Pool Expert needed for Corona CA area

[CoronaChris]

Looking for a reputable pool company to give me a quote to repair my pool located in Corona, CA. Existing pool is 6 years old and may need to be completely removed and redone from scratch. Please let me know if any RDP members do this or have any highly recommended companies that specializes in pool repair/redo's. I truly believe the pool needs to be removed and redone. Existing pool reports and pictures available upon request. Thank you in advance.

 

[RVRKID]

@Melloyellovector

 

[LuauLounge]

Care to share the back story to this? How does a 6 year old pool need to be demoed and replaced?

 

[CoronaChris]

Care to share the back story to this? How does a 6 year old pool need to be demoed and replaced?

Heart breaking for me to share but we need to move forwarded with a solution for our family to enjoy our backyard again. We trusted and hired a large pool franchise to build our pool in the middle of 2017. I had some concerns during the pool build with large amounts water seen in the bare gunite shell and was told by the pool builder "are you a pool builder, no, then let us do our job" "this is normal". Pool was completed late 2017 looked great, nothing but issues from year 1, multiple warranty claims, 3-4 years pass and a visible crack in the pool shell floor is seen. Pool franchise told us pebble tec issue, pebble tec contractor said I remember your pool the day we installed the pebble tec and water was pushing out through the shell. Pebble tec company drained the pool opened up the cracks and water gurgling up from the bottom, cannot repair. No problem, we went with this pool company because they offered us a lifetime pool shell warranty. Franchise owner and team visited and said not their fault, we will fix the pool shell with a high performance epoxy to hold back water intrusion at your cost. Hired certified pool inspector for second opinion , was told pool shell is a complete loss and needs to be removed/redone correctly. Pool core samples taken and show the gunite was shot at or around 5" not built per the engineering plans from pool engineering. We have had the pool drained for over 1.5 years now waiting on our pool builder to get back to us and has completely ghosted us.

 

[TeamGreene]

How is that not their fault? Any idea as to where the water is coming from?

 

[LittleLaser28]

Who’s the franchise and location? Shame they didn’t stand by their product.

May as well name them to warn others.

 

[grumpy88]

That is heart breaking . Good luck

 

[C-2]

Heart breaking for me to share but we need to move forwarded with a solution for our family to enjoy our backyard again. We trusted and hired a large pool franchise to build our pool in the middle of 2017. I had some concerns during the pool build with large amounts water seen in the bare gunite shell and was told by the pool builder "are you a pool builder, no, then let us do our job" "this is normal". Pool was completed late 2017 looked great, nothing but issues from year 1, multiple warranty claims, 3-4 years pass and a visible crack in the pool shell floor is seen. Pool franchise told us pebble tec issue, pebble tec contractor said I remember your pool the day we installed the pebble tec and water was pushing out through the shell. Pebble tec company drained the pool opened up the cracks and water gurgling up from the bottom, cannot repair. No problem, we went with this pool company because they offered us a lifetime pool shell warranty. Franchise owner and team visited and said not their fault, we will fix the pool shell with a high performance epoxy to hold back water intrusion at your cost. Hired certified pool inspector for second opinion , was told pool shell is a complete loss and needs to be removed/redone correctly. Pool core samples taken and show the gunite was shot at or around 5" not built per the engineering plans from pool engineering. We have had the pool drained for over 1.5 years now waiting on our pool builder to get back to us and has completely ghosted us.

View attachment 1262837 View attachment 1262840 View attachment 1262838 View attachment 1262839

Have you thought about filing a complaint with CSLB? They would hire an expert to inspect the workmanship. You're halfway there since you already hired an expert, too. You can also contact the bond company and same deal, file a claim against their bond. They too will have it inspected and if the installation falls below "industry standards", they may pay the bond amount, or settle with you. Lastly, CSLB also has arbitration programs, no cost to the homeowner.

Edit: Just understand the complaint process is long.

 

[EmpirE231]

damn that sucks! @Melloyellovector is the resident pool pro

might want to check with Bogner pools? they're huge in the Riverside area, and I'm sure they work in Corona.

 

[rivermobster]

I would Definitely get Tim involved. That totally sucks.

 

[CoronaChris]

We have reached out to an attorney recommendation from an inmate from this forum. I need an honest bid to present for repair or replacement from a company we can trust. We are an outdoor family and the last 2 summers we have closed off our backyard do to the sadness and liability of someone falling into an empty pool. Good times.

 

[C-2]

We have reached out to an attorney recommendation from an inmate from this forum. I need an honest bid to present for repair or replacement from a company we can trust. We are an outdoor family and the last 2 summers we have closed off our backyard do to the sadness and liability of someone failing into an empty pool. Good times.

I doubt you will find any takers for a repair. On construction repairs, the saying goes - "If you touch it, you own it." Most contractors will not want to assume that liability.

But good luck with it, that's a bummer.

 

[ahavasu]

Obie Rodriguez from Majestic Pool Construction. He is out of Murrieta and they build all over. Specializes in everything and they do a bunch of remodels. He built our negative edge and he's in my top five most honest people I know. He will do it right and at a fair price. [email protected] 951-445-6384

 

[dezrtracer]

That's horrible !! Hope you get it all worked out soon .

 

[Bajastu]

Always Reliable Pool Service
Simon - 951-757-2624

He builds tons of pools in the IE

 

[Melloyellovector]

What a mess. Did they take samples every 5ft or so of floor and walls. Break report if not done needs to be done to check psi strength of the shotcrete.
based off of pics, looks like yes needs to be replaced
I work in Corona, we’re building one there now up off Cleveland and Gilbert.
If I recall Corona requires soils report, engineering that follows soils report findings
If water coming thru shell there should be hydrostatic valve In deep end under a main drain cover.
What Does pool deck look like, and in relation to where it meets pool coping. Has pool sank/deck raised
with out seeing in person I’d say likely soil is crap under the pool, and also likely cut fill transitions within pool. Should have been over excavated to competent soil and filled w slurry to pool depths and built on top of that. Or entire backyard over excavated and compacted so it all expands and contracts at the same rates.

I can take a look. Write up potential costs. But there could be added costs once pool removed depending on soil tests. This is very likely 100k + rebuild
I would suggest contacting Rob VonEsch in fullerton.
Hopefully it’s a legit franchise builder and not pool logic. Legit as in licensed and insured etc… If its california pools their corp office will typically cover warranty if the individual won’t. If it’s premier then I believe individual offices responsible for their own work. Pool logic had multiple offices all doing weird shit and lost license and buried in lawsuits and class action lawsuit, he’s got nothing left to lose ( until people realize Jeff’s now working/running calimingo)

The insurance will be who pays out on lawsuit. Unless they didn’t have and it’s sole proprietor, then hopefully he’s successful and can afford to lose his ass. Otherwise you’ll just have a scrap IOU you’ll never collect on.
Bond 6 years ago was only 12k for pools that might cover your pebble. Insurance would be bulk of who’s gonna pay 1-2 million coverage
Rob would file / complaint to all parties needed.
In the mean time get copy of contract, warranty info, copies of all communication, copies of permit, soils report, plans and engineering, deputy inspections for shotcrete, and pics of pool.
He will review and very likely be happy to take this case. You will very likely win. But will take time. If your going to pay out of pocket and pursue lawsuit during/after fix, you want to make sure you have any and all evidence before pool removed.

Tim SoCal Pools 9098437172 call or text if you’d like me to go and check it out.

 

[CoronaChris]

Thanks for your response Tim, 3 core samples checked out average 5500 psi, 5.42" thickness this measurement is with the pebble tec. There is a pressure valve at bottom of pool in the main drain cover. Pool deck is showing signs of lifting. We are using Rob in Fullerton to represent us, it is a legit Franchise and is one that you mentioned, not Pool Logic. I would love and appreciate it if you can visit our home to evaluate and give us an estimate to repair, or replace the entire pool. I will text you my address.

 

[CoronaChris]

My old view that I miss so much.

 

[Joker]

That’s a tough one. I’m assuming the upward pressure is from being at the bottom of the hill along with water infiltration. I’m wondering how to control either of those 2 pressures being at the bottom of the hillside as water will always want to infiltrate concrete and being that it’s Gunite, and the poor consolidation it presents an even worse case scenario.
Are you certain the hill isn’t sliding?

 

[CoronaChris]

That’s a tough one. I’m assuming the upward pressure is from being at the bottom of the hill along with water infiltration. I’m wondering how to control either of those 2 pressures being at the bottom of the hillside as water will always want to infiltrate concrete and being that it’s Gunite, and the poor consolidation it presents an even worse case scenario.
Are you certain the hill isn’t sliding?

Not sure if the hill is sliding, our association owns the hillside and they have been no help in determining were the water is coming from. From the looks of it we have a high water table present. I noticed water during the build and asked questions with our pool builder superintendent and was told everything was fine, "if you dig a hole there is going to be water". I am not a pool builder and took his statement as this was normal during the process. After the pool was complete first year failures occurred due to water, year 2 failures occurred due to water, year 3 shell cracked due to water. From my understanding a simple dewatering system such as a sump pump and over excavating refill with proper soil/rock would have been the correct way to mitigate this issue.

 

[Joker]

Not sure if the hill is sliding, our association owns the hillside and they have been no help in determining were the water is coming from. From the looks of it we have a high water table present. I noticed water during the build and asked questions with our pool builder superintendent and was told everything was fine, "if you dig a hole there is going to be water". I am not a pool builder and took his statement as this was normal during the process. After the pool was complete first year failures occurred due to water, year 2 failures occurred due to water, year 3 shell cracked due to water. From my understanding a simple dewatering system such as a sump pump and over excavating refill with proper soil/rock would have been the correct way to mitigate this issue.

Do you currently have water leaching out of the cracks? If the HOA owns the hillside and their water is creating havoc with your pool, I would look at pursuing them as well. No different than a neighbor overwatering and causing subsequent failures in the adjoining neighbors retaining wall. I also see irrigation lines on the hillside, who maintains those and has it been confirmed there are no broken lines? Can you post an aerial view of the surrounding property? I'd look at the property to the right of you as well. Did you observe where the soil was wet prior to placement?

 

[CoronaChris]

No water leaching out of cracks, hoa did turn off water for 2-3 weeks no change in water level coming out hydrostatic valve at bottom of pool. HOA is on notice as well. I will try and send an aerial view shortly.

 

[Joker]

No water leaching out of cracks, hoa did turn off water for 2-3 weeks no change in water level coming out hydrostatic valve at bottom of pool. HOA is on notice as well. I will try and send an aerial view shortly.

Something doesn't seem right. Unless you have a natural spring in the hillside you should not be having active water coming out of the floor considering how long that hillside has had to dry out. Need to rule out any city or water authority lines in that area. If you want to email the aerial, you can do that in lieu of posting it.

 

[CoronaChris]

message me your email. I had the city out and they walked our property and the cul-de-sac behind our house, they simply pointed to the hills. They claim could be the hills due to granite rock that releases water throughout the year slow trickle. No lakes or water sources behind our house. Thanks Joker appreciate any help

 

[Joker]

message me your email. I had the city out and they walked our property and the cul-de-sac behind our house, they simply pointed to the hills. They claim could be the hills due to granite rock that releases water throughout the year slow trickle. No lakes or water sources behind our house. Thanks Joker appreciate any help

Sent

 

[wzuber]

Wow, what a crazy and horrible situation to be in. I came across this thread searching for pool contractors to remodel my pool. I found MYV's # as well as a couple others.
Your view is (was) beautiful. I hope your well onto your way to a satisfactory to you solution there. May the resolution dominoes fall in your favor.

 

[DarkJuJu]

Man and I was bummed about the $9k for a hard dig due to caliche at my property, I couldn't imagine dealing with this. I had the same smart ass know it all super on my project and had to go to the ownership to get things done right during the build. Ill die before I deal with another pool , I wanted a boat, wife wanted a pool, this is why is spend so much time on RD, I live vicariously through the folks on here.

 

[txmxer1]

Sub'd Family member had their entire pool redone in Corona, new pebbletech, fixing a leak, new pump, deck, and taking out an island. The guy in charge did a great job and the pool looks amazing. I'll get you the contact when they send it.

 

[txmxer1]

Sorry, spoke with family, I guess the work was great but the guy was a little shady at the end with coming back and finishing up some finishing touches and because of that they wouldnt recommend.

 

[DLC]

@CoronaChris

any up dates to this?

just looking at the issues you posted about…
is crazy!

 

[LuauLounge]

Wow, our pool was put in in 1974ish, we bought in 1986. The pool was plaster and I figured I’d have to replaster it soon. Hired a pool maintenance guy and got another 12 years out of it. There were some hairline cracks. Did pepple tec in 2008 and it looks like it did 16 years ago.

 

[rrrr]

I'm not unhappy we no longer have a pool. Just buying chemicals in the Biden era is like taking in the ass. Uh, no, I don't have personal experience with that, it's a colloquialism.

When we moved in September 2002, it was getting close to the usual 10-12 year rework that's common in the area, and the previous one was done in 2011. Expansive clay soil shifts as weather conditions change. We were in a severe drought between 2012 and 2013, and in Spring 2015, it rained 15 inches in two months.

The changes in the soil moisture content moved the house and pool, and anticipating the sale of the property, we installed 42 piers and did extensive drywall repair throughout the house in early 2022.

I had replaced around eight tiles before the house went on the market, and a tap test revealed dozens more had debonded. There was also a small vertical crack at the knee. But God was smiling on me one sunny day, it passed the presale inspection.

The new homeowner is one of those guys that's helpless when anything larger than a screwdriver is required. The rework in 2011 replaced the tile, skimmers, and installed PebbleTec. The backer rod and caulking between the coping and pool deck was also removed and replaced. All that cost $11K. Based on my investigation and estimates in 2022, he's gonna be paying around $50K for the same repairs.

 

[CoronaChris]

@CoronaChris

any up dates to this?

just looking at the issues you posted about…
is crazy!

unfortunately in litigation. pool has now been out of service for over 3 years, very hard on our family. we are out door people our kids are 10 and 12, all the family time that we are missing is un-fucking believable.

the OG pool builder came by our house with their lawyer to take a peak at all the damage, after that they seem like they want to settle but who knows. pool is a full removal and redo. very very sad.

 

[wzuber]

Wow, what a horrible situation to be in. I hope you can somehow be made whole in the end. The priceless aspect is the time lost in enjoyment with your family with your kids ages and all. How do you put a $$$ value to that? I hope he's well insured and they pay off so you can move forward to a quality pool build with SoCal...good luck

 

[CoronaChris]

Wow, what a horrible situation to be in. I hope you can somehow be made whole in the end. The priceless aspect is the time lost in enjoyment with your family with your kids ages and all. How do you put a $$$ value to that? I hope he's well insured and they pay off so you can move forward to a quality pool build with SoCal...good luck

At this time we are only asking for the pool to be replaced and attorney fees. We are going off of actual bids from pool companies that gave us proposals to fix and install a dewatering system if need be. We have not asked for loss of use and a few other things that we can/should go after. At the end of the day we just want our backyard back and move forward with our lives.

 

[DLC]

I’m sorry your still dealing with all That BS !!

The absolute worst thing is the family time lost ….

Double edge sword

fill in the pool to have a back yard you eliminate any / all the evidence

keep the pool as is you have a HUGE pain in the ass that is there every day - Constant Reminder….

 

[LuauLounge]

Fill it in, start over at another property a few miles away. I can’t imagine any company would rebuild this pool without indemnifying themselves start to finish.

 

[t&y]

Something doesn't seem right. Unless you have a natural spring in the hillside you should not be having active water coming out of the floor considering how long that hillside has had to dry out. Need to rule out any city or water authority lines in that area. If you want to email the aerial, you can do that in lieu of posting it.

No shit right...

 

[traquer]

I'm no contractor but I'd be so pissed I probably would have rented a bobcat to jack hammer out the entire bottom, add a few feet deep perimiter "foundation" around the sides and then add in a ton of rebar and fill that shit with 12" thick concrete to match the shape. Then call the pebble tech guy lol

 

[gqchris]

My head would explode with this nightmare. Hoping you guys get some relief soon , Chris!