Constraction reviews in Lake Forest, California

Swan built our pool 13 years ago and we reached out to them again when the pool needed replastering. The project proceeded very smoothly with Johnny, our project manager. He was just as helpful and supportive we could’ve wished for. Returned our calls in a timely fashion and put our minds at ease when dealing the contractors. Honestly, we were expecting a nightmare but everything was so well handled by Johnny. We’re very grateful and happy to have him in charge.

We had our pool installed by Swan a few years ago and they have exceeded our expectations on long term maintenance and repairs. We have had a hot tub jet replaced, a salt cell failure and a pool led light fail. All of these issues were fixed in a timely matter and under our warranty. Happy to recommend them here.

Great Company! DQ designed an awesome pool and that everyone loves. Juan took care of the rest from the ground breaking to the finish. These guys are awesome.

Great experience

Absolutly great expirence with these guys! They were very knowledgeable and extremly helpful with all the question we had. My husband and I look forward to enjoying the amazing pool they have built us!

Can't wait to rate a 5. Pool excavation started May 29th, no progress since. Still have hope . Rated 3 based on updates, communication and progress.Update- 4 months later and still hoping this will be completed soon.

Our pool is beautiful and we use it all the time (all seasons)! The process from design to completion exceeded our expectations. We would recommend Swan (and have) to anyone considering a pool or jacuzzi.

DQ has designed our dream backyard with a pool, fire-pits, spa, and so much more in a space I thought was not big enough for a blow up pool. He has been attentive to every wild idea we have had and honest with all pricing up front. We are so excited for the backyard of our dreams.

Apparently Roger's project took all of the great service Swan has to offer. I originally sought an estimate for an already designed oasis. I did so without any intention of putting in the pool and spa while my husband is deployed in Afghanistan. However the estimate came back a lot lower than we thought it would. Jim estimated that this cost could increase 5-10% if we waited for later in the year and somehow convinced me it would be an easy and low stress process. This couldn't be further from the truth. Although I was originally very pleased with the level of customer service in the beginning. Jim really deserves an academy award for his salesmanship. In combination with their years in business and BBB standing, I thought we chose the right company. Once the contract was signed however and the work started I have been nothing but frustrated with their lack of service. And once you sign the contract, Jim is no longer available to you.

My first warning sign was when the surveyor tried to solicit me for his friend who sells long term care insurance. Really?!?!?!? It went down hill from there. At some point between excavation and the plumbing, I had a 7ft fence post magically disappear. After the plumbers came out I had a brand new rain gutter look like someone took a golf club to it and my beautiful brand new polished cement with imbedded glass capped planter wall had 6 chunks taken out of it. They are trying to assure me that they'll take care of the desecration to my property but I have absolutely no confidence of it. So the icing on this disaster cake is that the drawing that they had me sign off was incorrect so of course I didn't realize they have the pool equipment 2mm from the walkway and the monstrosity is visible from every relaxing point in the yet to be beautiful back yard and ruins the entire chi of the design. So when Carl wasn't available to address the issue with me they send James out who nonchalantly explains away any other possible placement of the pool equipment citing building codes. So I take it upon my self to confirm building codes which contradicted everything James said, so either he has no idea what he is doing or he just flat out lied. Now I can't believe anything that comes out of anyone at Swan. Today, a week later, Carl comes out and cite's a different building code and rubs it in my face that I signed off on the drawing, even though their drawing was inaccurate which let me to believe the equipment was right where I wanted it. And now they are charging me $300 to move it.
So I'm in the middle of a nightmare and can't wait for it to be over. On one hand I wish I could terminate my contract but on the other I can't imagine they can keep providing this level of service. The only thing keeps me going is that my husband is beyond excited to come home from Afghanistan to his pool and spa.

What a nightmare. I spent so much on our pool but it was (and is still) such a headache. To be clear, other than the design of the pool, they don't actually do any work. They just sub contract all the work to a variety of construction companies. They will tell you that you are paying more with them because of the quality you receive but they just randomly assign a sub contractor based on whoever is available. My fire pit came out so ugly that it looked like a cartoon cake that had deflated in the oven. The pool floor started fading within 2-3 months. The lights in the pool do not work. And the filters barely clean the pool. I have contacted them for the last 3 months to try and resolve the issues. However, I just keep getting told that someone will reach out to me soon to resolve the issues but nobody ever does. Save yourself some money and just go with a less expensive company and set some money aside for post construction repair. You will be in the same situation but you will save a lot of cash. But hey, at least I got some random umbrella post holes that I never asked for.

We are so happy with Swan Pools. James is so helpful and honest, They care about their customers and have great ideas. We recommend them to everyone in our family as well as our friends.

We have really enjoyed our Swan Pool. Construction went smoothly and on time. Very co-operative workers. Designed for our enjoyment and stayed within budget. We love that the grand kids, grand nieces and nephews all come over to swim and relax on the deck. Very happy with our investment.

I wanted to tell anyone who is interested how wonderful the entire Swan Pools team has been. DQ (Domie) has been our point person. He is professional, reliable, and knowledgeable. DQ is a fantastic designer. Living in Ladera Ranch we have had significant soil and HOA issues. DQ was easily able to navigate both the HOA and soil issues. He is a clear communicator. When DQ says he is going to do something he does it immediately. I have pretty high standards. DQ and the Swan team have impressed me. The staff at the office has been easy and delightful to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend DQ for any landscaping project.

If you want peace of mind , if you want a company with a long track record (something like 50 years in OC), if you want a tremendous pool that you'll absolutely love, stop right now and call Swan Pools. Don't waste any more of your time. We chose Swan to help design and plan and install our pool and spa, and we couldn't be happier. With COVID this year and concerns about public pools (how do you social distance there?), we are so lucky to have our own pool. Swan staff were utterly reliable, and all of their work crews were professional and knew exactly what they were doing.

My wife and I have to specifically mention Juan Corrales and Holly Zderich. Ms. Zderich helped us design our dream pool and did a fantastic job. She was patient, creative, and really knows what she's doing. Certainly ask for her when you call. Once we got started, Mr Corrales managed the project all the way through. Always available, and always professional, he handled everything so well behind the scenes that we didn't have to worry about anything. Both he and Ms. Zderich are exemplary in their work -- you'd be very lucky to have them on your pool project. (Other people you'd be lucky to have on your project are Mike Ruiz, Project Manager, and Andy Huffman, who knows everything about everything: every pool part, pump, pipe, plaster and permits -- don't underestimate for a moment Swan's long history of high quality work. When it comes to passing through every city permit stage without trouble, you want these people running your project!)

But we have to again mention the numerous expert work crews they employ: they have to be the best in the business. They know **exactly** what they're doing.

In summary, if you want cheap you should look elsewhere and then be prepared to deal with headaches and worry. With Swan, they'll work with you no matter what the size of the project, and you will *never* have to worry, either during or after the job is done.

Well done, Swan Pools!

We met with several companies for our backyard remodel and we are so excited to be moving forward with DQ and Swan Pools. From the start DQ has been excellent. He has really taken the time to get to know us and our family and use that information for our pool design. We had a good idea of what we thought our backyard redesign would look like. DQ's design surpassed our vision and expectations. He not only gave us exactly what we wanted but much much more. All while making sure he is staying within our budget. DQ has been very thorough explaining the step by step process. I know we are in good hands with DQ and Swan Pools.

We just completed our 3 month pool project with Swan and are extremely happy with the results. You will always have issues in construction and the great thing about SWAN is that they will work with you to address those issues. Having a great project lead/manager like Mike is key to that. Project was pretty much on time and on budget. I shopped around and it was a fair price. Not the lowest, not the highest. Would def. recommend SWAN.

We are in the middle of a big, complicated pool project that involves extra engineering due expansive soils. DQ and his team at Swan Pools explained everything in a clear and detailed way, instilling the confidence and clarity we needed to move forward with the project. Swan has been available day and night to answer any questions and address any concerns. Our HOA is EXTREMELY strict and DQ remained focused and diligent, getting our plans approved quickly with minimal assistance from us. He also created a gorgeous and functional concept for our front and back yard that is in budget. I highly recommend DQ and his colleagues at Swan!!

We've got in contact with DQ from Swan Pools. First impression: he's nice, easy to talk to, has a creative mind (he is the pool designer), easy going (his mission is to have happy clients and be blown away by the outcome) and attentive (he'll accommodate us as much as we needed any changes). Our project is still on-going and can't wait for the finished product of a resort-like backyard so we can still enjoy the summer heat!

Here is a "good, bad, and ugly" review to help you avoid mistakes I made. First thing everyone asks is if I would recommend Swan Pools. The answer is yes, but with some advice...

Design:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Know what you want and what you can live with which are not the same. The pool make look fantastic but travertine is VERY slippery when wet. For safety, this material will not be right for you. But if you live in a humid area, concrete will have issues with efflorescence leaving a white deposit that you are constantly cleaning. My sales rep did not give me the +/- of my selections. Google everything to learn on your own.

Your Yard:
When designing the pool, consider if the ground is expansive? If yes, you WILL get shifting in your walls and decking. It is not Swan Pools' fault, but there are ways to reduce to problem. Again, your rep most likely will NOT suggest these because the cost will go up and the rep wants to remain competitive. This is a long-term investment. DON'T SCIMP!

Equipment:
I like the Jandy equipment, but if you have water features or hot-tub, you may want to use separate pumps and heaters. It costs more but gives you full control over everything. Have solar? Consider an electric heater in addition to the gas. It will save you a lot of money from "free" heat. My gas bill runs $1,000+ per month in the winter and wish I had installed an electric heater.

Installation:
Swan Pools uses subcontractors (SUB). Some are not so great. Also, you are on their schedule - not Swan's. Do not depend upon a timeframe the Swan sales rep gives you. Try negotiating penalties for project delays. I wish I did. And if you do not like a SUB, demand a new one. Same for your Project Manager. Do not settle.

Pricing:
Design as accurately as possible before negotiating on a price. "Change requests" will cost a lot more, but scope reductions lower price by negotiate cost. BE SURE to get an itemized breakdown with detailed costs. This may make Swan's initial bid higher, but it will save issues later on.

Support:
I read bad reviews on support from Swan Pools with long delays. I understand some people post complaints to "get back" at Swan Pools, but you need to keep in mind that Swan Pools is going back to the SUB for service and you are beholden to the SUB's schedule. There is little Swan Pools can do about this, so don't blame them 100%. However, for equipment issues, Swan Pools does have their in-house technicians who I think are great! They may be a little hard to get a hold of because they are busy, but I found working with them (Andy in particular) has been awesome.

The Owner:
The owner is James Fraser. When I first met him, I was not a fan. He seemed to want to rush me, seemed dismissive, and did not come across like he cared. But I came to understand that this is just how he comes across and not really the case. I figure it is because he is just swamped with a lot of projects, or maybe its just his personality. Regardless, in reality I believe James does care about you, your project, and your potential issues. But you need to be persistent if you are not hearing back from him. I found him to be tough but fair if you have a legitimate problem. Just be prepared to go to him with all of the facts and state what you feel is a fair compromise/compensation for the issue.

In Conclusion:
Did I have problems with my install? Yes.
Am I still calling Swan Pools for service issues a year and a half after installation? Yes.
But would I recommend then? Yes.
When I asked to visit a previous installation, I did not get much of a response. I think this is because no one ever has a perfect installation and experience. I think Swan Pools is scared that if you are told about problems that it will jeopardize you signing a contract. But I would argue that if I talked to someone who had a perfect experience, I would not trust that reference. There truly is the good, bad and ugly with ANY construction project. Good luck with yours!

We interviewed several landscaping companies. We chose to go with Swan Pools and are very happy with the results. Our contract with Swan Pools included all of the expenses and there were no surprises or additional costs except for a few small items that we decided we wanted to add. The project completed on schedule. The different teams did high quality work, including concrete, pool, tile, and garden. The city inspector even remarked that the work was to a very high standard. We recommend Swan Pools for your pool and landscaping needs.

Swan Pools did a great job from start to finish! Kelley Class our Sales Director was very knowledgeable, professional, and transparent throughout our pool project. Her team Juan and Johnny were awesome project managers! No surprises and they were ahead of schedule! My family is so happy enjoying our pool and spa every day! Making many precious memories thanks to Swan Pools! Thank you Kelley Class!!!! Erick G.