My wife and I had decided to have our swimming pool redone, and it involved re-plastering, re-tiling and replacing the concrete deck.

We contacted several local companies and decided to sign a contract with Alan Pools. They appeared to be the best choice because of their length of service record, size of the company, the local office and display area.

We were impressed by their punctuality and sticking to promised and scheduled times. We were very impressed by the craftsmanship of their personnel, and the efficiency of how the work was planned and executed. It seemed that their very “substantial“ asking price of $48,573.00 would be a good investment after all.

The plastering and tiling looked beautiful. The problems started when the concrete decking began. We were told that it had to be done in two sections and on two separate days. When the first section (the border) was poured, we were disappointed that the color was off and the sparkle non-existent. We were told that it was very difficult to match perfectly and that this was the best they could do.

Then, when the the rest of the decking was poured the next day, it did not match what was poured the day before and was even duller and more off-color from what we had agreed upon. Unbelievable.

Again I was told that it was extremely difficult or impossible to match the other concrete (with today’s technology???) I could not believe this. I certainly was not told that before we began. I should not have accepted it and had them tear it out and do it over again but was offered a rebate compensation. Unfortunately I accepted that and tried to live with it.

Within a year the real trouble started. The white plaster in the pool started to look like the pool had not been cleaned for weeks. The pool cleaning company I had hired was the one Alan Pools had highly recommended as the best there was. When they investigated the problem, they concluded that something was wrong with the plaster and identified the specific cause. However, when Alan Pools was notified and sent their “expert“ to review, they (not unexpectedly) claimed that it was the fault of the pool cleaning company and the local water.

Strangely enough, my neighbors (who are serviced by the same pool cleaning company and deal with the exact same water), have no problems, nor did I ever have any with my 30 year old plaster.

Acting as if it had not been their fault but that it was my problem and my responsibility, Alan Pools offered to re-plaster the pool for a mere $5,250.00!! Again, unbelievable. There is no other remedy for the dirty looking plaster than to replace it.

Then the next, even worse problem occurred. The concrete deck started to go white after any rain or water got on the concrete. This made the deck really look terrible. I can spray-wash the deck and it will look clean, but shortly thereafter or any time after a rain or water gets on it, it comes right back. Nowhere else does the concrete around my house have this problem or has ever had it. See attached photos.

Their response to this disaster was a recommendation that I have a concrete company do a thorough blasting of the deck and then seal it. This would cost me several thousands of dollars according to some quotes. This is really an unbelievably arrogant response after having spent $48,000 with these people.

The other concrete sections around my house (driveway, front walkway, etc.) are over 30 years old and look far superior than this “new“ deck ever did.

I wish I had never heard of Alan Pools. My advice to people looking to build or re-build a pool, would be better off to never hear of Alan Pools either.

Alan Smith company is a great example of a highly organized operation with excellent project management skills. One of the first documents we received was a list of about 6-8 key management personal at the company with their full name, title and direct phone numbers. We received daily updates on work to be performed each day and which crew was arriving. Quality of the work was very good and we are happy with our choice.
Mike, Laguna Hills Ca 2017

We received several estimates for remodeling and replastering our pool. Our pool service company recommended Alan Smith Pools and stated Alan Smith is the ONLY company that he recommends. Everyone that we interacted with at Alan Smith Pools was professional and responsive. Our pool was completed in less than 2 months, there were no extra hidden costs added in and it turned out absolutely beautiful! I have recommended Alan Smith Pools several times and will continue to do so.

Hello Alan Smith Pools,

A quick note to let everybody at Alan Smith Pools know how pleased our family is with the pool project. Being a retired contractor I appreciate promptness and schedules of different crews working hand and hand. Especially when all the equipment is being replaced along with the plastering of the pool. The different crews worked like a well oiled machine and was finished more quickly then we imagined. The end result was all cleaned up very well also.

Thank you ASPP

Doug Clay
Costa Mesa, CA

I initially met with Mike who listened to my ideas and made some great suggestions for pool tiles and pool finishes that coordinated with my home style and surroundings. Shortly after I met with him, he emailed me a very detailed proposal. He made the product selection process easy for me by bringing multiple samples of pool finishes and tiles that helped me visualize the end project. My previous pool finish hd worn away over time and I was looking for something more durable but gentle on the feet. My older plaster finish would cause sores on the feet of my children. We ended up going with a microfusion pool finish which is the smallest pebble available. This was important to me because I wanted the long term strength of pebble with a finer texture. I was alerted the day before the crews would arrive which was pleasantly surprising for a contractor. I was a little nervous about the demo process but my fears were allayed when they covered my entire pool with a tent like structure that contained all the debris. It wasn’t as loud as I expected because they didn’t use jack hammers to remove the plaster. Instead they used a High Pressure Power Washer to remove all the old flaking plaster. At the end of each day, every crew was diligent about cleaning up. The waterline pool and spa tile blended well with my existing coping and helped me achieve an organic look that complemented my garden and hardscape. I was intrigued and impressed watching the plaster crew as they seemingly brought my dated pool and spa to life. They started off by covering my new tile and existing decks with ample amount of plastic. They were very detailed and you could tell they took pride in their work. I wanted my pool to sparkle, so Mike recommended that I add abalone sea shell to the pool finish. I also wanted a very blue water color, so we ended up adding extra blue iridescent glass beads to the pebble pool finish. When the sun is out, my entire pool and spa glistens from the sunlight. The end result is a vibrant and inviting pool. If you are interested in working with a company that doesn’t cut corners, keeps commitments, and cares about quality, then you should give this company a call.