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On Your Side: Man left with unfinished pool for 7 months

Michael Gentry signed a contract for a backyard pool in September. City documents confirm a permit was pulled for his new home addition in November. Seven months later, Gentry didn't yet have the dream poolside he'd hoped for.

Waiting for a pool installation can be tedious. While contractors deal with weather delays, customers face deferred plans for summer months.

One new pool owner in Greenland believes his wait has been unreasonable.

Michael Gentry signed a contract for a backyard pool in September. City documents confirm a permit was pulled for his new home addition in November.

Seven months later, Gentry didn’t yet have the dream poolside he’d hoped for. He said the initial salesperson told him the wait time would be three to four months. The $61,000 contract for the pool construction does not list a completion date.

All Seasons Pools in Sanford cited weather problems and a shortage in workers as the reason for the delay. Manager Don Garden told First Coast News their company like many in the state is seeing the labor workforce deported for overstaying work visas.

“It’s getting worse every month,” Garden said.

Two weeks after contacting First Coast News' On Your Side team on June 12 Gentry’s pool project was completed.

The company has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and says it now tells customers the average wait time is five to six months.

The Better Business Bureau recommends asking for references and gives the following recommendations for hiring a pool contractor:

  • Check for the required license here.
  • Ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance as well.
  • Understand the contract and keep a copy. Make sure everything is in writing, especially any promises made verbally. The contract should include dates, details, cost breakdowns, and any warranty or guarantee policies.
  • Ask who will be doing the actual work and make sure that information is included in the contract. If the contractor is hiring a subcontractor, make sure they’re properly licensed and insured as well.
  • Know if you need a permit. Many cities and counties require a special building permit to install swimming pools over a certain depth. Know whether this applies to you and make sure your contractor obtains all necessary permits.

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