Precision Aquatics LLC

We used Mike Howard, Precision Aquatics, for several years for open/closing our pool without any problems.  When our pool was around 13 years old it was in need of more indepth maintenance. We contracted Mr. Howard after receiving 2 other bids even though he was not the least expensive.  This work included replastering and tile replacement.  The job went long.  One day we arrived home  to find they had started the tiling and were about 25% installed.  We were happy to see the job would be coming to an end soon, EXCEPT, the tile they were installing was not what we had ordered.  Mr. Howard did not double check the material before installation began.  Come to find out, our selection was no longer available (already paid for) and we had to make another selection from what was in-stock to keep the job moving.  The quality of the installation was not perfect and I am still looking at uneven grout lines today.  
 We continued to use Mr. Howard's services which included a rebuild of the integral spa/waterfall to address the unknown loss of water which was determined by Mr. Howard to be due to the poor workmanship and use of inadequate piping in the original installation. For the most part this job sent went well but was very expensive because of the exploratary component invovled.  After this job was completed he continued to perform the open and close, however, he was very difficult to contact and was unresponsivle - like he didn't need our business anymore.  
We are the type of consumer that is loyal and trusting once we have devleoped a solid relationship. We trusted him and his work and spent lots of money.  Over the last two years we have used Millennium Pools because Mr. Howard never called us back.  Since using another pool service, we have discovered a number of items that Mr. Howard completely overlooked and NOW, finally, have a pool that is working optimally.

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I interviewed several contractors and hired Precision Aquatics over other reputable companies because (a) the price was competitive, (b) the contract didn't include a bunch of legalese that I couldn't understand, and (c) Mike Howard, the owner, impressed me with his knowledge and was helpful in suggesting stone and other materials that would complement the pool's natural setting.
Quality of workmanship was good, but the project dragged on too long and communication was poor. Much of the work was completed in the fall of 2012, but I opted to save the plastering and some other odds and ends until the following spring. The project wasn't completely finished until September 2013, when the pool deck was caulked. Work in the spring was sporadic because of the rainy weather, but they could have done a much better job of keeping me informed. I never knew if or when they were going to show up and at times worried that I'd been abandoned. I had both Mike's cell and office numbers, but I was rarely able to reach him on his cell, and the office--which I understand is staffed part time by family members--never seemed to know anything about his schedule.
The only thing left to do by the end of June 2013 was caulking, which I was told would be done when the weather dried up. They warned me they were backed up on caulking jobs, but I consider a 3-month delay excessive. The delay was not the biggest problem though because the lack of caulking didn't stop us from using the pool. What bothered me was being left hanging with no communication, despite my several calls and e-mails.
I probably would have given an A rating based on quality of work alone, but poor communication caused me a lot of stress and would stop me from hiring Precision Aquatics again.