Pinch A Penny Reviews 120

You guys are absolutely ridiculous. This is the 4rth time I came to this store(Palm Coast-Old Kings Road) in attempt to get my water tested and 4 chlorine refills. When I get up to the front door, the store is closed. There were a 1/2 dozen people getting out the their cars behind me and they were not happy.
-THE COMPLAINT is that in the Facebook site and threw Google search it states that your store is open and when you try to call you don't even get threw to anyone nor recording stating that you will be closed. Common courtesy is to update your hours and closings there for you don't have customers going out of their way to your store just to find out that the doors are closed! I feel bad for this very elderly old couple that I witnessed walking from their vehicle using a WALKER. Just to be turned around. I alone with several others decided to go to Leslie's across the street. They at least post their true hours and they even indicate that they are open today. You just lost my business along with several other people!

So disappointed with the service at Pinch A Penny store #217 in Lakewood Ranch. We had a pool pump go out and called on Saturday 30 June; they said they would be out Monday 1 July. We waited all day, no call, no email, no text...just a no show. We called and they said we will have someone out on Tuesday 2 July. Got a call late in the day and said he was on his way. Fifteen minutes later.... a text that he was called to an emergency but would be there in the morning. Really??
Currently we don't trust that we can count on them at all. I called the store and while the owner/manager apologized, I said there isn't much of an excuse for poor customer service. From the reviews I have read, I am certainly not the only unhappy customer.

Rude owner and manager. I see I’m not the only one to experience these issues. Why they feel it appropriate to gossip about a customer not only in front of that customer but other customers as well blows my mind. I used to shop at sparkle bright but unfortunately the owner sold to Leslie’s who I dislike as they provide little to no training for the employees. They don’t even ask if your pool circulation has changed or having a problem when your experiencing new water issues. I don’t believe over half my pop ups are working correctly since the hurricane and cannot get in the pool to find out.

This review is specific to the store in Chuluota, FL.
Wow - incredible service. I called late last week to indicate I had a pool pump failure. On Thur of this week Nick arrived after a courtesy phone call in advance, and determined that the pump motor was bad. Today Nick was back with entire new pump (of my choosing from a recommended list). It was installed and running literally in minutes. It's a VSW high power pump so my little robot has renewed energy :) and I'll save on electric bills!
Sorry to see so many bad reviews. I have used the various stores in my end or Orlando/Oviedo for years with nothing less that GREAT service.

In essence, for many months, I have used Pinch-a-Penny as my pool cleaning company to obtain weekly cleaning, chemicals, and monthly filter cleaning. I thought all was well until I went into my pool and there was a thick layer of algae on the stairs. I then learned that my pool filter was horribly dirty and required me to clean that myself. So, I decided to check my surveillance videos and found that my pool was not being cleaned in a manner consistent with my payments and understanding. As per the “door hanger” where the technician states what was performed, every week since January 2024 has the same things checked off: “Brush Walls, Clean Tiles, Clean Strainer Baskets, Skim Surface, Leaf Rake, Test Water”. The service was also supposed to include monthly filter cleanings, though this was NOT checked off the “door hanger” on any visit in January, February, March, or April. I thought this might be an error, but after realizing the pool had not been brushed correctly and the filter not cleaned for months, I reached out to the store.

When called about this issue, the Pinch-A-Penny service manager (Paul) did not return the call and I called back the following week. On 04/30/2024, the owner (“Bo”) stated that I was entitled to my opinion about the pool services and that he would not return any amount related to the pool services that were not provided as contracted. He also stated that, even though the pool services were canceled in mid-April, he would not return the past charged amount for April because there is a “handshake agreement” that he would be provided at least 30 days notice for any cancellation of services. He was the rudest and most unprofessional person I have ever spoken with at any business, let alone one that should be focused on customer service and returning business.

The dates and times below are only the most recent examples of the service provided since February 22, 2024. These are actual time stamps obtained from my surveillance cameras at the front driveway and overseeing the pool equipment. Note that the pool technician was at the house for between 4 minutes and 9 minutes each week – this is not enough time to perform all the services noted and definitely implies the filter was never cleaned (which takes more time than that to remove it from the housing and hose it off). Even with this information, the owner stated that he would not refund any potion of the past charges. I asked only for one month to be refunded, as it was clear the pool technician did not do his job for at least the past four months. “Bo” refused and said that he would not refund anything and then welcomed me to “do your best” to spread the word about their unprofessionalism and poor service.

DATE AND TIMES:
April 18, 2024 -- In Driveway: 1:00pm –1:12pm and At Pool: 1:02pm – 1:11pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 9 Minutes)
April 11, 2024 -- In Driveway: 12:37pm – 12:44pm and At Pool: 12:38pm – 12:43pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 5 Minutes)
April 04, 2024 -- In Driveway: 2:07pm – 2:23pm and At Pool: 2:13pm – 2:22pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 9 Minutes)
March 28, 2024 -- In Driveway: 2:14pm – 2:23pm and At Pool: 2:16pm – 2:22pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 6 Minutes)
March 21, 2024 -- In Driveway: 1:42pm – 1:50pm and At Pool: 1:43pm – 1:49pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 6 Minutes)
March 14, 2024 -- In Driveway: 1:58pm – 2:09pm and At Pool: 1:59pm – 2:05pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 6 Minutes)
March 7, 2024 -- In Driveway: 1:46pm – 1:58pm and At Pool: 1:50pm – 1:54pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 4 Minutes)
February 29, 2024 -- In Driveway: 1:31pm – 1:39pm and At Pool: 1:34pm – 1:38pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 4 Minutes)
February 22, 2024 -- In Driveway: 2:00pm – 2:08pm and At Pool: 2:02pm – 2:07pm (Pool Cleaning Time: 5 Minutes)

Filled out online form for service request....received confirmation email it was received and somebody would contact me....4 days later still no response.

Needed a new leaf catcher because the old one finally bit the dust so I took the old one to my local Pinch A Penny so they would know which one I needed, and bought a new one. Was pretty shocked when I was charged $199. Once I got home I looked up the make and model of the new leaf catcher and found that it was available on Amazon for $98!!! These guys certainly pinched more than a penny off me!! I've been scammed and I don't like how that feels. Pretty angry actually.

I have an Anthony pool sweep, and the motor died on me this weekend. I went to my local Pinch-a-Penny store, with a new motor and old motor in hand, hoping for assistance in taking the impeller off of the old motor and putting it on the new one, having called the store before I brought both motors in. My new motor was not the same as the old motor, so they would not do it. But they would sell me a new motor for $339. I really wanted to get the pool up and running, so I reluctantly agreed, even though I could get the same motor from Amazon for $100 less, I did not want to wait a week for it to arrive in the mail, so I decided to pay the extra money. The tech did not think he had a seal for the impeller, as it was not a ps-200. When I told him the last time I was here years ago for the same issue, the tech eventually found one on the shelf that fit. So, I felt he didn't really want to, he eventually found one that fit. I needed a gasket, but he said they didn't have one for such an old system as mine. I said I would go back home and bring the old gasket back with me. The old gasket, unfortunately, was in no condition to bring to the store as it practically disintegrated when I attempted to take it off of the old wet end. But, I looked up on line, and eventually discovered a parts list for Anthony AJ booster pumps. The gasket was a g-54, 6" flat o-ring type of seal. I went back to the store, and asked for the gasket, and that same tech told me they didn't have one for it. I told him it was a 6" gasket, and he said they didn't have time to check all the gaskets for me. So, after I drop over $300 for a new pump, what am I supposed to do? I now have a non-functioning pool, which I did not want, while I have to try on my own to find a gasket for it. Needless to say, I am very frustrated with the service I received from the store. So much so, that I am very close to disconnecting the pump and bringing it back to the store, and order it from Amazon! I expect the local Pinch-A-Penny to be helpful, after all, pools are their job. Not mine. You go to an expert for assistance, and when they don't help, what are supposed to do? What did the tech think....that he got all the money out of me that he was going to, now go away? That he didn't want to really work at helping me. What really upsets me, is that I have a non functioning pool and I have no idea what I am supposed to do next....

Went to buy a new pool filter, employee looked up my previous purchase of a filter but when I got it home it was the wrong one. I returned it along with the old filter that I was replacing. Got the right filter this time but when I got it home I found it was cracked on top so I had to return it a second time. Employee from Venice store accused me of cracking it and said he would not accept any other returns after he replaced it. I returned the cracked filter within 15 minutes of purchase and resent being blamed for damaging the filter. As I was driving home from the store Paul called me to tell me the bottom of the filter is clearly marked again insinuating that I was responsible for the damage. Very unprofessional and they just lost a loyal customer

Had a chlorinator installed by Pinch A Penny pool supply on 9th Avenue North and Tyrone St Petersburg terrible workmanship chlorinator was not plumbed put in on an angle the hose was too short so it was leaking not even a month old called the manager said we don't do work for free so we'll have to charge you another $120 on top of the $583 I paid to have it installed which it was installed in correctly went to get the hose that I had to do myself the guy cut it still too short I told him it's too short he went in the back came out and threw a longer piece of hose to me terrible terrible customer service they need to take some lessons from Publix that's why people go back there even though it's so expensive because they have the best customer service when you spend $600 for one part to be installed and they don't honor the workmanship or the part that was faulty they should be ashamed

All they care about is the money. Service is extremely poor to say the least!

Dealt with Pinch a Penny, Bayside Lakes:
First we ordered a pool heater that was delivered and installed with no regard to whether we had the correct electricity. It blew the fuse and shut off the filter. Now we have to pay $1500 to get the correct electric installed. It should have been noted before delivery.

Second: We had them refinish out pool and change tiles. Finish and large tiles were done well EXCEPT for the steps. First step was on a serious incline. They came back to sand down the step and sanded the new tiles also. Then they came back to change out the tiles that were sanded and they globbed on the adhesive or grout and now it looks crappy where they changed the tiles. Our top step is not smooth and nice like it should be. I wonder if their pools' steps were like this if they would be satisfied. I will never recommend Pinch a Penny renovations to anyone.

Stay away from the Fort Lauderdale location! Horrible experience ever since Juan took over. Needed a new pool pump and purchased one of two suggestions. After installed the salt cell started leaking, was told it was because it was not compatible with the new pump and had to buy a new salt cell as well. I was upset because the pump was suggested by them how could they not know it would be wrong for the existing salt cell. Now that cell is broken again two years later. When contacting Pinch I was told it had a 3 year warranty and I was covered, which is the same info I was told upon purchase. Then they turned around and said it wasn't covered and the owner denied ever saying that upon selling it to me, very dishonest. He also denied saying the cell broke because of the pump, again very dishonest. I also had to cancel my pool cleaning service after 3 times in a row of non existent service where I actually showed Juan that the picture inserted in the "We made your pool perfect today" email they send showed a dirty pool! And to add insult to injury Juan mocked me when on the phone when I accidentally called him Raul and he said you don't even know who you're talking to and laughed, I suffer from mini strokes and have some issues with memory at times, so it was very disheartening to be mocked.
Don't use that location!
Help others with another review

At Boca Raton FL store stealing peoples money by selling water with pinch of chlorine. My pool is still green after two jugs of chlorine and shock treatment. Scammers! Chlorine is watered down and more expensive. Very disappointing! Don't trust them.

I have called on the SW Pensacola Pinch A Penny location a couple of times recently to service a couple of issues with my pool equipment, pump motor and pump replacement. The technician, Jared, gave excellent service. He is very experienced and knowledgeable about the systems and equipment. Great at diagnosing the problems and efficient at providing quick solutions. Very personable and a pleasure to work with. I will definitely use them again and highly recommend Pinch A Penny based on his performance!

I've used Pinch A Penny for weekly pool maintenance for years. Over the years, I've had several pool techs, but they got my pool back into shape after I had a bad experience with another company. I am grateful. Javi, my regular pool tech now, leaves my pool balanced, clean and sparkling. I'm very happy and my dog loves to see him!

This place is ridiculous, they tried to charge me $9.58 for a jug of chlorine. It's no wonder why no one goes there anymore. This entitlement that corporations believe they have the right to is destroying this once great country. Shame on you pinch a penny. Should be called " pinch your wallet "

I am writing about the Lady Lake Pinch-A-Penny location. If I could give less than one star, I would. This location's business practices and its staff are dishonest, deceitful, and petty. First Gail the chirpy sales clerk pushed me to buy the recommended equipment while it was still "on sale." I bought half of what they recommended. After making a purchase of nearly $5,000 at this location's recommendation for pool equipment we didn't need (as advised by another local pool cleaning company - we got the traditional three quotes), I went back for a full refund on the unnecessary items. When I came in to refund the full purchase to my credit card (and as is stated as "policy within 30 days on the back of the receipt"), I was stonewalled by Gail and referred to the manager Patel. I have never heard such a cockamamie story as I heard from him. He wanted to charge 25% of my refund to cover "restocking fees" and the "5% credit card surcharge." He said "I should have known"there would be a restocking fee. (I was not told anything of the sort and the items never left the store). Patel complained I had come to the store "many times" and used "his staff's expertise." (I thought their business was to help pool owners.) He was convinced I only wanted a refund because I found cheaper equipment elsewhere. (I didn't but the concern is telling.) I had already spent over $130 in chemicals to address an algae issue and the treatment didn't fix the problem. Their solution? Buy more chemicals. I have nothing but negative things to say about this Pinch-A-Penny location, its' manager Patel and Gail, the sales clerk. Untrustworthy and sketchy. Stay away. There are other reputable and reliable pool service companies in Lady Lake, we have since discovered. This Pinch-A-Penny location is not one of them.

We use the Pinch a Penny on Fairfield, Pensacola, Florida and have always had a great experience. Purchased a new stabilizer tower with the intention of installing myself, didn’t go as planned, ended up calling the store to have someone come out and replace the whole item. The technician Jared repaired the original tower for me instead or installing a new one, saving me cost on the part. I did however get excited and turned on the pressure before time and drowned his power drill, which in fairness I paid for. Thanks guys.

The weekly pool service for the store at 1330 Seven Springs Rd. New Port Richey is horrible Plus no does what tbey promise to do like call me back. If i could rate them less tha a 1 star i would. Lastweek the tech sat in his car with someone else and were drinking on tbe job, didnt clean the pool and sat in their vehicle for 30 minutes and drove off. This caused me to almost lose a guest and risked a bad review. I have reported this bad service numerous times and owner just ignors messaves to call me. Beware!!