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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Darren & Maria in Ancaster
Darren & Maria in Ancaster
2 reviews Hamilton, ON
9/10

In-ground pool installation

We interviewed about 4 pool contractors before choosing Buds. We looked at online reviews (both positive and negative) including the pricing breakdown. Buds won us over simply because they gave us the most honest and straightforward breakdown of the cost. We excluded a couple of contractors because one wanted to charge us $4,000 for pool maintenance training, and the other basically refused to accommodate any of our ideas. But when we met with Gord at Buds, he listened to our ideas and answered all of our questions without any pressure sales tactics, which we really appreciated. The owner of the company, Bill, was on site throughout the whole building process, and was available to answer our questions. Our pool was completed in the late Fall 2013. There were issues with our patio that really concerned us, but Buds and Jeff from Regional Curb addressed all of our concerns. What we really appreciated about the company was that they worked with us to solve all of our concerns until we were satisfied with the results, and for this, they get a Gold Star for customer service!!!

Approximate cost of services:
$40.00
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Hi Darren & Maria, It is really important to us that the homeowner get the pool of their dreams and I hope you are enjoying it right now. Thank you, Bill

Jeff L.
Jeff L.
9 reviews Dundas, ON
0/10

Hot Tub Opening

I am disgusted with the service I've received from Bud's Spas and Pools and would strongly urge anyone I know to not use this company. I sought their services to open my hot tub in a house we have recently moved into. The technician came out, opened the tub when I wasn't home(my mistake not being there to supervise) and charged me for a few replacement parts(I have no way to verify whether they were actually installed or not). When I went to use my tub a few days later, most of the water was gone. When I followed up with Buds to see if they could at least send a technician to my house free of charge to see what the problem was, they were very defensive and refused to waive their service fee despite the tub not being used at all since they were last there and the tub was supposedly working well. I'm not at all surprised by the mass of negative reviews posted below, I will be seeking out other companies to service my hot tub in the future, as well as any future pool needs we will have.

Approximate cost of services:
$200.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

I am sorry you feel this way. Your hot tub was opened on May 12 and a few minor leaks were repaired (parts cost $3.50). Perhaps it is important to mention that in February, we had been called out for leaks and the tub was frozen. You were instructed to thaw the tub and winterize it as best you could. I received your call on May 28 reporting the tub had leaked out. I advised you that we would warrant the repairs done on May 12th but could not be sure there wasn't further items in need of repair due to the tub freezing and if there were further repairs, this would be an additional charge. It is unfortunate that you chose not to have us return for the work.

V Fletcher from Ancaster
V Fletcher from Ancaster
1 review Ancaster, ON
0/10

Hot tub Service

Moved into house 8 months ago and were told by previous owners there were no issues with the tub. Hot tub was serviced for an OH malfuction during a Winter cold-snap and the technician removed the heating source we had placed below the tub, claiming that he had 'fixed' the issue. However, he had NOT fixed anything. The tub OH reading went again and because the technician had removed our precautionary heating source, the pipes froze, which then caused a major leak issue, a leak unlike anything I have EVER experienced before. Buds is claiming the pipes did not freeze but this is inaccurate. There were icicles hanging from the pipes and the pipes were frozen solid. We replaced the heating source and the pipes thawed back out by the time (a few days later) the Buds technician returned.

I have since argued with Buds service staff for 2 months, while the owner has been on vacation, and they refused to take action saying it is up to the owner. In the meantime, a large pool of continually freezing water formed a lake under my deck. Temperatures rose and my basement flooded. The flooding is a direct result of the pool of frozen water underneath the hot tub. No where else in the basement are we experiencing flooding except for the area directly situated by the pool of water that formed as a result of the leaking hot tub pipes. Buds' owner returned from his vacation but he was very rude and dismissive, accusing me of not wanting to pay the bill. He also refused to cover the costs of fixing my hot tub leak, even though the leak is obviously a result of his technician not properly fixing our tub and then removing our heating source.

When my partner went to Buds in person, the owner agreed to winterize the tub and we are awaiting a decision as to whether Buds will fix the damage done to the tub as a result of the technician removing the heat source and our pipes freezing.

Approximate cost of services:
$1.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

I believe that both parties have reacted in a heated and unprofessional manner. For this I apologize. I hope to help clarify the service that has occurred in efforts to move forward.
Your hot tub is 12 years old and is encased in a wooden deck. The only side accessible is the equipment area. Your hot tub has had a history of leaking issues.
Due to the extreme weather conditions this winter (average temperature for Dec & Jan -7 to -20), all hot tub calls were treated with the utmost urgency. For both calls Dec 31 and Jan 4, technicians were dispatched the very next business day. During both calls minor leaks were repaired, and the hot tub was left circulating and heating without error messages. At the second call the sensor was replaced. Further instructions were indicated on the work orders left at each visit. At no time did the hot tub freeze.
Jan 7 & 8, we called to follow up on the service as is our policy and to make sure everything was working. We did not receive a return call until Jan 16 wanting to discuss the cost of the repairs.
Jan 28, we called to follow up on the outstanding invoice and were notified that the tub was leaking. In the absence of the owner, the service department did not proceed with any further repairs due to the nature of the issues with the tub.
After all discussions, it was agreed that we would assist you in the repairs of your hot tub. It was concluded that the hot tub would have to come out of the deck to source the nature of the leaks and that this would have to be done in the spring due to the tub being frozen in place. The hot tub has been winterized and at this time you have not paid any amount towards any service.
The water is your basement was reported at the same time that many people had the same problem around February 20th. (Torrential rain coupled with frozen ground conditions.)
Please contact me to discuss the next steps.

Angela from Ancaster
Angela from Ancaster
3 reviews Ancaster, ON
10/10

Pool Installation and Service

I have to say, I am very surprised to read all the negative comments about Bud's Spas and Pools. We installed an in-ground liner pool in August 2011 and we are extremely satisfied. Our positive experience began when we met Gord. We discussed what we were looking for and, without any pressure, put together a beautiful design. The complexity of our project was very high and he assured us that it can be done. We did look at other companies but we decided to go with Bud's for 2 reasons. Firstly for the years of experience in the pool industry and secondly, they are a local company. Once we signed the agreement, our experience continued to exceed our expectations. We met the owner Bill Bell who was on-site the entire time of the project. His employees are highly knowledgeable and polite. As promised, they delivered a very high end product on a complex project. We commend Bill and his staff on a job well done. On a service standpoint, Stacey, Kathy and Adam are always available to listen and help. The lab employees are very enthusiastic and helpful. Congratulations Bill on a great staff!!! I would use Bud's again and would recommend them to anyone!

Approximate cost of services:
$50,000.00
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Company Response

Hi Angela, Thank you for the compliments! Your pool is an award winner for sure. I will be sure to pass this on to our staff. Thank you, Bill

gary from Stoney Creek
gary from Stoney Creek
1 review Stoney Creek, ON
0/10

Install inground pool liner

I was NOT SURPRISED to see all the negative comments about Bud's Pools. I just realized that they ARE NOT BBB accredited. Check it out yourself before you deal with them. Their after sales service is terrible. Arrogant, condescending attitude when you have a concern. GET EVERYTHING in writing!! Don't be surprised if they try to gouge more money from you AFTER they install the pool, and you have paid. Their prices are very high, you expect professionalism for this and don't get it. "Caveat emptor"-"buyer beware"!!!.

Approximate cost of services:
$3,900.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

I am concerned that you have had this type of experience with us. Upon looking through our records for the past few years, we were unable to ascertain the correct contact information for you as we cannot find a liner or pool install for Gary in Stoney Creek. If you would contact me at the store, I would like to determine and rectify the source of your trouble. To clarify our policies: we provide free, written quotations on site (unlike our competitors). There would never be any surprises unless it was something that could not be determined until the liner is removed. At that point, any additional work and the costs involved would be discussed and agreed upon with the homeowner. Our records do not indicate that we have had any instances such as this in the past few years. You are correct that we are not BBB accredited. That is just a matter of philosophy on paying for reviews. If you look us up on the BBB site, you will see we have a favorable rating there. Bill

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

Spa service

The service dept and mgmt is extremely frustrating to deal with. I have had a number of issues where calls are not returned, I have visited the store and the front staff is freindly. In general their prices are higher which I don't mind if they backed it up with reasonable service. I would not recommend this company

Approximate cost of services:
$200.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

In order for us to improve our services, we take all feedback from our customers very seriously. Since I am unable to find "Dan in Hamilton" that has had spa service in our computerized database, I would appreciate it if you would contact me at the store so that I may learn more about your experiences. Bill

Wayne Hussey in Freelton
Wayne Hussey in Freelton
1 review Hamilton, ON
10/10

In Ground Pool and Landscaping

This company is an absolute gem - honest, accurate and quality work all the way - this is my third pool so I have been through this before but never was it as easy as this one. The design was fabulous, the heavy construction done with little impact on the yard and surrounding area and they executed immediate and smart adaptation to the issues we found in the dig site (rocks, rotting stumps. etc.).

All of the finish recommendations that Bill made were just perfect for this project - the stone deck, the fence style and choice, etc. were just the right touches for this pool to have such wow factor to it.

And four weeks to the day after the project was begun, my yard is simply a gem - every request I made was honored and the quality of the workmanship is above standard. What a great experience when its your home involved and a lot of money.

Bill Bell, his crews, and all the subcontractors went beyond my expectations and previous experiences. They really did a superb job on every aspect of this project.

Without a doubt my home value has increased as a result of this build and my family and I are totally enjoying this sanctuary ourside our side door. It has changed our lifestyle in such a positive way.

Thanks to Bill and all the folks at Buds Pool and Spa for a phenomenal pool project - I wouldn't hesitate for a second in recommending this team to any of my friends and associates.

Approximate cost of services:
$75,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
fI can't think of one thing - honest!!
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
Get ahead of the project - in other words, start dealing with Bill in the fall and queue up early for the build - the secret is in the design not the construction and Bill will guide you through it step by step
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Company Response

Thank you for the fantastic comments! We are very pleased that you are enjoying your project.

trisha in Jerseyville
trisha in Jerseyville
1 review ALBERTON, ON
0/10

POOL SERVICE

firstly we had black spots on liner couldnt be diagnosed , then green algie cost 400 water was still green , then called 3 times to winterize and the cover kept sagging in and they charged us the first and third time and the latest fiasco was they ordered a skimmer and it took 2 weeks only to find out it wasnt in and i had the wrong dates, it was suppose to be put in 3 weeks from going into shop and wed called them 3 times and left messages with no call back so i went in. adam couldnt have cared less that he gave me wrong date and that skimmer wasnt in , he said he would call and he didnt, also they checked the pool lines for 350 only to tell us to get canadian leak detectors to come and they charged us another 350 and found the lines all testing good , a total waste of time and money with these people and aloof and pathetic customer serives they could care less and i have no idea how they can stil be in business with horrific customer service that they pathetically provided .. disgraceful and i am sickend by the fact that we actually payed these people alot of money .

Approximate cost of services:
$1,000.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Unfortunately, we tried to contact you by phone and by email to confirm proceeding with your repairs however, you do not have an answering machine nor have you responded to our email. We have not had the authorization by you to proceed. The skimmer is in stock and always has been. The leak detection charges were $137 which identified the skimmer problem and we recommended Canadian Leak Detection based on the information you provided that there had been previous repairs & problems in your garden area. If you would like to discuss this further, please give me a call at the store.

Mike in Morriston
Mike in Morriston
3 reviews MORRISTON, ON
0/10

Disappointing

We had heard good things about Bud's Pools and tried contacting them to arrange for the installation of a Radiant pool. Unfortunately, that's as far as we got and we are definitely not happy with the service that we have received during the last two weeks.

After confirming during our very first phone call with them that we were in their service area (about 30 mins from their store), we proceeded to get a verbal estimate over the phone for the pool plus installation. We were informed that the next step would be to have someone come out to the house to inspect the property and give us a formal written quote.

The installer was unable to provide us with a date when they would come out to the house but promised to call us back. Almost a dozen unreturned calls later, we were finally able to reach the installer again only to be told that the owner had decided that it wouldn't be worth his time/money to come out to our house.

While I can certainly understand his position (even if I don't necessarily agree that 30 mins is "too far" for this type of service), I don't appreciate the run-around that we received over the last two weeks.

Had we been told during our first call (when we specifically asked) that it was too far, that would have been perfectly fine. Likewise, there were several opportunities during the last two weeks (when we were on the phone with them or if they had returned one of our messages) where they could have mentioned this information.

Unfortunately, they chose to ignore our messages and not return our calls and were seemingly try to hide from us instead of just calling back to tell us that they weren't interested in our business. It almost seems like a fluke that I was able to finally reach the installer today only to be told about their decision.

Definitely not a good customer service experience and I'm almost glad that we'll be going with a different installer as I can only imagine what their post-sales support would be like given how poorly we were treated before giving them any money.

Approximate cost of services:
$15,000.00
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Unfortunately due to the time of the year and staff holidays, the owner was not available to assist you. Upon his return, our sales representative was informed that your location is beyond our service area. I apologise if this caused you any inconvenience.

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 ...
Company profile information is not moderated by HomeStars. Ask the contractor to verify before hiring.
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