- Report: #462505
Complaint Review: CLfree Water Systems, Chlorine Free USA, Phil Francisco, William Gilles
| CLfree Water Systems, Chlorine Free USA, Phil Francisco, William Gilles 1936 Piccadilly Cir, Cape Coral, Florida 339913163
Nationwide U.S.A. |
|
CLfree Water Systems, Chlorine Free USA, Phil Francisco, William Gilles clfree.com chlorinefreeusa.com SCAM: Chlorine free copper based pool sanition does not work. No refund. SCAM: clfree.com chlorinefreeusa.com clfree.com Internet
*Consumer Comment: You need to follow instructions
*UPDATE Employee: Professional start equals professional finish
*Consumer Comment: Cl Free Works
*Consumer Comment: Love my CL Free system
*Consumer Comment: new technologies for swimming pools
*Consumer Comment: CL-Free dealer in California weighs in.
*Consumer Comment: set the story straight on CLFree
*General Comment: My CL Free System works great and I love it.
*Consumer Comment: clfree info???????
*REBUTTAL Individual responds: Former Dealer?? Anonymous ??
*Consumer Comment: Phil Francisco is a Thief
*Consumer Suggestion: Copper ionization and swimming pools
* : I love my CL Free sanitation system!!
*Consumer Comment: This Person From New York is a Liar and possibly a FAKE!!!
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Buyers Remorse After almost a Year. Are you kidding?
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
I reopened the pool 6/2/2009. The pool guys used the usual chlorine shock and other chemicals to balance the pool. No chlorine stabilizers as recommended by Clfree. The pool looked clean when the guys left. I was now exclusively using CLfree system. As recommended previously by Bill Gilles, 24hours for 3 days, however I ran it for 14days 24hours a day. I wanted it to get as much copper in the pool as I can get. The pool looked clean but there was an almost invisible slime on the wall which was Algae. This also caused a sour unpleasant smell in the pool. I scrubbed the walls but the slime came back next day. I recently bought Hayward TigerShark to clean the pool. It wasn't able to climb the walls. During this time I wasn't sure if it was the robot or the slime of the wall was causing the robot not to climb the walls. I also had to backwash the filter almost on a daily basis to get any pumping pressure going. After I scrubbed the walls, the algae came right back the next day.
After 2 weeks of this mess, I had to try something else. I used the chlorine shock and chlorine tablets. After the very first day, all the problems disappeared. Slime on the wall were gone, the sour unpleasant smell disappeared, my robot can climb walls and my filter had a great pressure to pump all day long. I only keep the pump running during the day for 8 hours now. The pool looks great, smells great, feels great and the pool is clearer than ever. No more scrubbing, no more checking for copper, no more running the pump 24/7.
After this enlightening experience, I contacted Phil Francisco to return the Clfree system for a full refund. He pointed to the 30day Money Back Guarantee list on his web site and asks me to check for Phosphates. He will not refund the product. I guess he conveniently forgot that he promised he would refund after next season's opening. It's obvious to me now that this is a scam. They will have you keep checking for different items in the pool until you run out of time to return for refund. This is to hide the fact that the copper and titanium system isn't doing anything at all. They are making you think you are not smart enough to know how this system is suppose to works. So you keep trying what they ask you to do, until you finally realize this system really doesn't work. By that time, it's too late and you're stuck with a system that not only does nothing but it destroys what little chlorine there was in the pool, which was doing good. Credit Card will only allow up to 60days for disputed charges so; it looks like the court system is the route to get my money back. Phil Francisco seems to be very familiar with the court systems from the return emails I got back from him. Currently, I have disconnected the system and working with Clfree to get my money back. I'm hopeful and I'm willing to continue the fight until whatever end. However, realistically, I'll probably never see my hard earned $2195, which I thought I was spending to make my kids life better by providing the best possible pool sanitation possible.
So the moral of the story, I feel like the emperor in the Emperor's new clothes. Do Not buy the copper based pool sanitizer. It's a scam. Please learn from my $2195 mistake.
Use the tried and true chlorine. Chlorine Free USA is a scam and any other system that uses copper.
Newpoolownerny
New York Area, New York
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 06/18/2009 06:36 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/CLfree-Water-Systems-Chlorine-Free-USA-Phil-Francisco-William-Gilles/nationwide/CLfree-Water-Systems-Chlorine-Free-USA-Phil-Francisco-William-Gilles-clfreecom-chlorin-462505. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#1 Consumer Comment
You need to follow instructions
AUTHOR: Andrew Woodward - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I also had some slime and odor issues but in my case I followed every single instruction from Phil at CL Free. I learned that in many of the applications I have installed that the Phosphate issue is real. It is easily resolved. I also had to adjust the Alkalinity several times and changing from a pleated filter to a DE filter helped.
I now have several systems up and running and none of them have slime, odor or clarity issues. All of my CL Free clients are thrilled with their systems.
If anyone comes at this technology with a doubters mentality they can find stumbling blocks without much effort and quit fairly easily as in this guy's case.
It's unrealistic to expect a refund when you have not followed all instructions to the letter and allowed and followed through with a full, step by step resolution plan with all due diligence.
There was no need for this guy to go through the entire experience he described. He even admits at the end he needed to be reminded of the Phosphate issue. It is clearly described in the start-up parameters of the system. Like any science the details must be set correctly if the result is to be accomplished. These systems are not "sold" with a statement that you can just plug them in and walk away with nothing else required.
You need to follow the instructions. Once the water chemistry is set in place correctly as instructed, the systems work perfectly. Then you need to monitor and keep the alkalinity correct etc. It's not as simple as chlorine but it becomes even more simple once the water chemistry is fully dialed in. Phil will help you get there. He can be trusted and so can the CL Free system.
#2 UPDATE Employee
Professional start equals professional finish
AUTHOR: mattbaker - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 29, 2012
Then he would only check the chems associated with the existing pools previous personality. That was a mistake simply because the pool had a new persona. One that demanded the details to do it's job. Much like a rockstar who refuses to perform without his filet mignon and lobster with his dom perignon pairing. point is my boss knew better, I asked why a lot and he would say because. He knew ahead of time the problems our customer would have so he taught her and sat back and watched the show while her panicked mania took over and ultimately led to the destruction of an otherwise awesome swimming experience.
Well I know longer work for my old boss for obvious reasons. Having my own company all these years I work to do just about everything opposite of my old friend. Well,it works. First I )needed education which is important. there is the answer. I learned about chloramines. These are the nasty by products of used up Chlorine. I learned about cyanauric acid. This is used in many Chlorine powders and tabs otherwise known as Cya.
This also is a nasty by product of chemical use, which never evaporates as pool water does yet builds up to tremendous levels and actually works to prohibit effectiveness of Chlorine at levels above 50ppm(information from the National swimming pool foundation). One published study recently found high levels of Cya to be associated with the abnormal prescence of fecal matter to remain present in the water.
Boy, I was glad to learn these thing! Natural systems are rockstars. And being presented as such, it's natural for these systems to be expected to meet or exceed expectations. All they ask is to do their thing in a natural enviroment. makes sense. Put a natural system into a chemical system and there are adverse reactions. It's called Orp or Oxygen reduction potenetial. All the previous chemical components I mentioned and several I have not affect this important level negatively prohibiting performance for alternative systems.
In fact many county health departments across the nation check for this level. This is a read of oxygens effectiveness in the waters environment. If you put a glass over a burning flame what happens? It smothers out,right? Same with this system. All these contaminants crowd out to offer an Inhospitable introduction into their society. Understandable seeing as how it's been so good for them for so long.
your alternative Sanitizer systems install, at least have a qualified professional test all aspects of the existing water. If Chlorine was used before I would start fresh anyway. I was trained to hate these alternative methods because they would steal my job. In fact the opposite is true. These have allowed for me to offer to customers to only need me half the time for an increase in their residual income.
My guys are more than Happy to have a small raise and work more effectively with outstanding results. Chlorine is an oxidizer. Units like Clfree inject the pool with oxygen naturally. muriatic acid is a reducer for Ph levels. If the Ph rises the Chlorine will become less effective. Good pool techs always check but can only balance when they are there once a week.
Clfree "Ultra" for instance checks the Ph every 5 min. And automatically injects a short burst of Co2 Which adjusts the water through a natural process.
I hope this clears home the picture. I have worked with many device's and I love them. I personally had to battle illness onset from chemicals. I saw a dear friend leave behind his successful business for the same reason. Just because the pool is being kept clear with Chlorine does not all measure it to be safe. The World Health Organization has all the research which I now respect greatly and hope any who read this will also. These are people much more intelligent than I am conducting studies on living tissue.
I had to give up working the way I was because of exposure. Fatigue put me down for Months at a time. Fortunately I do not quit. Hired some help and know I am privileged to fight the war against chemicals by educating my dear customers. true I recieved heavy exposure for nonstop durations. But I'm in my 30'S and so is my friend that that Also became ill. I wish sir I could come by your place and give your clfree or any type Sanitizer a proper start and contribute to changing the viewpoint of these chems.
#3 Consumer Comment
Cl Free Works
AUTHOR: NewOrleansPoolGuy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I keep up the chemisty, ph, calcium, alkalinity, copper. I have a ph controller using acid. I run the cl- system pretty much flat out, 8 on the copper scale. I use a liquid shock from Lowes', about a gal every 2 to 3 weeks.
The trick I found was to keep the circulation up. I have a cartrigde filter that was "too small". I got a Cyclone pre filter from Aqua Man in AZ. I used to have to clean the filter twice a week. Now I do it every 2 or 3 weeks.
So, keep the chemistry right, keep the flow up in the pool, and the system runs fine.
#4 Consumer Comment
Love my CL Free system
AUTHOR: Henry Marks - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 27, 2012
#5 Consumer Comment
new technologies for swimming pools
AUTHOR: Norma Lee - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 25, 2011
#6 Consumer Comment
CL-Free dealer in California weighs in.
AUTHOR: Andrew Woodward - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 03, 2011
These units are not as easy as chlorine. They require a sophisticated foundational approach. The slime mentioned above should have been eliminated using an Oxygen shock. The start-up procedures need to be followed to a tee and if they are not, there will be symptoms that need to be dealt with before the pool get in the groove so to speak.
The sanitation coming from the CL-Free is both scientifically sound and effective. It does work and the copper ionization works also. The combination delivers a chlorine free pool environment as presented.
When I read the Rip Off report above I get a sense that this individual took an impatient approach that Ripped him off from experiencing the successful use of the CL-Free system. I does take a little fooling around with to get it up & running. I our case we had to get the Alkalinity just right and we did in fact have phosphate issues to deal with. The phosphate issue is real and needs to be addressed if you have it.
Apple computer started in a garage. This is America folks! Good for Phil if he can present a well though out system that is a viable alternative to the horrible chemical downside of chlorine. I have had warranty parts sent the next day. I have had phone support beyond that of any company I've ever interacted with. I have had a zero fail rate on the pools we put to CL-Free. I am a 100% advocate of Phil and CL-Free.
Phil offers territories. CL-Free expects their dealers to sell units. My territory has not been compromised but I would not be surprised if I did not sell units for it to be given to another candidate. Bottom line is sales.
I see no reason for anyone who was a car dealer to be labeled. CAr dealers work hard and sell gear. That is a respectable trade. Let's get real when it comes to CL-Free. It works for those who take the time to get it working. Those in a rush, those confused, those who think CL-Free has a link to the Kennedy shooting will not have the success that is possible following their dealer's lead or Phil Fransisco.
#7 Consumer Comment
set the story straight on CLFree
AUTHOR: mark dorsey - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, December 03, 2010
#8 General Comment
My CL Free System works great and I love it.
AUTHOR: William - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 07, 2010
I am also from N.Y.
I just wanted to write this letter to let you know how pleased my family and I are with the CL Free Water System. I cant believe how easy our pool was to take care of this summer. All of the warnings we got from our friends and family who own pools, made us nervous that maintaining a pool was going to be just another chore in our hectic lifestyle. Thanks to the CL Free Water System, our pool was so easy to maintain that it almost made me feel as though I wasnt doing enough. And it gave me the peace of mind to sit back, relax and enjoy our summer fun.
When we decided to install our in-ground pool, we were leaning towards installing a salt water generator, which are very popular today. We were excited at the fact that we wouldnt have to use chlorine in our pool, however, after some research we discovered that salt generators actually convert salt into chlorine by electrically charging the salt ions, therefore we would still have a chlorine pool. And as many of us are aware, chlorine is a powerful chemical which studies have shown can cause serious health problems in adults, as well as children. There was no way we wanted to subject ourselves, our son or our friends to such a dangerous substance, and thats when we found you and your company. Phil spent countless hours with my husband and me on the phone, assuring us of your product and sharing your endless knowledge. We received the system within days of ordering it and my husband who installed it, had it up and running in no time. And more important, it cost the same as a salt water generator and did not require us to purchase twenty five pounds of salt weekly or tons of chlorine tablets.
Phil, I want to add a sincere thank you, because there wasnt one time that you didnt pick up your phone to answer one of my many questions or concerns. It was as though I was looking for something to go wrong and just never found it. Your partner Nick was also very helpful and just as willing and able to answer any and all of my questions. I hope that you post this letter on your website if you can, because I want everyone to know what a great product you sell. My pool water is so clean and clear, some of our friends find it hard to believe that it is chlorine free, however as soon as they swim in it, they feel the difference from their eyes not burning to their skin not smelling like chlorine. And most important we feel good knowing that anyone swimming in our pool, including ourselves is free from the dangers of chlorine related health problems.
#9 Consumer Comment
clfree info???????
AUTHOR: Mike Graham - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 22, 2010
#10 REBUTTAL Individual responds
Former Dealer?? Anonymous ??
AUTHOR: Chlorine free usa - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
We do not have nor have we ever had a Dealer in Fort Lauderdale FL.
We did have a Dealer in Boca Raton FL (35 miles north) who we had to terminate for cause. The Dealer did not have any sales representation and only sold two systems in 14 months. One of the systems they installed was on their own home which left us with one retail sale in all that time. In an area with over 80,000 people this was unacceptable and a bad business practice.
It is quite unfortunate that a Company which has been in business for over 11 years and has over 200+ Dealers in the U.S. and abroad, has to respond to unsubstantiated anonymous statements like this.
CL Free Water Systems has a perfect BBB with an A+ rating. We have never had a complaint or even a dispute.
Go to www.chlorinefreeusa.com and click on our BBB report found on the home page on the lower left side.
The report will also show the corporate office address and location.
It is ridiculous to say that we make our systems out of a garage. Just more nonsense. Our corporate office is located in Fountain Hills AZ and we have two Factory's that produce our systems.
Some copper ionizer systems do require you to use chlorine. Our does NOT. We have our own oxidation process that eliminates the need for chlorine or any other type of oxidizer. If you add chlorine to copper, you can get copper chloride stains.
This is what makes us different.
In our 11 years in business we have NEVER had a Dealer ask for a refund.
We try our hardest to be completely honest and straight forward in our dealing with the public and our Dealers which is why we personally think that this entire report may be made up from a competitor.
P.S.
Phil Francisco retired from the automobile business years ago as the Director of Finance for one of the largest Dealers in the Country.
#11 Consumer Comment
Phil Francisco is a Thief
AUTHOR: anonymous - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I am a former dealer with Cl Free Usa and the reason it is former is due to Phil Francisco's inability to tell the truth. I am one of 3 different individuals that was promised exclusive territory in the same area for making a purchase with them. It is pretty hard to be exclusive when your own factory representative sells 2 other dealerships in your protected area.
Not only that, but I then learn that both Phil Francisco and the so called factory are run out of their houses. The Cl Free product is built in their garage and it looks like it, which probably explains why they dont work very well. For a chlorine free product, they will instruct you to add chlorine to the pool to help fix problems, which actually stains the pool.
The money back policy is a joke as well. After learning about the other 2 dealers placed in my exclusive area, I asked for my money back as it was within the 30 day time period. Well, this cause Phil to backpedal and ultimately refuse to refund the product purchase. After doing a little background investigating, I have come to learn that Phil was fired from selling cars. Go figure. So, Mr. Gilles, no your customer in New York is not a liar, your main Distributor, however, is.
#12 Consumer Suggestion
Copper ionization and swimming pools
AUTHOR: sage - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 04, 2009
How big is it? Can it keep itself reasonably clean? Does it circulate well? What type of filter? Does the water come in contact with plants or animals? Is it next to a golf course? What type of pool surface? What is the quality of the source water? Etc., etc., etc., ......
These are all valid questions that can influence the success of the process regardless of the manufacturer. Unfortunately, when your pool is green and tech support asks you about the specific chemistry of your source water, you probably won't have an meaningful answer to that question.
The truth is there simply are too many possible questions and only 30 days to get them answered. It's unrealistic to think that is probable or even possible.
So, the question is not "Does it work?" The question is "Does it work on YOUR pool?" That's a different animal altogether. Interestingly, over 3 years, the number of failures overwhelms the number of successes.
Recommendation - get a 1 to 3 year money-back guarantee or be happy with a pricey experiment. Oh, by the way, did we discuss the staining problem?
#13
I love my CL Free sanitation system!!
AUTHOR: jdb - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Phil and Bill both did a great job presenting me with the CL Free system's capabilities and providing instruction to equip me to use the system successfully. I personally installed my system in April of 2008. My system had a hardware problem which we discovered within the first 3 days of operation. Bill shipped a replacement control unit overnight which solved the problem. I have called these guys (I'm in the South, Phil is East Coast, Bill is out West) in the evening at 7 and on Saturday's and they have been available to talk every time. This was really important to me when I first started my system as I monitored my water chemistry. They helped me through every step and provided excellent customer support!
With 2 seasons under my belt I am completely satisfied with the amazing ease of maintenance and the total annihilation of algae in the heat of the
#14 Consumer Comment
This Person From New York is a Liar and possibly a FAKE!!!
AUTHOR: Theresa - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Not only does their system work as advertised but it even surpassed my GREATEST expiations. I have perfect water and I LOVE not having Chlorine or Salt.
Bill Gillesat the Factory has been wonderful and very understanding even though I was a novice at my Pool needs.
I have only been dealing with Phil Franciscoin the last year as I refer many or my friends and he has been GREAT also.
I can't believe that someone would write such comments about this amazing product and it's truly good people. I don't blame CL FREE one bit for not refunding this persons money if he had the system for almost a year and never even gave them a chance to see what problems this person may have brought on himself.
Keep on going CL Free and don't let the BAD people get you down.
#15 REBUTTAL Owner of company
Buyers Remorse After almost a Year. Are you kidding?
AUTHOR: Chlorine Free Usa - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 19, 2009
Chlorine Free USA is the Distributor and we also have many Dealers in the local market.
Here is a link to our Better Business Bureau:
http://central-northern-western-arizona.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=30&bbb=1126&firm=9002190.
As you can see, we not only have never had a dispute, we have never even had a complaint.
When we heard of the customer's story we were quite surprised and upset.
He called us from out of the blue 10 months after he purchased the system and said that he wanted to return it and if we did not return 100% of his money today he was going to make "BIG Trouble" for us.
No reason at all was given.
He called the Better Business Bureau with this complaint and after they impartially reviewed the case, the Better Business Bureau found his claim not credible.
We have a 30 day no questions asked, money back Guarantee (which most companies do not offer) from date of purchase and a five year Factory warrantee.
I guess he thought that if he only used our system for two weeks one year and two weeks the next year that it is still within the 30 day guarantee?
We did indeed sell our System to this customer almost a year ago. When we sell one of our Chlorine Free Systems, we ask only two things.
#1 When you are ready to install the system, call our Factory to make sure the system was installed correctly.
#2 Call customer support after the system is installed and have a water test done so we can make sure your current water is within "Normal Parameters" and balanced. Was this too much to ask?
I guess so, THIS Customer did neither.
Our Phone records show that he never even tried to call anyone for support or to find out why he was running his pool 24/7 for 14 days and not having the desired result.
Instead of allowing us to help him overcome an easily fixable problem he reverted back to chlorine and will continue to be in chlorine forever which is his loss.
The green slime he speaks of is algae caused from phosphates. Phosphates are algae food. Kill the food and you will kill the algae. The ONLY product that will kill phosphates is a product called Phos-Free.
Chlorine will temporally kill the algae but it will come right back because he did not kill the food, as he will find out.
It would not have made any difference whether he had been still using chlorine or any other sanitizer, he still would have had the same problem, ask any pool professional.
We will continue providing the Best NON-Chlorine, Non Saltwater system, ECO Friendly Pool Sanitation system despite ONE persons neglect and abuse.
This is simply one case of someone trying to take advantage of a business's reputation for their own personal gain.
It's NOT the money, it's the principal.
Where do you draw the line?
Do you know of any company that would return your money after you have used the product for almost a year?
I know times are tough but this is absurd.

