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Sunday, February 16th
Pools Etc. has a wide range of departments for pools, spas, saunas, and outdoor furniture. It is run by a company called Recreation Discount Wholesale. They're an online retail company based out of Walpole, Massachusetts. Their ecommerce websites specialize in home recreation, outdoor living, pools, and spas. Their 15,000+ products ship through a network of over 100 vendors.
Huge selection, no product reviews
Pools Etc. has one of the biggest selections of products we've seen. For any given category like chemicals, motors, heaters, flowmeters, valves, timers, or solar panels, there are tens to hundreds of options. Every item shows a 5-star review as if customers can leave feedback on it, but there aren't actually customer reviews on anything, which was kind of disappointing.
Call for questions
All products have a brief description so you know what to expect, how long it takes for it to ship, model numbers, SKU numbers, and sometimes specifications when applicable. If you don't see enough information listed to confidently make a decision about a particular product (especially if it's a pricey one), Pools Etc. has their phone number listed right at the top of their website and that's the only way to get a hold of their customer service.
20% restocking fees
If you aren't satisfied with your purchase from Pools Etc., you have 30 days to send it back. All products need to be in the condition you received them in and in the original packaging. The downside is that all returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee, so that's not ideal.
Poor ratings
There have been many complaints filed against Pools Etc. that haven't been resolved, leading the Better Business Bureau to give them an "F” rating. They do have some positive reviews from customers, but there are some troubling ones too. Phrases like, "seriously dishonest company”, "corrupt business practices”, and "long wait with no delivery” have us worried about shopping at Pools Etc.
Not enough favorable ratings
They have some favorable reviews too, though. It seems like it may be totally fine to purchase some pool parts here, but you can't know for sure what your experience will be until you try. It may not be worth the risk when there are higher-rated pool supply stores available at your fingertips.
Stay away from expensive purchases
Since there is such a big assortment of pool supplies available from Pools, Etc., it's tempting to want to browse what they have and buy from here. This might not be an all bad idea, especially if you're buying something less expensive. But if you're going to buy a big pool cover or motor or something pricey, we wouldn't go through with it at Pools Etc. since they have some really poor ratings. Try shopping at a higher-rated, more reliable store for those big-ticket items.
If you own a swimming pool, you know that it's not just a place for a relaxing swim - it's also a lot of work. You have to remove debris, continually balance the chemicals, brush the walls to prevent algae and bacteria, filter the water, and more. Floating around while you soak up the sun doesn't come for free.
In addition to the supplies you need for regular pool maintenance, you may want to add pool toys and loungers for your guests of all ages to enjoy. Or even upgrade your patio furniture to provide the best, most relaxing experience. Some people choose to add waterfalls to their pool or slides to make it as fun as possible. It may come as no surprise that many people have turned to the internet to buy their swimming pool supplies.
There are many reasons why online swimming pool purchases have become so popular. First, the convenience of online shopping can't be denied. With just a few clicks, you can browse through extensive catalogs of swimming pool supplies from the comfort of your own home - or on the go. This eliminates the need to visit physical stores, saving you both time and effort. Moreover, online stores are open 24/7, which lets you shop whenever it's most convenient for you.
Shopping online also lets you make more informed purchasing decisions. With detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and comparison tools, you can assess the quality, functionality, and suitability of swimming pool supplies before making a purchase. This goes a long way toward removing the uncertainty often associated with buying products sight unseen.
Undoubtedly, the vast assortment of swimming pool products available online is another reason driving its popularity. Unlike traditional stores limited by physical space, online retailers can offer an extensive range of swimming pool supplies, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you seek basic maintenance equipment, advanced cleaning solutions, or luxurious pool accessories, you can typically find whatever you need online, and often at prices better than at local stores.
Trying to shop in-store for your pool supplies not only takes more time, but it also limits your options. There's nothing more frustrating than getting to the store only to find out that they've got the chlorine you forgot you needed, but they're out of the filter cartridges you actually came for. It's so much more efficient to quickly jump online and find a retailer that has everything you need in one place. This way you can compare prices between stores and you won't even have to leave your couch (or pool deck).
It's important to find a reliable, affordable pool supplier so that owning a pool is more fun than work at the end of the day. When deciding which company to shop from, take the following things into consideration:
Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best companies that sell pool supplies online. We hope this information helps you find everything you need to maintain your pool and enjoy it to its fullest!
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