Abe's Pools & Spas — Local services in Phoenix

We started using Abe's Pools & Spa's in October 2013 after finding his store on Cave Creek Rd by happenstance as is next to our piano dealer. We had just bought a house with a pool and where new to pool care. When liked that Abe specialized in used pool equipment as we thought it would lead to more cost effective repairs.

We were also in the market for a used Spa and I had seen some used refurbished Spa’s at AZ Spa World but Abe happened to have a couple waiting to be restored. We liked that Abe was a small local business so we decided to give him the business. We agreed to pay the same price as the others being sold at AZ Spa World.

We then had Abe out to the house to start up weekly pool cleaning service as well as a few repairs. We had a chlorinator installed and the diving board replaced. We also wanted the pool drain cover replaced but Abe told us the water was too cold and it would need to wait until summer when the pool was at least 80 degrees.

Between October 2013 and May 2014 our weekly pool service went by without issue. Our service was always provided by serviceman Aaron who was always through, kind and good with our dogs. During the 8 month period we used Abe’s service anytime I had to call the office for a billing issue or a service question my inquiries were always handled in a very loose manner that ruffled my feathers. In the last week of May, Aaron the pool guy told me my backwash valve was leaking and needed repair. I also noted that the pool was finally 83.7 degrees! I called the office to schedule the valve repair as well as the drain cover replacement. After 8 months of staring at the ugly broken drain I was ready to have a new one!

I called the office to schedule the repairs on Friday, May 23rd and spoke with Kim (Abe’s wife). She noted both issues and we made an appointment for Tuesday May 27th. On Tuesday the 27th I waited for the tech and I had called the office to confirm arrival time of the tech. I again spoke with Kim and she confirmed he was on his way. She then said, “oh, by the way, we won’t be doing the drain repair. They guys say it’s still too cold” I then objected, saying Abe had told me 80 degrees was fine and I have now waited 8 months. I said if he won’t do it now, when he will do it. She responded by saying “sorry, I don’t know what to tell you.” Thus ended our conversation. The tech arrived shortly thereafter and I showed him the problem with the pool valve. I told him I would be inside when he is ready for me…About 30 minutes pass and I go out to check on him and I see the repair is complete and he is gone. He did not provide an estimate before completing the work and my pool drain cover still not done.

I called the office the next day, Kim answered the phone. I explained the issue to her and expressed my frustration. I then asked her exactly how much they were going to be billing me for this unauthorized repair. She pulled up the work order and told me it was a $15 repair plus a $75 service call fee. WHAT! I expressed that a service call fee was never disclosed and an estimate was never provided for approval. I She interrupted me by saying “well, it’s not free.” I never expected it to be free but I do expect to be told of costs upfront beforehand. I told Kim right then and there this is not the way I do business and that I wished to cancel all services on my account effective immediately. I had a $62 credit on my account we agreed they would keep that credit to cover the repair and we would call it even.

Abe’s tested my patience to the limit. I need service that takes its business more seriously. Abe’s has been in business since 1975 and it shows. Their practice of business and way of talking to people is outdated. They are not competitive and they seem burnt out. They should probably sell and retire!

I would not recommend Abe’s services. What you may save in cash you will pay for in quality and...

UPDATE: Had the pump removed by another company - the pump installed was not an appropriate pump for the job according to another professional. Entire pump was oxidized and caused permanent damage to the fountain itself. Electric components were installed incorrectly as well. I contacted the pump manufacturer as well, they let me know 3 year warranties for this specific pump should be provided at the point of sale, so they not only did a terrible job installing the wrong pump for the job, but they are selling people short on warranties by 2 years.

Bought a house in June with a fountain in the yard, the pump stopped working this weekend and I have a receipt from November of last year stating the pump was replaced by Abe's pools and that it's covered by a 1 year warranty. I called them up and spoke with a nice employee who acknowledged the warranty and set me up for an appointment the next day. She then immediately called back after speaking to the owner and let me know the warranty does not transfer. I was pretty upset by this and asked that they back up their work, especially since they did specifically agree to back it up without any conditions listed on their paperwork. She acknowledged that it was ridiculous that they did not transfer the warranty and told me there was nothing she could do. If you do work with them, expect issues within half a year, and if this is the standard I've seen, I would expect them to find other ways to weasel out of their...

I stopped in by Abe’s the other day as my pool pump died. I am a “do it yourself” type person so I fix most things on my home and pool by myself.

I have driven by Abe’s many times and never stopped. Shame on me. This place has everything for pools. And they carry new and gently used / refurbished product.

I spoke with Abe directly and he is a wealth of knowledge. Not some kid that doesn’t know anything like you find in a branded pool store.

Clearly a lifetime of pool wisdom.

Abe’s was able to diagnose my pump and let me know it was beyond repair. I already knew that. He confirmed it.

They have a ton of parts. Go to Abe’s if you need something and actually want a bit of wisdom regarding the replacement.

I find places like Abe’s so much better than a “Leslies” where you get overpriced parts but very little knowledge.

Abe’s is a place where you can find anything - even your motors rebuilt - and sound knowledge to go along with it.

Great pool parts shop I wish I had...