About Me
I am Jared Sanchez, a first time homeowner. I am a Board Certified Licensed Optician in the state of Florida. I work as a General Manager for a private optometric office. I am also a software developer for optical management software. I live an ethical and honest life, I was brought up in a military school, New Mexico Military Institute, which is also a honor school. I still live everyday by adhering to that honor code to not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do. All I expect from a business is to treat me in a similar manner. I have no tolerance for dishonesty and will exercise my right to speak the facts.
This blog will describe all of the timeline facts of my major problems that occurred when I hired Apollo Pools in central Florida to resurface my pool.
This is a timeline of my horrific experience with my pool remodel. It will serve as a medium to hold most facts . Certain pertinent facts and evidence will remain at another undisclosed location if ever needed in a court of law.
I am treating this page as a police report, it is not intended to cause harm to Apollo pools, nor does it contain any defamatory, libelous or slanderous remarks. Any other comments I write on this page are my own personal opinions.
I am not exaggerating anything in my below statement, and what little good there was in this experience I will state.
QUICK SUMMERY OF SITUATION BELOW:
I chose a contractor from a list provided by Lyon Financial.
I got approved for the loan and then Apollo Pools delivered a price of 400.00 More than agreed.
Cracks appeared throughout my pool deck.
The owner refused to fix and stated if I made a big deal of it he would halt all construction.
The owner then tried to halt construction till the next month unless I pre-signed the completion agreement
early. During the construction my electricity was damaged, property items displaced, my yard was littered, my trees were killed and my deck was stained.
They installed a permanent structure of tiles through the middle of my pool without my consent or authorization.
The pool surface was poorly applied to a major degree.
I notified the Mariner Financial and Lyon Financial that I want to be truthful and state yes the work was completed, no I am not satisfied and yes to release the funds and I would settle this separately with Apollo pools. Lyon Financial told me I was out of luck and my loan was going in the shredder.
In my opinion, I have been called by the owner of Apollo Pools ever since, he is threatening to "Foreclose upon my house", "Publicly slander me at my place of employment", and said that he has "sub-contractors that will pull liens against me".
he continues to call me even at my job by calling the business number repeatedly.
I got approved for the loan and then Apollo Pools delivered a price of 400.00 More than agreed.
Cracks appeared throughout my pool deck.
The owner refused to fix and stated if I made a big deal of it he would halt all construction.
The owner then tried to halt construction till the next month unless I pre-signed the completion agreement
early. During the construction my electricity was damaged, property items displaced, my yard was littered, my trees were killed and my deck was stained.
They installed a permanent structure of tiles through the middle of my pool without my consent or authorization.
The pool surface was poorly applied to a major degree.
I notified the Mariner Financial and Lyon Financial that I want to be truthful and state yes the work was completed, no I am not satisfied and yes to release the funds and I would settle this separately with Apollo pools. Lyon Financial told me I was out of luck and my loan was going in the shredder.
In my opinion, I have been called by the owner of Apollo Pools ever since, he is threatening to "Foreclose upon my house", "Publicly slander me at my place of employment", and said that he has "sub-contractors that will pull liens against me".
he continues to call me even at my job by calling the business number repeatedly.
DETAILS, PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS OF INCIDENT BELOW:
0.0 - May 6th 2013 - The decision
My old pool filter bit the dust. My pool surface was old and in need of a facelift, so I found Lyon Financial, a pool remodeling lender. Lyon Financial looked like a reputable company, so I applied.
One of the requirements for them granting me funds to remodel my pool was to select from their list of contractors. I called 3 companies out for a estimate. They came to my house to evaluate my needs.
In the end of the selection I made the mistake of not checking all of companies reviews online or their actual work. Apollo Pools gave me the lowest price and I had one concern which was fear of my pool popping out of the ground when it was drained, but Apollo Pools owner assured me I had nothing to worry about that they took every pre-caution, so I chose them.
One of the requirements for them granting me funds to remodel my pool was to select from their list of contractors. I called 3 companies out for a estimate. They came to my house to evaluate my needs.
In the end of the selection I made the mistake of not checking all of companies reviews online or their actual work. Apollo Pools gave me the lowest price and I had one concern which was fear of my pool popping out of the ground when it was drained, but Apollo Pools owner assured me I had nothing to worry about that they took every pre-caution, so I chose them.
1.0 - May 8th 2013 - Approval From Lender
I recieved a approval e-mail from Lyon Financial, saying I had a Aproved Unsecured Loan. Click image to view.
2.0 - May 9th 2013 - The Proposal
I received a e-mail from Apollo Pool's owner along with his proposal, which was exactly what I ordered. The owner wanted me to add in a new LED multi-colored light to the invoice, however, he wanted $395.00 so I told him I would pass (I found one on eBay for $160.00 and all it called for was to screw in a light bulb). I signed the document and e-mailed it to Lyon financial (see below for details, click to enlarge).
Apollo Pools E-mail
Apollo Pools Proposal
3.0 - May 15th 2013 - It starts
On May Wedsnesday 15th, Apollo Pools entered my property and started to drain my
pool, Amanda from Lyon Financial said that would be ok over the phone.
pool, Amanda from Lyon Financial said that would be ok over the phone.
3.1 - Apollo pools delivers incorrect price confirmation
On Wednesday morning, a worker from Apollo pools arrived, he had samples and wanted me to select the tiles and the finish. I had explained to him that I had already discussed my selection and the finish I wanted was Midnight blue. The worker said that color selection would cost me $400.00 more than I had agreed to. I tried to explain to him that he needed to contact the owner because the upgraded finish was already accounted for in the proposal. He then made a phone call and spoke with the "Top Manager" who reiterated to me on the phone that it would cost me more. Nearly being late for work, I let the manager know that he needed to review his proposal again and speak with the owner. I then left in a hurry to get to work very disappointed on what I had been informed.
Audio admittance of this error below:
Audio admittance of this error below:
3.2 - Surface and Tile Selection
I came home from work because I wanted to actually see the samples of the finish. At first I chose Midnight Blue, but to my surprise it looked much darker than the image I had seen on Apollo Pools Website, however, they had another finish that was a lighter blue. So I put both samples in a tub of water and decided Tahoe blue was much nicer, I called up the owner and asked if he could change the order along with the original selected tiles and he said sure. I was very happy with them allowing me to change my mind, so they were gaining back my trust.
4.0 - May 16th 2013 - New Tile
The next day they installed the new tile. I was so thrilled, it was
exactly as I had ordered. They left my hose out in the pool, but hey no big deal.
exactly as I had ordered. They left my hose out in the pool, but hey no big deal.
5.0 - May 17th 2013 - Official "Clear for Construction E-mail
Even though Amanda from Lyon Financial stated over the phone it was ok for Apollo to begin on the 15th, I did not receive the clear to construction notice until May 17th I was so excited so I figured no big deal because after I saw the e-mail I felt very confident that I had the protection of a unsecured loan and everything was official.
6.0 - May 18th 2013 - The Cracks
Well, days passed by without any sign of Apollo Pools returning since they drained my pool and completed the tile. There was no rain so the water that was in the pool had mostly evaporated except for 1ft at the deep end. I had been informed by many sources that it was not good to leave a pool of almost 20,000 gallons empty for very long. But, I figured they were experts and knew what they were doing. Saturday afternoon I was busy re-modeling my bathroom when my partner opened the side door and said "Jared, you better come out here now." So to my surprise, my partner pointed out all of these cracks in which I had never seen before (I had just rented a pressure washer to clean the deck a month before, so I knew every defect on my deck) as we were examining the deck I saw one crack extend almost instantly and a popping noise. Very concerned I made a text to Apollo Pools owner.
6.1 - Photographic Evidence begins...
Very paranoid of the possibility of my pool popping out of the ground, I started to take photos of the newly discovered cracks.
They sent out a associate that night to evaluate the situation. I was very thankful and impressed of how fast they responded. The worker was nice and looked at the pool. He said that if the pool was going to pop out, we would see cracks in the grout line of the new tile. We found two cracks (this was at night so the pictures did not come out good so I did not post them). The associate confirmed the cracks in the grout and called his manager. He then instructed me to start filling the pool with water up to the first step. I gladly agreed in fear that my pool might pop.
7.0 - May 20th - Manager and Owner examine deck
On Monday, a "Top Manager" from Apollo Pools came to examine my deck. He said that all the cracks were existing. I explained to him that the deck was not perfect, but these cracks were not there before. He left and the next day the owner paid a visit. He also said all of the cracks were existing and if I made a big deal of it that he would halt all construction. I then became scared. Under great pressure I said OK, I will not worry about the cracks then, however, I needed his assurance that the pool would not pop out, he assured me it would not happen so I was ok with everything. Later that evening I read the fine print on the bottom of the proposal letter that explained they "would not be responsible for deck damage due to the draining of the pool" so I let it go.
8.0 - May 21st 2013
I had not heard from Apollo Pools since the owners visit, my pool had now been empty for 7 days. I made a phone call to the owner to get an update. I asked him when they would be back to finish the job (I was told by another pool
company that this type of job only takes a few days from start to finish). The owner vaguely said they would get to it when they had time, that they may not get to it until June. I then became more concerned and later I text him a desperate message (thinking he would respond differently to test his ethics). I asked him if I had signed the completion certificate if it would motivate him to finish the work his company had started. He later called and said "Yes, that would be a good gesture" and that "They would finish it by Friday". Now, even though in my opinion I was highly disappointed in the ethics of his response, at least I got him to agree to finish the job.
company that this type of job only takes a few days from start to finish). The owner vaguely said they would get to it when they had time, that they may not get to it until June. I then became more concerned and later I text him a desperate message (thinking he would respond differently to test his ethics). I asked him if I had signed the completion certificate if it would motivate him to finish the work his company had started. He later called and said "Yes, that would be a good gesture" and that "They would finish it by Friday". Now, even though in my opinion I was highly disappointed in the ethics of his response, at least I got him to agree to finish the job.
9.0 - May 23rd 2013
While I was at work, my security cameras notified me that someone had entered the property, I noticed workers arrive. Later that afternoon, I received a message that my electricity had went down and my surveillance cameras and my modem/router had entered battery back up mode. I called the "Top Manager" and asked him what was going on. He made a call to the workers and they told him that they dropped a electric cord in the pool and it shut all of the electricity down. The manager said that they needed the breakers flipped in order to continue. I had to leave work unexpected due to this and lose an hour of pay. Later, upon review of my cameras I saw that the worker was being very careless in how the worker managed his electrical cords while in the pool. The video below shows the exact moment. Also in this video I noticed that the workers removed my pavers surrounding the edge of my deck to hold up their equipment without my permission.
9.1 - The Unauthorized "Belly Belt" and Unauthorized Advertising
Considering the previous day, I decided to pay a visit to my home during lunch to take a look at the progress of the construction. To my surprise I noticed a new, unauthorized and unnecessary permamently installed line of tiles going right through the middle of my pool. I asked the worker what it was and he explained that it was a belly belt. He said that the owner had called them and ordered them to go pick up more tile and install it in my pool.
Before I left I took a peak through my front window and noticed that Apollo Pools had put a advertising sign in my front yard without my permission. It is clearly stated upon entering my subdivision "No Soliciting". I crossed my fingers that the homeowners association would not see it and fine me. I then had to head back to work from lunch. Once I came back home I removed the sign which was not taken by Apollo Pool's when they left. When I got home I noticed that the "Belly Belt" tile even had a mismatched dark blue tile on the top. I had asked Apollo Pools owner if it was necessary and why they installed it he replied "Most people like it, other than that I have no answer for you." I asked the owner if he can please remove it that I do not like it and he said "No I will not do that". I also asked a worker later if he had ever seen any Apollo pool have this and he replied "no, and I have seen allot of their pools."
Before I left I took a peak through my front window and noticed that Apollo Pools had put a advertising sign in my front yard without my permission. It is clearly stated upon entering my subdivision "No Soliciting". I crossed my fingers that the homeowners association would not see it and fine me. I then had to head back to work from lunch. Once I came back home I removed the sign which was not taken by Apollo Pool's when they left. When I got home I noticed that the "Belly Belt" tile even had a mismatched dark blue tile on the top. I had asked Apollo Pools owner if it was necessary and why they installed it he replied "Most people like it, other than that I have no answer for you." I asked the owner if he can please remove it that I do not like it and he said "No I will not do that". I also asked a worker later if he had ever seen any Apollo pool have this and he replied "no, and I have seen allot of their pools."
10.0- May 24th 2013
I reviewed my cameras on my lunch break (which consumed most of it), To my surprise I saw them pull my new patio chairs like they were
hauling a garbage bag across my patio floor. I even noticed that Apollo
Pools were "Playing" with my property and "throwing" my pool items around my
yard, Apollo Pools worker is seen grabbing my
personal property from my patio table, raising it in the sky and
launching it across my yard (see video below).
hauling a garbage bag across my patio floor. I even noticed that Apollo
Pools were "Playing" with my property and "throwing" my pool items around my
yard, Apollo Pools worker is seen grabbing my
personal property from my patio table, raising it in the sky and
launching it across my yard (see video below).
10.1 - Discovery of broken new LED bulb
After I got home, my partner noticed that the LED bulb "looked funny", it looked like it was positioned downward, pressing up against the glass housing. I then remembered that I had asked the "Top Manager" if I could replace the original bulb while they were working on my pool since I now had access (with the pool drained). He answered "We didn't sell you the bulb? Oh yes, you can do anything you want, it's your property". So I figured I better check it out and remove the housing to make sure there was nothing wrong with the bulb before the pool filled up with water. Upon opening the housing, I discovered that the new bulb had been broken inside. Nothing could have caused this unless the housing was dropped harshly into the then empty pool. Luckily, I saw that the wires were attached to the bulb, but the screw base had broken away from the bulb. The pool was already filling up with water so I tested the bulb as it was to make sure it still worked and it did, so I took pictures of it and then super glued the housing into the screw base. See pictures below.
10.2 - Poor Corrosive Acid Placement Caused Permanent Stain on Deck
Apollo Pools had stacked three boxes, each containing four bottles of Highly Corrosive acid on top of each other vertically. Because it rained that day, these boxes were placed just four feet from where they could have been protected from the rain. Due to the placement, the rain saturated the cardboard boxes and when I arrived home that evening from work I saw that the boxes had fallen and spilled onto my deck therefore permanently staining my back porch deck. See photos below.
10.3 - Damage to Landscape Lighting, Three 10yo Trees and Folliage
After the re-surfacing, I examined my back yard only to discover that they had placed a dumping tube which dispensed chemical treated water from my pool right onto foliage plants and pouring corrosive chemicals directly onto one of my landscape lights (which I had just purchased for $75.00 on and installed) and into my tree beds. Later, all three of my "Sweet Verbena Trees" which take 10 years to grow to their height, had died due to this activity. The trees provided privacy between my back yard and major road on the other side.
10.4 - A Littered Aftermath
This was a small situation, but it took hours to clean up my back yard when Apollo Pools left after re-surfacing my pool. Trash, chunks of hardened marcite concrete and scattered patio furniture.
10.5 - The Poor Surface
The entire pool surface was poorly completed and did not look anything like the sample of Tahoe Blue, but more like the planet Neptune and the surface cratered. Throughout the pool were various white blotches, streaking, pitting and overall unacceptable.
I took various photo's of the surface, before and after the pool water was brought into a acceptable range and the surface properly brushed to remove the "white cream".
I took various photo's of the surface, before and after the pool water was brought into a acceptable range and the surface properly brushed to remove the "white cream".
10.6 - Confirmation of Completion
That morning I had a phone conversation explaining the discrepancies to Amanda Fields, she had informed me that if I asked them to stop payment to Apollo Pools, that my house could be in jeopardy and could have a lien placed on it and sold against my will. After I had confirmed with Apollo Pool's owner and with the "Top Manager" that they had completed the job. I text them and stated I did not want them to enter my property until further notice. My next step was to complete my obligations to fulfill my loan agreement with Lyon Financial and then seek counsel for my damages I incurred. See text messages below.
11.0 - May 29th 2013 - Correspondence Received from Lyon Financial
On Wednesday, May 29th, I had finally received a E-mail from Amanda Field at Lyon Financial. The e-mail stated that everything was going through. I had asked Amanda Field to notate my discrepancies just in case Apollo Pools did not fix the multiple problems with the project. In the e-mail it states "I have everything else noted!". See E-mail below.
12.0 - May 30th 2013 - Phone Call From Mariner Financial (Funding Source)
I received a phone call from Mariner Financial, they were confirming that the work was completed on my property and that I was completely satisfied with the work. I could not lie to them in response to their question. I stated "Yes the work has been completed, no I am not satisfied, but in no way does that detour from my obligation to fulfill my loan agreement that I have been granted. Yes, I am allowing you to release funds for the project." The lady said she would have to call me back and I asked if there was a problem, she said she that they were worried I would not pay on the loan, I told her "I will fax you a signed document stating that my obligation to fufill my agreement to pay on the loan has nothing to do with my satisfaction of the services received with Apollo Pools. I would handle that situation separately." I explained to the lady that I was willing to fax a signed statement explaining that. She agreed and I faxed the document below.
12.1 - Phone Call from Lyon Financial Owner "Mr. Lyon"
The owner of Lyon Financial called me, he sounded like a very upset man. He asked "What's your problem??". I explained to him that I am not satisfied with the work his "approved contractor" rendered, however I will settle that situation seperatley and to please release the funds they had promised me. I would continue to make payments as agreed upon in the contract. Mr. Lyon said to me "Well, I am not going to release any funds until this is resolved between you two" (meaning me and Apollo Pools). I explained to Mr. Lyons that the owner of Apollo Pools is unwilling to fix the major problem which was the "Belly Belt". I also explained to Mr. Lyon that because Apollo is not going to rectify the situation they have put me in, I will see counsel for the work Apollo Pools rendered but like I faxed to Mariner Financial, it has nothing to do with my obligation to repay the loan. Mr. Lyon then replied "Well I guess your contract will go in my shredder then.". I was completely baffled by his comment. Granted I was at work and had to excuse myself to talk to him, I had to get back to work so I asked him "Why are you doing this? I have a contract with you, I would have never had work done on my property if I would have known that I would HAVE to say I was satisfied with the work, because I wouldn't have known if I would have been satisfied ahead of time." Mr. Lyon then said that is all he had to say to me and that "I was wasting his time". At this point I ended the conversation because I had to get back to work.
13.0 - June 1st 2013 - One Last Attempt to Resolve Issues Before Counsel
On June 1st, 2013 I had agreed to meet with Apollo Pools Owner on my property alongside my brother who brought a highly accredited pool company owner, Tony Caruso to examine my pool and determine if they were legitimate defects. I put a great deal of risk of this meeting because I had an obligation to appear at my place of employment that day. I had to be "late to work beyond my control" because of this.
I let them talk about the pool's surface and sure enough, Tony Caruso had confirmed that the pools resurfacing was of poor construction. After the discovery, me and my brother brought the facts to the table.
1. The pools re-construction was poor. We wanted that fixed.
2. There was a permanent item placed in the pool (The Belly Belt) without the owners consent (me). We wanted it removed or a certain amount deducted from the bill if I had to "live with it". We had decided that $1,000.00 was fair at that time (even though my brother was unaware that Apollo Pools destruction to my property had already exceeded that amount considering the cracking to the deck, loss of wages and productive time lost in dealing with this issue) but I was still willing to just end the situation and cut my losses.
Apollo Pools owner did not want to remove the "Belly Belt" and he also refused to deduct any amount from the invoice because of it.
After almost an hour of bickering, me and my brother decided our next step was to seek counsel and let legal handle it. I had to go to work and was the only one to open up my office for my doctor who had patients at 9:00am, it was already 8:45am. I was late and received much grief because of it. Apollo Pools owner then started to try to "Bargain" the amount down. As I was attempting to leave my residence to go my work, Apollo Pools owner was cornering me in my own driveway stating "I'm going to put a lien on your house Jared" and "I'm going to take this house from you Jared."
After many attempts made to command Apollo Pools owner to remove himself from my property, My brother saw everything that was going on and instructed me to pull out my phone and record him that he was not following my instruction to remove himself from my property and to stop blocking me from leaving my own driveway.
Please see video below:
I let them talk about the pool's surface and sure enough, Tony Caruso had confirmed that the pools resurfacing was of poor construction. After the discovery, me and my brother brought the facts to the table.
1. The pools re-construction was poor. We wanted that fixed.
2. There was a permanent item placed in the pool (The Belly Belt) without the owners consent (me). We wanted it removed or a certain amount deducted from the bill if I had to "live with it". We had decided that $1,000.00 was fair at that time (even though my brother was unaware that Apollo Pools destruction to my property had already exceeded that amount considering the cracking to the deck, loss of wages and productive time lost in dealing with this issue) but I was still willing to just end the situation and cut my losses.
Apollo Pools owner did not want to remove the "Belly Belt" and he also refused to deduct any amount from the invoice because of it.
After almost an hour of bickering, me and my brother decided our next step was to seek counsel and let legal handle it. I had to go to work and was the only one to open up my office for my doctor who had patients at 9:00am, it was already 8:45am. I was late and received much grief because of it. Apollo Pools owner then started to try to "Bargain" the amount down. As I was attempting to leave my residence to go my work, Apollo Pools owner was cornering me in my own driveway stating "I'm going to put a lien on your house Jared" and "I'm going to take this house from you Jared."
After many attempts made to command Apollo Pools owner to remove himself from my property, My brother saw everything that was going on and instructed me to pull out my phone and record him that he was not following my instruction to remove himself from my property and to stop blocking me from leaving my own driveway.
Please see video below:
After Apollo Pools owner's multiple calls to my cell phone, he then left a voice mail:
Even after being instructed to leave my property over half an hour later and me not answering his MULTIPLE phone calls, Apollo Pools owner sends me a text message stating that he has not left my residence, we gave Apollo Pools owner more than an hour to "work this out". This was starting to get very scary and in my opinion in a stalking matter. Click to enlarge.
14.0 - June 3rd - 4th 2013 - Apollo Pools Owner "Text Me" he is coming over.
In my opinion, the owner of Apollo Pools continued to harass and bully me even after I had advised him I will be represented by counsel. My attorney, Frank Smith Esq. released a statement via e-mail at 11:28am after this text message below officially asking him NOT to contact me OR come back to my residence, but to contact Mr. Smith Esq. instead.
Please note, I was supposed to leave out of town for my one vacation I get all year on June 3rd. I had to delay my vacation by one day because of this matter.
Please see photos below (click to enlarge).
Please note, I was supposed to leave out of town for my one vacation I get all year on June 3rd. I had to delay my vacation by one day because of this matter.
Please see photos below (click to enlarge).
15.0 - June 5th 2013 - Apollo Pools Worker Arrives at Residence
I had left my house for vacation on June 4th. The next day around 7:04pm, I received a alarm notice from my surveillance equipment that shows Apollo Pools worker at my front door attempting to contact me. According to my attorneys letter, they had accepted the resolution that at that time my counsel had set forth. See photo below.
16.0 - June 6th - June 17th
Apollo Pools workers frequently visit residence throughout the time period. Due to in climate weather conditions, they just continue to "scrub the floor" as they were instructed to do by Apollo pools owner.
17.0 - June 18th - Decision to Drain Pool a 2nd Time To Perform Construction
On June 19th, I was awakened early in the morning by a worker from Apollo Pools. He let me know that they would be "draining the pool to work on the defects.". Even though my attorney was not given any notice to my knowledge, I was glad they were going to physically rectify the damage and, hopefully, just re-surface the pool again and remove the "Belly Belt".
17.1 - Surveillance Cameras Defaced/Blocked, 911 Called, Police Arrive.
Just minutes after I clocked in to work I received a alert that my back yard camera had been shut down or blocked from view. When I looked at the live view on my phone, all I could see was a newspaper like image. My security camera had been obstructed.
In fear of my pool, property or even my residence being damaged, I had to find out what was going on. As I was on my way I dialed 911 and explained the situation. I arrived at my house 30 minutes later along side a Florida State Patrol officer and minutes later the sheriffs department officers arrived. As we (me and the officers quickly walked into the back yard), there stood Apollo Pools owner overseeing the re-construction. I asked out loud "Why are my security cameras being blocked?" No one answered me. Then a deputy asked the same question, Apollo Pools owner said that he didn't know and no, he did not do it, he "just arrived". As me and the officers headed to the back corner of the yard towards one of my camera's, I saw and heard Apollo Pools owner instruct all of his workers to "no one is to talk to any police if they ask any of you guys any questions, just keep working." We arrived at the corner security camera and removed the cardboard (which was the same cardboard that came from a new hose that Apollo Pools brought in that day).
Because I did not have time to review my DVR to see who had done this, the police could only issue me a case number and instruct me to report my findings to my attorney. They also instructed Apollo Pools owner not to allow any of his workers to deface or tamper with my property which included my surveillance equipment. Surveillance cameras posted Signs have been posted on both sides of my house, including one sign next to my back yard fence door.
Later, I reviewed the cameras and below is a complete video proof of what had taken place.
In fear of my pool, property or even my residence being damaged, I had to find out what was going on. As I was on my way I dialed 911 and explained the situation. I arrived at my house 30 minutes later along side a Florida State Patrol officer and minutes later the sheriffs department officers arrived. As we (me and the officers quickly walked into the back yard), there stood Apollo Pools owner overseeing the re-construction. I asked out loud "Why are my security cameras being blocked?" No one answered me. Then a deputy asked the same question, Apollo Pools owner said that he didn't know and no, he did not do it, he "just arrived". As me and the officers headed to the back corner of the yard towards one of my camera's, I saw and heard Apollo Pools owner instruct all of his workers to "no one is to talk to any police if they ask any of you guys any questions, just keep working." We arrived at the corner security camera and removed the cardboard (which was the same cardboard that came from a new hose that Apollo Pools brought in that day).
Because I did not have time to review my DVR to see who had done this, the police could only issue me a case number and instruct me to report my findings to my attorney. They also instructed Apollo Pools owner not to allow any of his workers to deface or tamper with my property which included my surveillance equipment. Surveillance cameras posted Signs have been posted on both sides of my house, including one sign next to my back yard fence door.
Later, I reviewed the cameras and below is a complete video proof of what had taken place.
17.2 - Case Number For Police Visit
Here is the case number that the officer gave me.
17.3 - New Damage After Pool Repair
After I came home from work, I went to look at the surface of the pool. Right away I noticed that the sharp corner of the pool was missing chunks of the new marcite, all the way down. I also noticed new pits in the surface that
had not been there before throughout the surface of the pool. It seems that there was more damage to the surface after the repair than before. I took pictures of this damage right away, as the pool was filling with water.
had not been there before throughout the surface of the pool. It seems that there was more damage to the surface after the repair than before. I took pictures of this damage right away, as the pool was filling with water.
18.0 - June 20th - Owner Arrives On Property with other individual (UNAUTHORIZED)
On Thursday, June 20th, Apollo Pools owner arrives on property with a unknown person who did not have permission to be on my private property. It is raining, they pace around the pool, grab the pool brush (AND not return it to its original place). This does not look like they were correcting any type of finish as stated and pre-warned to the owner of Apollo Pools in writing; "John may only have access to the property only to perform either remedy as listed 3(a) or 3(b) above." from my counsel as documented in section 14.0 Picture #5. The pool is green and it is raining, so the surface would not be able to be seen.
18.1 - 2nd Unauthorized Person On Private Property
There is a non-Apollo individual on my property without my permission.
18.2 - Worker Arrives After Owner (Non-Eventful)
At around 4:30pm a worker from Apollo Pools comes in to add more chemicals and scrub the surface. (video below)
19.0 - June 24th 2013 - Last Visit From Apollo Staff
While I was working in my office I received a notification that someone had come into the back yard. I went out to see who it was. I saw it was a worker talking on the phone. I know that the worker noticed me so I went out to introduce myself. I asked the worker why the water was "Milky" he told me that he still needed to add chemicals to balance the pool. I did explain to him the past events and this was the worker that I had mentioned earlier that told me he has seen a lot of finished pools and never saw a non-commercial pool with a "Belly Belt". He was surprised when I told him that I did not order it nor did I want it. (video below)
19.1 - E-mail from Apollo Pools Owner
I received a e-mail from my counsels office later that day. I was surprised when I received another e-mail directly from Apollo Pools owner shortly after stating "In case they do not send this to you.". The owner directly communicated with me yet again in which he was ordered not to do in any form by my attorney.
The e-mail also stated that he has "visited the pool" and he has visually confirmed the "chemicals were balanced" (which would be impossible, noting that just 3 hours earlier they were dumping various chemicals into the pool.
He also had not visited the property since June 20th, when it was raining and the water was green. It would be very difficult to even see the surface of the pool. Despite that fact, Apollo Pools owner said in his email "I have visited the pool and visually confirmed that the pool finish is in pristine condition".(see e-mails below).
The e-mail also stated that he has "visited the pool" and he has visually confirmed the "chemicals were balanced" (which would be impossible, noting that just 3 hours earlier they were dumping various chemicals into the pool.
He also had not visited the property since June 20th, when it was raining and the water was green. It would be very difficult to even see the surface of the pool. Despite that fact, Apollo Pools owner said in his email "I have visited the pool and visually confirmed that the pool finish is in pristine condition".(see e-mails below).
19.2 - Pool Water Test Performed
After reading the e-mail from Apollo Pools that stated how the chemicals were "balanced", I decided to perform my own test of the water because the pool water still looked "Milky" and not clear. The test shows all but one (the stabilizer) tested very high and well beyond the OK range. Below are my results.
20.0 - June 25th 2013 - Phone Calls From Apollo Pools to My Employment Begin
On June 25th at 3:45pm I received a phone call from Apollo Pools. I answered with my name and the other end quickly terminated the call. I do not know how Apollo Pools acquired my work phone number (my guess is Lyon Financial), however I work in a busy office and I did not ask nor condone Apollo Pools to call my place of employment. Throughout the rest of the day I also received around 3 more "Private Caller" phone calls which when I answered, terminated the call in the same manner. (See photo below)
21.0 - June 27th 2013 - Multiple Phone Calls to My Employment - Police Called
Again on June 27th, starting in the morning and throughout the day, Apollo Pools continued to call my place of employment using various blocking methods and terminating the call on the instances I would answer. In my opinion, this seemed very harassing to me so I called the Hillsborough County Sheriffs office to make a report (see 3rd photo for case number). A deputy Sheriff arrived around noon and took the report. He also called Apollo Pools based on suggestion to call them and please notify them to stop contacting me at my place of employment. The conversation they had took place outside where I was not able to hear details. After the Deputy left, Apollo Pools continued to make multiple phone calls to my work phone number at first not blocking their caller ID (see 3rd photo on the right).
*Update
The owner of Apollo Pools refused to remove the unordered belly belt or to finish the proposed new surface on my pool.
I have asked multiple unbiased pool construction professionals to give a unbiased report on Apollo Pool's project.
The inspections confirmed that the project was unfinished and that the new tile construction was poor.
I have asked multiple unbiased pool construction professionals to give a unbiased report on Apollo Pool's project.
The inspections confirmed that the project was unfinished and that the new tile construction was poor.
*Update
I have notified the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation about my concern.
*Update - Lien Filed
Despite my multiple attempts to resolve this matter, Apollo Pools has filed a lien against my property.
I am currently taking action against this matter.
I am currently taking action against this matter.
September 23rd 2013 -
Request For Sworn Statement Of Account & Contest of Lien sent
Because Apollo pools continued to send me a "bill" that was higher than what they stated in the
lien and the bill did not reflect the $1,590.00 I did pay them for the items that were delivered as promised and
working correctly which were the new pump and filter with installation, I sent them a certified letter requesting that they state, under oath, what they believe I owe them. They have a full 30 days to respond from the time they received the request.
The same day I sent the request, I filed a Contest of Lien at the county Clerks office.
This contest gives Apollo Pools 60 days to enforce their Claim of Lien.
lien and the bill did not reflect the $1,590.00 I did pay them for the items that were delivered as promised and
working correctly which were the new pump and filter with installation, I sent them a certified letter requesting that they state, under oath, what they believe I owe them. They have a full 30 days to respond from the time they received the request.
The same day I sent the request, I filed a Contest of Lien at the county Clerks office.
This contest gives Apollo Pools 60 days to enforce their Claim of Lien.
October 25th 2013 - No Response for Request for Sworn Statement of Account
Apollo Pools did not respond with the requested sworn statement of account, it has now been longer than 30 days since they received the request.
November 23rd 2013 - No Enforcement of Claim of Lien
Apollo Pools did not file suit to enforce their Claim of Lien within the 60 day time period. The Lien is now extinguished and unenforceable pursuant to Florida statutes.
End Statement - Timeline facts will no longer be updated
At this point I believe I have stated all of the facts, and will no longer update this page, however, the facts will remain.
In my opinion, I have learned a lot, unfortunately the hard way.
Below are some suggestions that may help you or other first time homeowners
when the need to hire a contractor arises;
- Check online reviews; Do not just rely on one sites reviews, check multiple sites, it's obvious to see what reviews are genuine and those that are fake.
- Contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Relations, ask them if the contractor has had any complaints filed against them.
- Ask to see their completed work, not just 1 worksite, but multiple, within 90 days. Remember, just like how an apartment complex has its "Showroom", so can contractors. Asking for multiple recently completed projects within 90 days will give you a better idea on how they operate.
- Listen to your neighbors suggestions! Public opinion is golden, always listen to word of mouth.
- Search the public records in your county; It's easy to do a simple search to give you better insight on a companies behaviors and practices, just go to your county's clerk of courts webpage, enter the companies name and search "ALL DOCUMENTS", also, searching court records will also shed light as well.
In my opinion, I have learned a lot, unfortunately the hard way.
Below are some suggestions that may help you or other first time homeowners
when the need to hire a contractor arises;
- Check online reviews; Do not just rely on one sites reviews, check multiple sites, it's obvious to see what reviews are genuine and those that are fake.
- Contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Relations, ask them if the contractor has had any complaints filed against them.
- Ask to see their completed work, not just 1 worksite, but multiple, within 90 days. Remember, just like how an apartment complex has its "Showroom", so can contractors. Asking for multiple recently completed projects within 90 days will give you a better idea on how they operate.
- Listen to your neighbors suggestions! Public opinion is golden, always listen to word of mouth.
- Search the public records in your county; It's easy to do a simple search to give you better insight on a companies behaviors and practices, just go to your county's clerk of courts webpage, enter the companies name and search "ALL DOCUMENTS", also, searching court records will also shed light as well.