Contact info, BBB reports & Reviews of Intex, Summer Escapes & Bestway pools

[PoolDoc]

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I've discovered there are at least 3 Chinese manufacturers supplying 'Intex-type' pools to the US market . . . and that there are significant differences between these pools. I'm starting this thread to collect and record those differences. If you can add information to this thread, please do so.

Intex pools are the predominant player in this market, but Walmart and Sams Club have begun selling the cheaper Summer Escapes pools instead. Some parts may be interchangeable, but others are not; we don't know which are which.

None of the pools have good filtration systems. This is why it's so important to avoid any problems with algae: even after you kill the algae, it will often take weeks to clear the pool.

There is one option that will help, IF you have a cartridge filter. The OEM cartridges in Intex filters are not high quality. The Intex manuals recommend replacing them completely every 2 weeks. A BETTER option is to replace them permanently with 2 - 3 Unicel cartridges, and rotating them through a cleaning solution. Properly maintained, the Unicel cartridges will last all season AND will filter better. So even though they cost more per cartridge, they cost less per season!

But, purchasing them is tricky. Amazon does not reliably stock them, and some of the 3rd party sellers are charging high prices and/or high shipping. So, check the Amazon link, but watch out for the prices and shipping costs.

It would be nice if you could just buy them elsewhere, but many of the online pool stores are listing Pleatco or other Asian made low quality filters, as "Unicel C-4607 type" or "fits Unicel C-4607". So shop carefully!

Here are the Amazon links:

Unicel C-4607 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Easy Set Size A or C) @ Amazon
Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge for 15 Square Foot Intex B Filter @ Amazon

Of course, this won't help you if you have a sand filter. Plus, these cartridges are not exactly the correct size for the SE pools, though they may work. (We're checking.) There is a Unicel that fits the SE pool -- the C-4306 model. But it's a lower grade cartridge than the similar C-4607

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The fact that there's no easy to find return addresses for Summer Waves (formerly Summer Escapes) pools is worthy of note. I did quite a bit of checking, to make sure I wasn't overlooking something. But, it turns out Polygroup does not want you to have their address, "for security reasons".

Security from whom? Their own customers! It turns out, too many upset Summer Escapes customers were tracking them down. And,it makes it very hard for anyone from filling a complaint with the BBB! But, some people have succeeded, and filed complaints. As a result, the BBB has given Polygroup / Summer Escapes and 'F' rating.

Here's what the BBB has to say about the Idaho location:

This company Polygroup has a pattern of complaints alleging the product has a leaking problem. Complainants also state they receive insufficient customer service when contacting a representative of the company to receive resolution. The company has not been responsive to complaints brought to their attention by the BBB.

Bottom line:

1. Summer Escapes pools are cheaper than Intex pools.
2. There is little or no warranty service available.
3. If you have problems that you can't fix . . . odds are, you're out of luck!
4. Good news: I have confirmed with Walmart that you can return the pools within 30 days.
5. So, install that pool AS SOON as you get it, and IMMEDIATELY return it to Walmart if their is a problem

I have talked to General Foam, who handled US customer service -- apparently rather well -- until 2010 or 2011, to Polygroup, and to Walmart Corporate. Walmart was very responsive, and indicated they would be actively looking into this, so I hope to have better information soon. They did confirm that you can return the entire pool within 30 days of purchase. So save your receipt, and install QUICKLY.

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Intex Pools [ US & Global website ]
(sold by Amazon, Kmart, etc. )

Contact:

Consumer Service - 1-800-234-6839
Hours => Winter: Mon - Fri -- 8:30am-5:00pm PST => Summer: Mon - Fri -- 7:00am-5:00pm PST; Sat 7:00am-3:00pm PST
Online Store: http://www.intexstore.com - E-mail: http://www.email.intexstore.com

U.S. and Canada Sales Office:

P.O. Box 1440
Long Beach, CA 90801-1440
Tel: (310) 549-5400 -- Fax: (310) 513-6905

Return Address:

Intex Recreation Corp. - Attn: Consumer Service Dept.
1665 Hughes Way
Long Beach, CA90810

BBB report (updated 6/1/2018)

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Bestway USA INC [ US website ] (sold by ??)
1320 South Priest Drive, Suite 103,
Tempe AZ 85281
info@bestway-northamerica.com | 855 838 3888
( Currently (2018), Bestway pools used to be by Walmart & Sams Club)

BBB report


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Summer Escapes (Polygroup) Global website - Parts store
( Summer Waves (Summer Escapes) pools are still sold by Walmart & Sams Club)

----- NOT RECOMMENDED! -----

U.S. Toll-Free Customer Service: (888) 919-0070
Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri 9am to 8pm EST; Sat – 10am to 3pm EST

BBB.org reports 3 locations for Polygroup; all have an "F" rating:
Idaho (map), California (map), Arkansas (map). (BBB has addresses and phone numbers for all locations.)