Swimming Pools Etc.com (SPE) should be avoided at all costs. There is no such thing as customer service at SPE. They appear to look at customers in-mass and could care less about building any repeat business. I can attest that there are numerous reports like the ones posted here all over the internet. This experience will change the way I shop on-line forever.

I recently placed an order with SPE for a Thermostat (89.00) and simple LED Bulb ($42.00). By the way, the 'free shipping' is offset by a 'handling fee'. Using the info. posted on their web site, I confirmed its compatibility with my lighting system. The bulb shipped to me was not even close. I called and spoke with a representative whom looked at the web site and agreed with me, but still required that I submit an email to their support group. Over the course of the following week I was stone walled with regard to how to resolve the errant part. Not once did they even offer to exchange the part for the correct one. Instead, when pressed they essentially reverted to blaming me for ordering the wrong part. I eventually called again and was finally told to submit an RGA Form, only to find out that they were going to charge me a 25% restocking fee + shipping. And this was clearly their mistake. I confirmed the misrepresentation on SPE's web site by later searching and viewing other web sites which provided detailed pictures and definitive specifications of the the bulb I ordered further confirming that they were clearly wrong. Bottom line -SPE was willing to screw me for a mere $42.00 bucks.

As a matter of principle I have elevated my protest through MasterCard, am preparing a Better Business Bureau complaint and will file a complaint with the California Attorney Generals Office. Eventually, this will all catch up to them. I have also vowed to share my experience with others in hopes that they can avoid the frustration and financial loss.