Bud's Spas & Pools

Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs
ON L9G5E1
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Reviews for Bud's Spas & Pools

Average customer rating:
7.2 10 (53 reviews)

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Cat in Hamilton
Cat in Hamilton
3 reviews Hamilton, ON
10/10

Pool Installation

We went to Bud's Spas & Pools after researching Pool companies and felt comfort in knowing this is a family run business with many decades of experience since 1967! Nick explained the whole process to us and was honest with us from the beginning. He explained the costs, process, and answered all our many questions. He made us feel like we made the right choice and honestly he was the reason we went with Buds in the first place. We felt his sincere honest personality is what convinced us in the end that what we came through those doors to inquire about was worth the purchase. The entire process was amazing to watch. So many individuals working hard to complete our dream pool and we love it! Thank you guys! From the digging/setting up the pool walls/laying of the beautiful stamped concrete/electrical/gas/ installing the vinyl and completing the pool ...I must say that is one elaborate set up. We were impressed. A shout out to John that guided us through this as well. Great guy. Worth every penny! I would definitely recommend Buds Spas & Pool!

Approximate cost of services:
$50,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
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Company Response

Thank you for your comments! We are happy you were so pleased with your project! Call us anytime with any questions.
Stacey

Brian & Tammy Harper in Quincy
Brian & Tammy Harper in Quincy
1 review Brant, ON
10/10

Very pleased with inground pool install

We are very satisfied with the installation, quality of work and after sales service we received from Bud's. Nick Z was a pleasure to work with from our first pool enquiry to concept and build. Bud's uses exceptional tradespeople and won't cut corners on your backyard investment. John looked after hook up and pool closing was very thorough and courteous. After sales service is a key indicator of a well run business and they won't disappoint here. We are happy we chose Bud's for this project, worth every penny.

Approximate cost of services:
$47,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your kind review! We are very pleased that you are happy with your project and look forward to assisting you with any questions you have in the future. Bill

Bill Lobodici in Ancaster
Bill Lobodici in Ancaster
3 reviews Hamilton, ON
10/10

Exceeded expectations

Bought a hot tub from Buds last fall and this company has exceeded all expectations from delivery. set up to service.
This is a real review . Had my hot tub drained yesterday and the service person was extremely polite and informative. He clearly explained how to do it myself next time.. Whenever I get the water tested the girls are wonderful in explaining how to keep the water clear. Always with a smile and eager to help !
GREAT JOB TO THE EMPLOYEES OF BUDS !!!!!

Approximate cost of services:
$150.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your review! We look forward to assisting you with any questions or service required. Bill

Richard in Hamilton
Richard in Hamilton
1 review Hamilton, ON
10/10

Inground Pool on Difficult Terrain

We contracted Bud's to install an inground pool for our backyard in Dundas. It was a difficult install due to the fact that we were on conservation land had a significant slope to deal with.

Nick Z. was very helpful and always willing to go the extra step required to make sure that the install was done effectively and correctly. They did not cut corners and made sure to give us a complete list of options / mock ups.

You can find cheaper companies but the added value and attention to detail make the higher cost worth it.

I would recommend their services to anyone who wants a quality install done.

Approximate cost of services:
$60,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your kind review! Nick is always increasing his knowledge and can handle some of the most difficult projects. We are very proud of his commitment to great customer service. Bill

Rosemary in Burlington
Rosemary in Burlington
1 review Burlington, ON
10/10

Hot Tub Install

We are very pleased with the service and install of our Hydropool hot tub. Nick was very helpful when it came to information on the balancing of the water and then when Eric came out for the run thru we were given helpful tips on saving hydro with setting up the hours that the pump would run. There was a warranty issue with the waterfall option and it was promptly handled.

Approximate cost of services:
$10,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your review! We have been selling Hydropool hot tubs for 30+ years. They stand behind their product and we are confident each time we sell a tub that you are receiving a high quality tub. Bill

Tracey from Hamilton
Tracey from Hamilton
1 review Hamilton, ON
0/10

Pool maintainance

I have not totally been satisfied with this company in the past mainly due to high prices and poor service. We were initially new to the pool three years ago and feel they took advantage of this right off the bat. Particularly with water treatment. Each time we took a sample in because our water was cloudy, we were sold hundreds of dollars of chemicals that did not solve the problem. We were left with a taste of "they saw us coming". As a result we switched to another local company that had an offer to close and open our pool is paid in the fall that was the less the the price of Buds opening the pool. Fast forward three years and we were going on vacation. In a weak moment we decided to use buds vacation service for $99 where they visit the site and vacuum and add chlorine. I paid the fee in advance and away we went on vacation. I came back to an invoice in the mail where they had taken the pump apart and replaced some part (pump was new in 2014), replaced some other part, took the cartridges out and cleaned them because they said they were very dirty which is impossible since I had just thoroughly cleaned them and charged me an additional 1.75 hours of labour. Therefore on top of the $99 vacation serivixe which they said takes about an hour, they are claiming they were there close to three hours???? Sorry. I don't believe it and as well they had my cell phone number and never bothered to call me to get my input or authorization on the work. I did not know they were going to do any of this and surely would not have authorized it until I returned from vacation. I called buds promptly after getting the invoice and the man I spoke with was not very helpful and tried to use scare tactics that if they left it and didn't fix it and the pump went dry I would then be complaining about that. This may or may not be true (anything they say is suspect) however this all should have been discussed with me prior to the work being done. Now I will never know if the work had to be done or not. I ended up telling buds that I will not pay for work I did not authorize and hung up on him. Use buds at your own risk. I find that all they want to do is up sell the service with little regard to the customer or common courtesy of discussing proposed service in advance. Lesson learned. This company does not value its customers, is certainly not looking for repeat customers and has no idea how to build a customer base. They failed at Business 101.

Approximate cost of services:
$327.99
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Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Hi Tracey, Thank you for the feedback on our services. I would like to take the opportunity to clarify your service and billing as I may not be interpreting what you are saying correctly and have reviewed our records to understand what has happened.
In May 2013, you purchased a home with an existing pool. Here at Bud’s, we are always excited to educate new pool owners on proper maintenance and water testing. We want you to get the most enjoyment and the least work from owning a pool. After your second water test in June and the pool not clearing, we suggested an onsite orientation to teach you how to clean and maintain your pool. This also allows us to make any observations on the pool equipment that might be preventing your pool from clearing that we would not be aware of in the store. At the time of your orientation, it was noted that the filters were dirty and may require cleaning or replacement. The important factors to consider when maintaining a pool is circulation, filtration and chemistry. If one of these is not working, it is very difficult to keep a pool clear. We can only recommend what is required to maintain a pool such as clean filters and regular water testing. Our system doesn’t show new filters/chemical filter cleaner or any additional water testing after June.
The service Aug 6th, 2015 was for vacation coverage. This service assumes that a pool is clear, the water is at operational level and equipment is in working order prior to you leaving on vacation. Our service is to make sure that you return home to these same conditions.
When we arrived, your pool filters were dirty and the vacuum could not be run without cleaning. There were broken parts within your filter. A note was left on the work order so you could address these on your return. However, there was a plumbing leak at your pool heater not your new pump. A leak of this nature can drain the pool down below operational level while you are on holidays and could burn out your pool pump if left this way. Our alternative would be to turn off the pool until you authorized the repair and schedule a return visit for another day.
The cost of vacation service is $98 per hour. You were charged an additional 3/4 of an hour $73.50 and $30.17 in plumbing fittings for a total of $201.67 plus HST to return home to a clean and operational pool. If the repairs were more serious, we would not have proceeded and would have contacted you for authorization.
I believe there is value in the service we provide and that our store and service employees have reacted in the best way possible to assist you with your pool.
Thank you, Bill

Pam  from Hamilton
Pam from Hamilton
4 reviews Hamilton, ON
10/10

Service and repairs on Hot Tub and Pool

Last fall, we moved into an older home with an old pool and hot tub. Since it was our first time dealing with either, we decided to find a company that we trusted to help us learn how to look after them. Not every company I talked to was interested in my "maintenance only" inquiries. After researching companies in the area, we chose Buds, primarily because of their prompt return call. There was never any pressure to buy products or services from them. When Gary came out to service the hot tub for the first time, he was patient with my many questions, and took the time to explain everything he could about the tub. I should mention that the tub is almost 15 years old, and is not a brand they sell, but the service department has been very helpful in finding any parts that we needed.
The previous home owners had left a lot of chemicals for the tub and the pool, and the folks at Buds have been translating their recommended treatments into the products I already had. Again, no hard sell or insisting we buy new chemical from them.
The previous homeowners had also closed the pool for the season before we took possession. At the start of winter, on a miserable windy day, the cover partly blew off just as I was packing to leave on a holiday. I called Buds and they sent a crew out right away to re-install it for me (no pressure to buy a new "proper" cover from them. I scheduled Buds to do our pool opening for us, and they were so helpful and patient through pool equipment issues, electrical problems, and horrible water challenges due to the "makeshift" cover that was on it through the winter. The ladies on the phone in the service department have helped calm my nerves on a few occasions, and I must credit the whole team with thorough problem solving abilities!
We enjoy visiting the Dundas and Ancaster stores for water testing and advice. They have never given us reason to doubt or mistrust them, and I am looking forward to enjoying our new place with their help for many years.

Approximate cost of services:
$3,000.00
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Company Response

Hi Pam, I am so glad we have been able to put you at ease. I hope you are enjoying a fantastic pool season!
Thank you, Bill

Bob from Hamilton
Bob from Hamilton
1 review Hamilton, ON
10/10

Installation & Service

Had in ground pool installed along with service for several years. Great service and no problems. Personally I know several people who have had the same great experience as myself. Great punctuality and excellent follow ups. It is unfortunate that often the only people who write reviews are complainers. Imo the negative reviews I have read on this site are people who don't understand how service and business work.

Approximate cost of services:
$10,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
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Company Response

Hi Bob, Thank you for the compliments. I will be sure to share them with our team. Bill

Vince in binbrook from Binbrook
Vince in binbrook from Binbrook
3 reviews Binbrook, ON
0/10

pool install

Just to clarify this review is LONG overdue. judging from the comments from owner, I assume that conveniantly they wont be able to find a record of my install Apr 2009. Had the inground pool installed from start to finish, a disaster tried to charge me for extra concrete. liner was installed filled and leaked had to have it repaired so my brand new pool didn't come with a new liner it came with one that needed to be repaired. after all of this they never offered to pay for the water, the chemicals, salt etc that was needed for the "second" filling of the pool. To top it off, Gord was refusing to send out my safety cover until I had paid the remaing balance that they had tacked on after the job was complete. NOT sure what they know about the competitive bidding process. Generally a contract is signed upon agreement. IF for what ever reason there is an unforeseen circumstance,( in my case I needed 30 feet of curb face (concrete) around my pool do to the grade of the property I knew this prior and so should have Gord as he visited the property but being the "brain" that he is didn't pu on this.) You will discuss the issue with the customer, if it is a situation where more funds are needed you will cease work discuss with the customer if agreed upon the contact will be AMENDED, new info listed on the contract signed by both parties and the work shall continue.This is the proper way of doing business. NOT giving an "updated "invoice at the end of the job then have the nerve to argue the point when I refused to pay, your arrogance was shown, when any intelligent business person would have figured, here is a brand new subdivision with 3000 brand new homes there is a lot of business to be had here. seeing this is the first house in the whole neighbourhood to get a pool perhaps we should go above and beyond. HERE IS AN UPDATE FOR YOU BUDS Since this time Many pools have gone in and I know of 8 personal friends who have had installs done and I deterred them from even contacting you for an estimate. they have since had their pools installed and enjoying them. in the past 6 yrs haven't seen one of your install signs around, many other companies have been doing very well up here. Your after sales service sucks, not once ever, a phone call to see how my pool was or if I had any concerns YOUR company Is a joke and I cant see how you have fooled so many people for so long cant wait to read the response from the owner BUT yet again like so many other responses on this site you cant seem to find out who they are. That fiquers it has been 6 yrs since I had the displeasure of working with your company and I am still pissed IF YOU NEED help remembering me? respond, I will give you a call to refresh your memory.

Approximate cost of services:
$27,000.00
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Hi Vince, thanks for your delayed feedback. I do remember you and our dealings with your pool install. I do remember most jobs when the person reviewing identifies themselves and the facts can be verified and reviewed. As for this website as a form for reviewing, I have no problem accepting positive and negative feedback to grow and improve on all aspects of the business. The difficultly is when reviews are submitted and facts are not checked or verified. Even though some negative reviews have turned out to be false , their is no way of having them removed.
Based on the undertones of your email, I sense you have some unresolved issue. This is the first time you have expressed this verbally or in writing. At the completion of the project all issues were resolved, and you were compensated for items you discussed and pool was fully warranted.
Please call me , I will gladly accept any constructive factual feedback to improve my business.

Bill

Susan Jack from Dundas
Susan Jack from Dundas
10 reviews Hamilton, ON
10/10

Pool maintenance and installation of safety cover

We were in the market for a winter safety cover for our inground pool. We have three dogs and it was a concern to us that they be safe in the backyard, without having to fence off the pool. We starting looking at covers late in the season, Buds had a serviceman down at our house in two days and a quote was prepared onsite. We accepted the quotation and the cover arrived on schedule. Installation took only a half day, was done professionally and with little bother. They also closed our pool at the same time (part of the pricing) and made sure that we were aware of the intended usage of the cover, how to adjust it, how to work with the anchors and the warranty provisions. One of the installers gave us a demo of walking on it (!). We were missing an Allen wrench used to work with the anchoring system, and it was dropped off the next day by the installer. While this company was not the least expensive, they do a good job, you always get a call following up on the service and they will book your opening/closing months in advance, should you so desire. Would recommend highly.

Approximate cost of services:
$2,500.00
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Company Response

Hi Susan, I am glad you are happy with your cover choice and our service. We're here to provide the best solution for each customer.
Thank you, Bill

The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about Bud's Spas & Pools

Bud’s Spas and Pools is a second generation family run business. We’re involved in every aspect of the day-to-day operation and always available to answer your questions or resolve your concerns. From the initial purchase and installation to maintenance requirements, Bud’s makes sure you have the best possible experience with ...
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