Does anyone have any experience with having leak repairs done under warranty? My 3 yr old pool is losing water, and the builder charged me $105 to tell me that the leak is in the spillway between my spa and pool, and because of this it is not covered under warranty. Its rapidly becoming yet another case that proves that warranty's are pretty much worthless.

I know much of this is subjective to the contract - the exact wording on the back of mine is as follows:

"Contractor further guarantees that the structure will remain structurally sound for a lifetime. The term, "Lifetime of the Pool," shall be construed to mean the period that the pool is owned by the original purchaser.

The term "Structurally sound" means that the swimming pool is capable of containing and holding water and in the event of a failure to do so, Contractor will within said period repair the same so that it does hold water."

then, under "limited guarantees and warranties", it states:

"Lifetime Guarantee will not extend to cover items external to pool, such as tile which may be damaged by frost or foreign substances, electrical hookup, light bulbs, skimmer wires, skimmer baskets, or whips, covers, or blankets"

The spillway between my 18" raised spa and pool is built up with stone, and the builder is trying to claim that the leak is in the morter of this stone and therefore not part of the "structure of the shell", and that this is common among most (implying all) pool company warranties.

He's telling me that the repair will cost me $700 or more, and that I get to foot the entire bill. I can't believe that I spent upwards of $50K just 3 years ago and I'm already seeing a repair bill of this size. I'd love to hear from anyone who's gone through similiar problems and how they were resolved. I'm sure it will cost me more than $700 in lawyers if I really want to push the issue, but there's that part of me that wants to argue "for the principle".

Thanks,
Jeff