Kings Pools ripoff installing in-gound swimming pool LAKE HOPATCONG New Jersey

As we always do, we tried to do our research before choosing a company/contractor to do our in-ground pool installation. We visited several major pool companies, got price codes, learned a lot about the steps of installing a new pool.

After interviewing many people and getting several estimates, we taught we had made the right decision to choose Kings Pools. We signed the contract on April 13,2006 and paid $3000.00 deposit to Andreas Christodoulou (owner). He offered to obtain the permit for us, but we decided to request it ourselves. Mr. Christodoulou promised that he will complete the job by the end of May. The permit arrived on April 19, 2006.

As soon as we got the paper Christodoulou was informed, and he came back with his crew to start the excavation on April 26. On that day we paid him $19000.00.

Then we didn't hear from him for two weeks. We tried to call him, leave messages, e-mails etc. That made us worried. Finally he returned our call @ 9:30PM, on May 9th. We expressed our concerns about his lack of communication towards us. He promised that he will contact us from then on about any progress, dates etc.

Finally the pool kit arrived to our house on May 19th. Then we couldn't reach Christodoulou again for a month. So, we left messages, sent e-mails etc.

On June 21st (on the date of my daughter's graduation) two workers came to assemble the pool structure. That was the last contact with him. We couldn't even leave messages on his voice mail anymore, because it was full. We can imagine that all the other upset consumers were trying to contact him just like us. Finally, on July 14th (Friday) we could leave a message, plus we reached his secretary (???) We expressed how upset we were, and demanded a completion date. She called us back and stated that by next Saturday (July 22nd) Kings Pools will finish the installation of our pool.

That is our story so far. We're very upset and scared, that we will never going to have the pool completed, and not going to see our money either. Can you help us??? Can you investigate what we should do next? It has been over three months and our patience is running out.

Today's date is July 17, 2006. We still don't have a pool, and we can't reach the company.

Eva
Wallkill, New York
U.S.A.