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Albatross Swimming Pools
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Best of the Best!
I recently purchased a property which come with an Albatross pool. Having never owned a property with a pool, I felt very much out of my depth by the time the property had settled. I decided to call the team at Albatross and was blown away by their support, encouragement and ability to get the job done. Albatross Operations Manager (Peita) was able to guide me through what needed to be done over the phone with no fuss whatsoever. In addition to this great service, Ben who oversees the team at the Warrandyte showroom took the time to show me how...
Read more all the pool equipment operates and provided me with the necessary chemicals to get the pool looking how it should. I cannot speak more highly of the team at Albatross and their high quality service and support. You've found yourself a long term customer in me. Many thanks.
- 5 reviews
The Gold Standard
- Reliable
- Accountable
- Take pride in their work
- Genuine + good people
- Very respectfully
- Well run company and healthy culture
- Manage expectations very well
- Would recommend them everytime
- Well organised
- Experienced
- Established history
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
We Love our Albatross Pool
Got 5 Kids. Dug a Hole. Bought a Pool Kit. Installed it 13 years ago and had a grouse time till my liner split, I'll be calling Justin for help.
My little piece of paradise
This is the third summer we are using our pool. I have been very happy with my Albatross pool. I visited other pool places but people were not too helpful. Justin was very helpful and understanding since I was having a really rough time in my life before my pool construction started. Albatross also connected me with landscapers and they did amazing job. We really enjoy our pool. Water quality is excellent. My family members have a sensitive skin but haven't had any reactions when swimming in the pool. Janine and Molly at the pool shop are alway...
Read mores helpful and have time to explain the best way to look after the pool. I have also contacted the pool shop by phone and they have been more than happy to give advice. If I was to build another pool I would definitely go with Albatross. Thank you guys, you are awesome!!
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Excellent service and value for money
After conversations with many pool retailers at the Pool and Spa Show, we choose Albatross as they came across as honest and trustworthy.
Our pool project was done in conjunction with a new home build. The later ran well behind schedule yet Albatross were understanding and didn't complain at any stage.
We're thrilled with the result - ideal size pool for our backyard and looks great. The end-to-end service couldn't be faulted.
Special thanks to Justin (Sales & Operations) and Geoff (Technical) who have offered excellent support throughout t...
Read morehe process - particularly post-handover. As we are first time pool owners we had lots of questions regarding maintaining and nothing was too much trouble. Albatross Pools represent excellent value for money. I would happily recommend them.
The best customer service
Albatross recommended the perfect pool for the area we designated for it. I couldn't fault the construction, we are really happy with it, and the service we have received since has been excellent. Their knowledge of pool construction and ongoing maintenance is also remarkable, any problems we have (which are always our fault) they provide the perfect remedy. Our pool requires very little maintenance due to the equipment they suggested, and they are always happy to test the water for me, any time. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, ...
Read moreand I highly recommend them. Anyone who is in business knows that sometimes things don't go to plan, and the unexpected hiccups can be frustrating, as well as outside your control, but the best service is that which recognises this and endeavours to provide the best outcome, with a smile. Well done Albatross.
- Verified
Very poor customer service
The pool was not finished yet. After the first-day excavation, my lawn in the front yard was damaged and a tree trunk was cut 90% (I did not know until the next day when the tree was on the ground. Their contractor did not tell me and just installed a short steel pole to hold the trunk upright with tapes!). And a bluestone was broken too which I also found out later. When complaining over the phone to them, I was told to read the contract which said they were not responsible for damages". I did raise my concern when I read that clause duri...
Read moreng contract signing, and the sales said contractor was covered by insurance and any damages would be covered by insurance, which sounded reasonable. But no, now I am told, I am responsible for any damages caused by their contractors. Is it unfair to the owner? The contractor could do anything he wanted and his only goal is to finish the job asap without the need to take care of the possessions of the owner! Complete silent when I wrote to Albatross pools. And it has been weeks already. The only thing they did was to invoice me in time, and requested me to pay before they'd move to the next step. And another bill from the excavation contractor today to charge me extra $880 who claimed extra work which I could not quantify and no notice or quote prior to the job. I am very disappointed with Albatross pools' customer service and no service provider would treat the customers like this!
Good Afternoon Kathy, I am sorry to hear you are disappointed with your initial experience with us. We are looking forward to celebrating 50 years next year and are normally known for exceeding expect...
Read moreations and we do apologise if we have fallen short in this instance. When a project presents with extremely tight access such as yours, an additional pre-site inspection by our excavation team is organised. The purpose of this additional site visit is to meet with the client and identify access options and discuss the potential damage that may result (this damage would accompany any project involving the rear of the property due to the very poor access available).
Peita, thanks for the call and it was very productive. Appreciate your understanding and effort to resolve the issues. I look forward to the completion of my pool, and my next project with Albatross!
Love my 10 year old Albatross Pool!
In 2008, after a lot of homework & quotes for a swimming pool I signed a contract with Albatross Pools. What attracted me to Albatross Pools were that they were a family owned company that had a great reputation & had been around for a long time. The previous customers that I had spoken to were positive about this company, so my decision was also based on word of mouth. I think this means a lot when you are looking to purchase a pool.
From start to finish Albatross Pools were amazing from the person providing the quote, the people in the offic...
Not a good experience
My experience has been not a good one with Albatros. The original quote blew out by thousands and they suggested a filter which did not suit the pool. I was also advised to get heating which has turned out to be a complete waste of money.
On completion they also added some 'unforeseen costs' so be very clear and careful at contract stage.
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Terrible Service
I attempted to get a pool quote from Albatross by visiting their display in warrandyte. There I was advised that someone would need to come to my site to quote so I provided all my details so this could happen. When no one called me I rang them, however no one answered (and no messagebank!). I then messaged on facebook but no one replied to my message. Finally tried again in person at the pool and spa show where the man was very apologetic and assured me someone would follow up (no one did).
Liner of pool covered by disgusting stain
After spending close to $40,000 on an albatross pool only to be extremely disappointed.
The pool is 4 years old and for the last 3 years the pool floor is covered by a massive stained liner which is extremely unsightly. After working extensively with albatross to maintain our water chemistry which was always correct, we were told by staff it is neither ours or there fault it's just unfortunate. It is the focal point of our backyard and is a complete embarrassment as all guests comment on it. We have completely wasted including landscaping ove...
Hi Damien,
When I spoke with Donna on the 26th May 2016 she told me the growth had disappeared and you both were really happy with the result. I am really surprised to hear from you via the forums yo...
Hi pieta,
Ok for 1 the elimination process you were taking us through was costing a fortune and 2 it went on for 2.5 years with zero results other than a fix when the new filter went in.
How it can b...
Do Not Buy Through Albatross Pools!
We have bought a house with an Albatross pool installed in 2013. We settled on the house in September 2016 as swam in the pool that Summer. The liner was bulging out due to water behind the liner and the liner had come away in a section near the shallow end.
After calling the Dandenong branch in late 2016 twice, I was told each time, someone would get back to me. They did not. We then were instructed to call the head office in Ringwood... we did & no reply call.
As Summer ended we had not had a call and closed the pool with no help ...
Read morefrom Albatross. We have now opened the pool for Summer 2017-2018 and called Albatross pools again Early November. They said 5 weeks to assist us, they have just called and said they can't see us until next year. Additionally they said the warranty on the pool is not transferable to the new owner (us). Shocking service from dismissive staff, it's shameful. Needless to say the next port of call will be consumer affairs and my solicitor.Hi Tim, hopefully you have been able to find someone to remove the water from behind the interior before Christmas. This may actually be something you are able to do yourself and I can walk you throug...
Read moreh it over the phone if you would like to contact me directly (03 9870 3011 or peita@albatrosspools.com.au). Apologies for the experience you have had with us regarding the service request. Unfortunately our lead-time and follow up during peak season can be considerable and it is an area in the business we most certainly need to improve in.
Hi Peita,
Glad to have someone offer assistance. However, your lead time seems to extend almost one and a half years as we called you guys in November 2016 as per my original post.
...
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Happy pool owner
In 2013 we started a project to renovate our property, adding a second story to our Californian bungalow and a pool out the back. We started the pool investigation early, reading all sorts of discussions on pools from owners and learnt there were three in-ground options: fibreglass, vinyl and concrete. Fibreglass was easy to discount on the basis that we didn't want a pre-determined shape, we didn't want to have to get the pool shell over some part of the house via crane (meaning it would have to be done before the second story was added), an...
Read mored we also didn't want the experience of the pool floor possibly separating from the ground (an air bubble like feeling) that we'd experienced in some instances in the past. But concrete just seemed to be the predominant option, so we were a little hesitant not to go with the flow. That said, there didn't seem to be informed reasons for going with concrete, except that it was 'the Melbourne way'. So we investigated the two options in parallel, and for vinyl, Albatross was the clear expert in Melbourne, based on a number of internet searches and SPASA awards. There was a lot of material from Albatross on the internet, so I felt well-prepared when I headed out to Warrandyte to check out the pools in person. My memory of my initial meeting with Peita is still extremely positive - we discussed the pros and cons of vinyl versus concrete, the type of design we were contemplating, heating options, and looked at how their displays translated into practice and had been in place for up to 30 years. At this point I found my research bias to vinyl was strengthened, particularly the aspect that ground moves would not be likely to cause leaks (a major concern for me with concrete over the decades we planned to use our pool), the non-reactive nature of vinyl with chemicals and pool equipment and the soft feeling on the floor (rough pool floors are a pet dislike of mine). But I was worried how my wife, kids (and friends) would react to something different from the norm. On initial discussion all three groups were uncertain, with a question on concrete with tiles was a nicer look. But when looking through the display centre, looking at the various colours and how the pools looked and felt from a distance and up close, they were all willing to go with my view. At this point, Peita gave us an indicative quote and we said we'd come back once the rest of the renovations were well progressed (as it happened more than a year later), as we agreed there was sufficient side access that we didn't need to do the pool first and then have construction all around us - indeed this was Peita's strong recommendation as once built the pool would have to be filled and with all the dirt from construction the impact on pipes etc was unnecessarily risky (great advice). However, I did ask about pool and spa heating questions for potentially using the pool year-round, wanting to compare and contrast gas and/or electric reverse cycle and/or solar heating via tubing (and noting we were looking into rooftop solar PV for general power for the house and hence roof space was a premium). Peita didn't claim specialist expertise on the matter, but the investigations she did on this query were above and beyond (hopefully the knowledge gained in this work has been of benefit for future pool owners not just us) and really helped us in the decision to go fully electric. When the time came, in August 2014, to look at the space we had in the backyard, post renovation, Peita came around to our house and was very helpful as we determined where to put the pool, spa, pool lighting and equipment. And then we started working at pace to move/save the bricks from our paved backyard (we wanted to do something ourselves) to make way for the pool. The building and construction phase when Justin took over with the team was stunning in its speed in late October/November 2014, so much so that we only just remembered to ask for some help moving some favourite fruit trees and tree ferns before the hole was dug, the water pipes installed, the stainless steel sides constructed and the concrete floor poured in what was only a matter of days. But the team was suddenly operating to a timeframe of wanting to help us have the pool operational before Christmas. And they also helped us find a pool fencer (Big John gave us great advice on the fully frameless 'in channel' glass pool fence with nano tech protection, fence safety requirements and managed installation just in time for Christmas, the busiest time for pools) and also the surveyors to identify any initial concerns and then do the final inspection. The construction and tiling of the spa then took over in November and was beautifully done, followed by installation of the pool fence and travetine pavers (fantastic job by Brent at Phipps Parsons) and suddenly with 5 days to Christmas we were to the point of the liner being fitted and the pool being filled, as promised by the team. It was exciting paddling in the pool as the liner sat loosely around the edges and slowly flattened to the shape of the floor and sides as the pressure of the water took hold - and it was somewhat surreal watching the vacuum cleaner just such the air from between the vinyl liner and the walls. But it was such a joy to see the finished product ready for Christmas and all the excited family and friends itching for a first dip. So it was then a tutorial from Geoff on how to operate and we were off. As first time pool owners we won't claim to remember all the intricacies of what we had to do when, despite copious notes, but the support we were given over the phone and in a couple of return trips when we weren't quite sure of what should be done was really great. So are we happy with the end result? Yes, beyond our already high expectations. Lit up at night the pool just looks exquisite. The 2x2 metre spa is perfect all year round and has been well-used in the 18 months to now. During the day the pool looks hugely inviting (again the colour schemes Peita helped us choose for the liner and the spa tiles are perfect). Our family and friends all love the feel of the vinyl, particularly on the feet, the bespoke design of the spa and steps we designed with Peita works a treat. I also like knowing that if there ever is an issue with the liner (and nothing to date) the repair costs will be a fraction of what would happen if we had cracks emerge in a concrete pool. And in terms of after sales, not only were their responses friendly and fast, but also when we allowed algae to build up, Peita was great with a plan of attack that was highly effective (and taught us a little more about pool maintenance). So would we recommend a vinyl pool? Absolutely. And would we recommend Albatross for the design and construction? No question that the answer here is yes. So a little late as a review, but a huge thanks to Peita, Justin, Geoff and the team.
Great company to work with - just what we had hoped for
We found the entire process seamless. We had heard horror stories of hidden and unexpected costs involved in having a pool constructed. We experienced none of these with Albatross. We found the staff extremely helpful throughout the entire process, taking the time and effort to tailor equipment to suit our needs and specific logistical requirements enabling us to be extremely satisfied with our pool (and ancillary equipment)
Great company, great product
The construction of our pool went off without a hitch. The entire process was great and we found all the staff fantastic to deal with. Brian was great during the sales process and once we got underway, Justin and his team were very professional and delivered exactly what they promised and on time. We could not be happier with the end result and after hearing some of the horror stories involved with construction of pools from other companies, I highly recommend Albatross pools.
Questions & Answers
Hi, I need someone to come out to check my pool. The clips have broken on the side for nearly 2 meters. I need someone to come assess it ASAP. Any help?
In Taylors Lakes
Thank you
Janice
Hi Janice, thank you for reaching out, no problem at all. The only McBride we have on record is in Eltham, with this in mind I am going to need some more information from you to organise the repair. D...
Read moreue to privacy, please don't send your details via this website. Could you please send through your information via a secure form at https://support.albatrosspools.com.au/submit-a-support-request/ alternatively, you can call us on 03 9870 3011. Thank you, Peita - Albatross Pools
I'm looking to buy or get a quote from your company. I read all the reviews and there is about 25% of unhappy customers. Is there any way I could call and or see some pools in your customers back yards before i go ahead or also why don't you contact some of your older pool customers and get them to put up a review?
Regards
Quinton
Hi Quinton, thank you for reaching out, that is no problem at all. We can put you in touch with long standing Albatross pool owners and you are also more than welcome to visit our Display Centres loca...
Read moreted in Dandenong and Warrandyte if you would like to see our product in person (some of our display pools will be 50 years old next year). To protect your privacy, could you please send your contact details through to my email which is peita@albatrosspools.com.au. Thank you too for your recommendation regarding reviews, many of our customers usually choose to share their reviews via Facebook and Google instead of ProductReview. Looking forward to speaking with you, Peita Otterbach, Albatross Pools
Hello. Are you able to replace onground pool liners? For we would like a quote.
Thank you Jason
Hi,
Yes the liners are replaceable. You'll need to contact Albatross who can provide you with a quotation as there is the basic range of liners & then there's a premium range.
Get an answer from our members and Albatross Swimming Pools representatives
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Thank you Clinton for sharing the experience you have had with our team, I will be sure to share it everyone involved. We are often part of a bigger project, be it an extension or new home build, bein...
Read moreg in construction we understand things sometimes happen outside of your control and we simply need to adapt to accommodate the change in schedule. We got there in the end and we are very pleased to hear you are thrilled with the result! There is a lot of information to absorb when you become a pool owner and we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have along the pool ownership journey – please remember our Pool Stores are open seven days and are here to help :) Thank you once again for sharing your experience Clinton, we truly appreciate it! Happy Swimming (once the weather warms up), Peita – Albatross Pools