not covered in the upfront pricing which I found misleading. It looked extremely ugly and unless the raised wall is next to a fence, I can't imagine anyone leaves it that way. We therefore needed an unexpected change order to rectify. Had two other friends building a pool at the same time. Different companies and same problem. We all felt conned, but in fairness I guess Pools Plus quotes in line with the competition. I would have preferred to have this made very clear to me during the design phase. Ask before you sign!
I read a lot of reviews saying how great Jim was during construction. There were a couple of times during the build I wanted to raise issues with him, in particular the change order noted above..... and frankly he was impossible to get hold of. If you wanted to make a complaint, it was impossible to do anything other than speak to Jason. We liked Jason, but got the impression Jim was done with us as soon as construction started and he'd won his contract. However (and see above) a warranty issue was taken care of by Jim immediately upon completion of the pool.
Pools plus uses lots of subcontractors. Mostly we were very pleased, but the plumbers were poor and untimely and our pool delivered later than it should because the plumbers needed to come out multiple times to do their job properly.
Overall- very pleased with the final result. Would recommend.
"On behalf of everyone involved with Pools Plus we wish to thank Mr. [Removed Member Name] for selecting us to build his pool and his unbiased review of our performance during the construction phase of his project. The project was complex with utility reroutes and tight quarters. We were on the job too long by our standards dealing with 24 working days of contractual rain delays during May and June of 2015. Rainy periods are frustrating for all involved and Mr. [Removed Member Name] was very patient and understanding through it all. We are very sorry for any confusion regarding Mr. [Removed Member Name] concerns at the time about the back of the raised wall. I was obviously not clear at the point of sale that we had not considered adding any surface on the back of the wall. The initial plans showed a net distance from that wall to the side fence of less than 24" and I clearly overlooked it. We have a Color Selection Addendum that is executed with every customer after we are underway that addresses every aspect including specifically the back of raised wall. We will make sure we use more emphasis on that area of our designs, pricing and the execution of that addendum to avoid any future misunderstandings. We are thrilled that the [Removed Member Name] are enjoying the benefits of the PCC 2000 and our exclusive Ultimate Spa and look forward to continuing to service any future concerns in a timely manner. Jim Burkhart"
Jason, the man who managed the entire construction process, was available at any time of day or evening and checked in with us frequently to be sure things were happening when they were scheduled. He was always just a text message away, and we still have his contact information as he made it clear that we could and should call him with any questions or concerns which we have done on several occasions.
Construction went exceedingly well and was completed ahead of schedule. All of the subcontractors did quite professional work. Construction started on August 27 and we were swimming in the pool on October 2 for a total duration of about 5 weeks.
I have had several questions about the operation of the pool since its completion, all of which were promptly answered by Jason.
We would definitely recommend Pools Plus to anyone interested in building a high quality, beautiful pool.
Pools Plus has built my last two pools. The experience is impressive from concept to completion over a 3-4 month period. There are 4 main points to highlight:
1. Exceptional Design Experience - The automation and visualization technology used combined with Pools Plus experience built two ideal pool designs for my last two homes. This is an exciting experience.
2. Construction Management - Building a pool is a major project with many variables, in particular weather and availability of sub contractors. Pools Plus was there for me every step of the way, they kept me informed at all stages and on site often to ensure correct construction.
3. Pool Technology & Safety - The Paramount PCC 2000 infloor cleaning system has amazing performance. The release pressure drain system adds a high degree of safety comfort. The Pebble Tec surface is both beautiful and robust. All standard Pools Plus builds and all wonderful.
4. Exceptional Service and Satisfaction - Pools Plus follow up is exceptional. For example I was not happy with the deck finish on my last pool and after Pool Plus managing the issues with the sub contractor the deck was replaced. It was a painful experience but the final outcome was well worth it. I have a gorgeous pool as a result
We have a relatively small backyard, so the challenge in designing our pool was getting "enough" pool for a pretty big family to enjoy. We have two large teenage boys and an almost teenage daughter, so a tiny pool would not do. Jim took us step by step through the design process, and we came up with a beautiful geometric design that used all the yard the homeowners' association would allow. It was a lot of fun creating our own personal design, and Jim was extremely patient as we went through a few different styles before we settled on the one we chose.
The actual pool construction started on July 22. We had heard nightmares about how long the entire process would take. Friends with pools would always say, "Just add 3 or 4 months to whatever they tell you it's gonna take." So we braced ourselves for the worst. Jim told us the entire construction would last about 5 or 6 weeks. We were swimming in our pool just 4 weeks later. The whole process, from digging to framing to gunnite to surfacing, came together so smoothly. When one team would finish, the other would show up and begin. There was no sitting around waiting for people to show up. When the weather was good, Pools Plus people were here working.
Not only were the workers efficient, but they were also courteous, polite, and tidy. They cleaned up thoroughly each day, they were friendly, and they were prompt. It's by far the best customer service we've seen on a project so big and detailed. Swimming one month after the project began was beyond our best expectations. Throughout the entire process, Jim was there checking on our happiness level. When we had questions or concerns, he never seemed bothered by it like a lot of people do.
So, we've been swimming for two months now, and we can't believe we waited so long to get a pool. Friends who visit don't stop raving about how great the pool looks. And here's the best part. On any day, even a regular weekday, like Tuesday, when I get done with my afternoon run, I jump in our pool and swim, and I'm instantly on vacation. We have the grill going, music playing, the kids are laughing and splashing, and it will probably happen on Wednesday and Thursday, too. Hiring Pools Plus to put our pool in was 100% the right decision. I have told dozens of friends who are considering looking for a pool builder to stop looking and call Jim Burkhart of Pools Plus.
This is the first pool we've ever had built or owned. Jim Burkhart, the owner of Pools Plus, went to great lengths to help us understand how the pool would be constructed and the materials used. For example, my biggest reservation was about the maintenance. Jim helped us understand,and provided the references for (which I checked) their Paramount
in-floor cleaning system. Even with lots of falling leaves, the system is reported to keep up. We're early into autumn and we haven't had the pool for long, but so far I can say that the system lives up to its reputation, and the general maintenance has been minimal.
In addition, I wanted a one-of-a-kind design for a waterfall which was executed perfectly based on my description and photos that I provided. Attention to detail throughout the project, like the waterfall, was typical. Another example is Pools Plus' requirements for how the flagstone is laid. Every piece's edge is rounded off so it looks great, and the grout between pieces is a uniform pinky-finger-width to prevent cracking and eventual lifting of the stone. They build things to last and be beautiful.
Communication was excellent. Jason, the project manager, contacted me nearly every day, even if the plan for the day
was to wait, (Not that waiting was an issue. The pool was completed only one week longer than estimated.), and he answered my text messages almost instantly. Moreover, Jason was on site every time a crew was starting or working on something significant to make sure it was done correctly. On the few times it wasn't, it was redone according to his standards or our preferences. A related concern I had was that the buckskin flagstone not have an orange cast to it. Though it didn't turn out to be necessary, I was told that I could reject any piece of flagstone that I didn't find acceptable.
Finally, the crews they subcontracted did an excellent job, including the rock work, flagstone, pergola, and fire pit. The crews were polite, showed up when they said they would, and cleaned up after themselves. (And they appreciated they ice cream we gave them every day as a small way to thank them for their hard work in the hot sun.)
When I first interviewed Jim he asked how we had heard about Pools Plus. When I told him that it was through Angie's List, he told me that he would earn an excellent rating from us as well. He and Jason did. Any company who does a good job deserves to hear about it and let the word spread. But almost more than that, it seems hard to find people with integrity. Jim and Jason are passionate about doing what they promise and having the job done right. They certainly made our vision of a backyard sanctuary come to life, and they earned our trust. For as long as we live in this house, we will appreciate their superb and hard work.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to help out. [member name removed] is a pleasure to work with and we will be there for her if she needs additional customer support."
Pools Plus approach and design is much better than the conventional plaster pool and crawling cleaner system I had in my first pool before I contracted Pools Plus for my next 2 pools. My first pool did have a leading brand cleaner system but it was a constant source of frustration and disappointment. It did work somewhat but it was most often stuck in one corner of the pool 70%+ of the time. It would reverse as designed and then simply run into the same corner within a few minutes. After the first
year it would breakdown often and was expensive to repair. When I am in a pool shop for my chemical supplies other customers are often there looking for parts for their cleaners and I know how lucky I am to no longer have to deal with those constant problems.
For me there are 4 main reasons to consider Pools Plus and their design and approach each with equal importance.
1. Their infloor cleaning system is quite amazing how well it performs. I have a lot of trees and this system keeps up with the leaves and pine needles very well and as mentioned, it is very reliable. I don?t miss the numerous problems and constant attention the crawling cleaner systems have.
2. The drain system with the safety side value provides me with added security and comfort knowing that a grandchild or weak
swimmer will not get caught in the pressure flow needed for the drain that catches the debris from the infloor cleaning system.
3. The pumps used by Pools Plus are variable speed pumps which saves me in power costs while giving me more options. There are different speeds programmed for each operation such as start up, spa heating, spa blower, waterfall volume etc.
This saves on costs over a single speed system.
4. The pool surface is both beautiful and functional. It is much superior to my original plaster pool for longevity, appearance and feel. It feels great and provides more traction when walking.
While these 4 features may be offered by other pool builders, Pools Plus experience and exceptional service makes the difference. They are experts in their design and not all builders use the same high quality infloor cleaning systems and equipment. Pools Plus is a top quality builder. As mentioned my last 2 pools were built by Pools Plus and in both cases my expectations were exceeded. My previous home was sold recently and the Pools Plus pool was a highlight for the buyer.
I also rented that home for a year before selling and my tenant often told me how much they loved the pool and found it to be the best they had ever seen.
Jason was on top of the construction side and Jim did a nice job of introducing him for the hand-off of responsibilities. Jason was frequently in touch, almost a daily occurrence and we never felt neglected even when the weather or other circumstances slowed things down. (Hint: make sure you spend the time to pick out the tile you want early in the process there can be long lead times)
There is obviously a large accumulation of knowledge between both Jim and Jason. They make a great team and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
We first came into contact with Jim Burkhart in February 2005. We were in the process of building our home in Seven Meadows (Katy, TX) and we wanted to be very proactive on our pool construction. In this timeframe we were "kicking the tires" on several pool companies operating in the Katy area and we quickly became very impressed with Jim. Jim significantly differentiated his company from the others through a combination of state-of-the-art technology and pool construction know-how.
Jim was able to coordinate our pool building exactly with the closing on our house. We closed on April 22, 2005 and that same afternoon, Jim's team marked out the pool and began digging the very next day, a Saturday. Talk about great customer service!
Jim put us on a fast track that included lots of his own time from a quality control standpoint. There were unexpected turns in the road, but his active involvement ensured that we remained on track. When points came up that got us off plan, Jim made sure we knew about them and he helped us understand the benefits of making minor modifications. An example of this was adding more rock to the waterfall and rear of the pool area than anticipated. Over the last couple of months, we have had some challenges, but Jim and team's responsiveness made these slight wrinkles instead of major problems.
Everything is solved in real time and we, as the customers, stayed very satisfied. Jim's trusted advisor approach is what other businesses and trades don?t seem to have. That's a key strength for Jim and one of the key reasons why we recommend him.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the overall quality of the pool and spa. Great stuff! We are VERY happy! Looks way better than we ever envisioned and we have a pretty good imagination!
Now, let?s speed ahead to today ? 10+ years later. Our pool is still in great shape (looks like new) and everything that Jim promised has been rock-solid
- Our cost of ownership has been low over the years ? Zero issues thanks to thinks such as ?Wet Edge? in the pool
- The built-in cleaner (PCC 2000) is fantastic and keeps the pool fresh and clean 24 / 7 / 365 ? and we have not had to pay the regular costs of pool cleaning over 10 years ? that?s 120 months at probably $150 per month (Great Savings!)
Sincerely, Daniel and Jacqueline Ranta
P.S. Come by to see our pool!
It was a great experience working with Jim and Jason on the installation of our pool. Jim was very knowledgeable and helpful during the design process of our pool and worked out a design that we absolutely love!
The actual construction process proceeded very smoothly according to the established timetable everything was done on time and to our satisfaction, including being very flexible with a few minor design changes we made after construction actually began. Jason kept us well informed on the status and schedules and was great to work with. Despite a hectic schedule he was always available.
Our pool was finished about two years ago and we have had some minor issues come up since that time, the first was a repair to the decking and then the remote control. In both cases Jason was prompt in meeting with us and resolving the issues to our satisfaction at no cost as they were under warranty.
What makes us very impressed with their service is we most recently had an issue with the return side actuator. We used the pool for the first time this season on Tuesday and had the children and grandchildren over for a great time. Wednesday we noticed the spa was draining into the pool at night when the pumps were off. We were scheduled to leave on a trip on Saturday and I called Jim and he was able to schedule for Jason to come right out and diagnose and fix the problem. It was such a relief to have the problem resolved so quickly so it was not hanging over us while we were away.
We would highly recommend Jim and Jason to anyone installing a pool. It is great to know that they not only do a great job putting a pool in, but ii is especially comforting to know they stand behind the finished product.
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FAQ
Contact Information
5554 S Peek Rd, # 54, Katy, TX 77450
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