Platinum Pools Did not follow approved layout of pool and decking Houston Texas
22 Apr 2009 we visited Mr Charles Simpson, Senior Staff Designer, Platinum Pools, Houston, TX as a follow up to his visit to our house and back yard area. During his visit, I showed him the location of our sewer lines with two(2) cleanouts. He proceeded to show us the design he had worked out for our backyard and
we asked him to reduce the size, which he did. The approved layout plan clearly shows the sewer lines to be under the decking and would not require relocation of any sewer or utility lines.
Upon return home from work, on day of excavation, the sub-contractors, informed me that they had broken my sewer lines and I would have to get it fixed to prevent any delays in construction. The Construction Supervisor even had a plumbing company that could do it immediately. Not wanting to "rock the boat" so we could keep the construction on schedule I told him, OK, contact your sub-contractor.
That call cost me and additional $1400.00 for three sections of 10 foot pipe and four 45 degree elbows; plus three men to dig the trench (I asked him why he did not use a trencher, which would have cost approx $75.00). The job should not have been over $500.00. Anyway, I though I could get my money back once the pool was finished.
Construction was delayed by City of Katy Inspectors for mediocre work by various sub-contractors.
On 7 Aug 2009, the plaster was placed and water was immediately put into the pool. The City of Katy again "tagged" the pool because Platinum Pools filled the pool with water before final inspection could be made by the City of Katy. Final Inspection by City of Katy was made 30 Oct 2009.
We love the pool; however, we feel that the additional cost of $1400.00 to relocate our sewer lines should be the responsibility of Platinum Pools since their Construction Supervisor Paul failed to follow the layout plan. (Note - there was enough room in our back yard to miss the sewer line by over six feet and still be within side and back yard zoning setback limitations.
We complained to Platinum Pools and they chose to not respond.
We then contacted the Better Business Bureau of Metro Houston on two(2) occasions. On the second occasion, Platinum Pools chose to disagree with our complaint by pointing out to the BBB that we signed a waiver under the plumbing and utilities portion of the contract. This is true, since we did not require any plumbing or utility relocation, if the approved layout plan was followed. Platinum Pools failed to mention this to the BBB (I had previously sent a copy of the layout plan in my first letter to the BBB). Under BBB rules Platinum Pools still have a Satisfactory rating, which I totally disagree with. To me, just one(1) unresolved complaint, should make them Unsatisfactory.
I am currently thinking of getting me a lawyer or taking it to Small Claims Court myself.
Bob
Katy, Texas
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Pool Knower
Texas,United States of America
Inspections and Layout
#3Consumer Comment
Fri, December 17, 2010
I am sorry to hear of your trouble, but I do have some things to add for people who are thinking about any pool company. It is impossible to mark the exact location of sewer lines in a yard. Yes, you can see the cleanouts and assume that they run in a straight line, but there are no guarantees once the ground is dug open. Also, please keep in mind that once they begin to excavate your pool, the have to "ramp in" to get down to the depth you requested. That means that even though the layout line of the pool may be away from the proposed sewer lines, they still have to dig down outside of the layout line to get down to your depth. Plus, no one knows if your sewer lines are at the correct depth according to local code. That is why any pool company holds themselves not responsible for things out of their control.
Secondly, the City of Katy does their final inspection AFTER the pool is full of water, so there is no way they could have red tagged it as you stated. Maybe you meant that they failed the fence inspection, because the fence must be up and the self closing self latching gates have to be working and up to code before you are allowed to put water in the pool. The final inspection is basically one last check to make sure you or the contractors haven't done anything off permit.
If you go to court you will waste your money. You did sign a contract releasing them of liability for any underground utilities. This is a reminder for everyone to always read anything before you sign!
Bob smith
Katy,Texas,
U.S.A.
Update to File #454540
#3Author of original report
Fri, December 18, 2009
Update to File #454540
10 Nov 09. E-mailed Platinum Pools Construction Supervisor.
Reported that timer for pump had quit working Jun 09. Also reported that when I manually turned on the pump it made a screeching sound and momentarily I would smell an electrical burning odor. The pump was supposedly guaranteed for three(3) years. Today is 18 Dec 09 and I still have not heard from Platinum Pools. I don't suspect that I ever will. I did notice that they have moved their office once more.