Volunteer Pools & Spas — Local services in Fairview

This will be a rather long post, so the bottom line is: Owning a pool or hot tub is an ongoing process. (Water chemicals, maintenance, etc). Volunteer Pool and Spas is an excellent company to build a relationship with to keep whatever you have running smoothly.

Ok, the detail. My wife and I decided we wanted a hot tub about two years ago after staying at an Airbnb with one. We were adding on to the house so as part of that, poured the pad needed for a hot tub (their heavy) and ran the 50 amp circuit (they use a lot of electricity).

We researched on line a lot. Most recommendations said to buy one of the few brands built to last and to buy from a local supplier you can have a relationship with (kinda like buying a car because you know the dealer's maintenance department which we also do).

We visited Volunteer first as it's closest. They carry Caldera spas which are one of the brands built to last. We also visited all the dealers in nashville as well. The downside is volunteer is too small to keep the spas in stock or be able to do much if any water testing so you're kinda going on faith. On the other hand, we far prefered the convenience of the location and how we were treated at Volunteer. We had sales folks who told us half-truths repeatedly at other stores. Scott at Volunteer was up front and clear about all the important facts about buying a hot tub. Everything he said was consistent with our own personal research (in other words, no bullsh*t).

When we did pick out a spa, Zach was very supportive in getting us a good deal. Unlike a quote from another store where they showed a huge discount, but hid the added the price for the stairs, cover, lifter, delivery etc that put it right back to the same cost, Volunteer was up front about the cost and included those necessary parts as part of the price, including initial chemicals.

It takes a little longer as, because there aren't in-stock options, we had to wait for the tub to be built and shipped (about 6-8 weeks). But they were very quick in delivering it and got it placed exactly where we needed. (As you can see in the picture, there were some space constraints, and they placed it within an inch.)

As with anything, there's bound to be some initial issues. There was a minor leak (the drain came loose), some of the lights didn't come on (connector wasn't taped at the factory so got disconnected during shipping), chemicals were difficult to balance initially. The staff at Volunteer Pool and Spas went above and beyond to help get it going. They helped the electrician contact Caldera to get the wiring correct. They helped multiple times with testing the water and adjusting the chemicals. Micah facilitated getting the regional hot tub tech out to fix the leak and the lights. They even made right on a piece of equipment we requested and they had thought was included, but did not initially come with the tub. Not everyone would do that.

Anyone that's owned any complex thing like this knows it's about how you maintain it that matters. The online recommendations about buying from someone you can work with over the next 10 or 20 years were spot on. Yesterday I read about someone who's dealer delivered a Caldera spa, cracked and damaged. The dealer wouldn't even return their phone calls. I don't have that problem because I bought from Volunteer...

This is not a great business, but they are the only game in town. The lady's at the office are rude and the technicians are highly unprofessional. Last year, we had several problems with our pool including having our pump go bad, so we had Volunteer pools in Fairview replace it. First, they were a no show on 2 appointments. When they did show up to swap out the pump, both technicians stood in my pool house and smoked cigarette after cigarette which left the pool house stinking to this day. Then, the technicians installed the pump incorrectly causing the pipe to crack over night draining the pool. They refused to take responsibility which is when I should have been done with them, but, no, I came back for more. This year, I called to schedule a pool opening; supposedly, I was put on the schedule. Then when they didn't show up, I called and they claimed I had never scheduled in the first place even though I could tell them the day that I called and could name the person that I spoke to about an appointment. They told me they would have to put me at the end of the line, so I became understandably frustrated and expressed that this was not the way to treat a customer. They hung up on me. In short, they are super disorganized, rude, unprofessional, and refuse to be accountable to their customers; I will turn my pool into a.duck pond before I do business with these clowns again.

Also, please notice that they snarkily called out my wife's review (Dina Baker), as they did not have her listed on the account, but have not responded to my review in any way. Notice how they have not offered to "find a solution" for me. This is exactly how they...

Bought replacement liner from them, worker let pool walls collapse, left for 2 days like that, someone else finally came back out to finish the 1/2 day job. The following spring, my entire pool walls bowed in while covered for winter. ( in the same area that had collapsed during liner install) Icalled company and they refused to do anything on the poor install. Didn't offer to even come look at all the damage. Found a reputable pool guy. He fixed what they broke and got my pool back in tip top shape for me! I will NEVER do business with Volunteer Pools again. I tell everyone to stay away from this company! If you sell a product / service, you should ALWAYS stand...