Big Pool Debacle Hits Myrtle Beach
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, a local pool company is making waves for all the wrong reasons. Cascade Custom Pools, once a go-to choice for residents looking to soak up the sun in their own backyards, has found itself embroiled in a series of legal troubles that has left many customers high and dry.
Judgments and Lawsuits Galore
Recently, it was reported that Christopher Harrington, the owner of Cascade Custom Pools, now owes an astonishing $1.5 million in damages to dissatisfied customers. This all escalated quickly after a judge ruled in favor of a Little River homeowner, Hope Larson, who was left feeling more than just disappointed with her experience. She had signed a contract worth $67,200 for a custom pool installation, but what she received was far from what she expected. Instead of the backyard paradise she envisioned, her property became a headache.
Larson’s ordeal started in March 2023, when digging for her pool began. Unfortunately, the situation took a wrong turn when workers reportedly dug too close to her home, causing the soil underneath to give way. Rather than addressing the issue, it seems the crew attempted to cover up the erosion with some plywood—definitely not the kind of fix homeowners hope for!
Customer Experiences
Things didn’t improve when Harrington assured Larson that the project would be completed in 12 weeks. Unfortunately, by August of the same year, he vanished, cutting off all communication. Larson did not take this lightly and filed a lawsuit citing multiple reasons, including breach of contract and negligence. Her property, which was supposed to gain value with the addition of a pool, ended up worth far less than before.
But Larson isn’t alone in her plight. Leslie Tuttle from Florence also found herself battling against Cascade. She agreed to pay $119,000 for a concrete pool and spa after putting down a hefty deposit. However, things spiraled out of control when project delays and increased costs turned her dream into a nightmare. Harrington’s failure to communicate compounded the issue, leading her to discover that other customers were facing similar troubles, including mechanics’ liens against their properties due to unpaid material costs.
A Clouded Future
The fallout hasn’t just stopped with disgruntled customers. Following an investigation into Harrington and his business practices, Cascade Custom Pools found its business license suspended in South Carolina. Harrington acknowledged in court filings that he was out of business, claiming he had “exhausted all resources” to fix his company’s problems.
This whole scenario serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners dreaming of that perfect pool retreat. With spring and summer just around the corner, it’s a good reminder to thoroughly vet contractors and ask for references. It’s clear that not all that glitters is gold in the world of pool construction, and choosing the wrong company can lead to disappointing outcomes that sink deeper than a pool hole.
What’s Next?
As eight lawsuits linger in the courts, it’s uncertain what this means for Harrington and his future. While he has cited financial woes and the closing of his business, those who trusted him with their homes are still waiting for justice—and, hopefully, for some of their lost money. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a pool or any home improvement, keep your eyes peeled and your research thorough. The last thing you want is a backyard turned disaster!
As Myrtle Beach continues to shine as a vacation hotspot and a dream location for many, let’s just hope the upcoming pool season is free of more drama. After all, we all deserve a relaxing summer by the water—without the headaches!
