Abe’s Pools Spas & Fountains

This review is for Abes pool repair service. I had Abes send one of their pros out to my house to address a leaking pool pump. John arrived on time and was super cool. He fixed the problem in about an hour and the price was very reasonable. He showed me exactly what the problem was and explained how it could be prevented. I am very happy with abes service and they will definitely be my first call should I have any more issues with my pool.

We started using Abe’s Pools & Spa’s in October 2013 after finding his store on Cave Creek Rd by happenstance as is next to our piano dealer. We had just bought a house with a pool and where new to pool care. When liked that Abe specialized in used pool equipment as we thought it would lead to more cost effective repairs.
We were also in the market for a used Spa and I had seen some used refurbished Spa’s at AZ Spa World but Abe happened to have a couple waiting to be restored. We liked that Abe was a small local business so we decided to give him the business. We agreed to pay the same price as the others being sold at AZ Spa World.
We then had Abe out to the house to start up weekly pool cleaning service as well as a few repairs. We had a chlorinator installed and the diving board replaced. We also wanted the pool drain cover replaced but Abe told us the water was too cold and it would need to wait until summer when the pool was at least 80 degrees.
A few weeks after we purchased the spa it was delivered and it took Abe’s crew about two more weeks to get it up and running. It was never fully restored as originally agreed and we were left to have to refinish the exterior our self. In addition we had problems with the spa heater and leaks for about 2 months before they finally got it right. Knowing then what I know now I would have purchased from AZ Spa World.
Between October 2013 and May 2014 our weekly pool service went by without issue. Our service was always provided by serviceman Aaron who was always through, kind and good with our dogs.
During the 8 month period we used Abe’s service anytime I had to call the office for a billing issue or a service question my inquiries were always handled in a very loose manner that ruffled my feathers.
In the last week of May, Aaron the pool guy told me my backwash valve was leaking and needed repair. I also noted that the pool was finally 83.7 degrees! I called the office to schedule the valve repair as well as the drain cover replacement. After 8 months of staring at the ugly broken drain I was ready to have a new one!
I called the office to schedule the repairs on Friday, May 23^rd and spoke with Kim (Abe’s wife). She noted both issues and we made an appointment for Tuesday May 27^th. On Tuesday the 27^th I waited for the tech and I had called the office to confirm arrival time of the tech. I again spoke with Kim and she confirmed he was on his way. She then said, «oh, by the way, we won’t be doing the drain repair. They guys say it’s still too cold» I then objected, saying Abe had told me 80 degrees was fine and I have now waited 8 months. I said if he won’t do it now, when he will do it. She responded by saying «sorry, I don’t know what to tell you.» Thus ended our conversation.
The tech arrived shortly thereafter and I showed him the problem with the pool valve. I told him I would be inside when he is ready for me… About 30 minutes pass and I go out to check on him and I see the repair is complete and he is gone. He did not provide an estimate before completing the work and my pool drain cover still not done.
I called the office the next day, Kim answered the phone. I explained the issue to her and expressed my frustration. I then asked her exactly how much they were going to be billing me for this unauthorized repair. She pulled up the work order and told me it was a $ 15 repair plus a $ 75 service call fee. WHAT! I expressed that a service call fee was never disclosed and an estimate was never provided for approval. I She interrupted me by saying «well, it’s not free.» I never expected it to be free but I do expect to be told of costs upfront beforehand. I told Kim right then and there this is not the way I do business and that I wished to cancel all services on my account effective immediately. I had a $ 62 credit on my account we agreed they would keep that credit to cover the repair and we would call it even.
Abe’s tested my patience to the limit. I need service that takes its business more seriously. Abe’s has been in business since 1975 and it shows. Their practice of business and way of talking to people is outdated. They are not competitive and they seem burnt out. They should probably sell and retire!
I would not recommend Abe’s services. What you may save in cash you will pay for in quality and inconvenience.