Imperial Valley Pool Company Faces Backlash After Customers Claim Projects Left Unfinished

An Imperial Valley-based pool company is facing growing criticism from customers who say they were left with unfinished projects. Rangel Pool and Spa Designs has come under scrutiny after Imperial Valley resident Paloma Paleo posted a TikTok video detailing her experience. Paleo says she hired the company in 2022 after being impressed by a neighbor’s pool, but her project, which cost more than $60,000, was never completed.

According to Paleo, problems emerged early in the construction process, including leaks, missing permits, and incomplete installations such as drains and lighting. Despite repeated assurances, she says the company eventually stopped answering her calls in early 2024. “It was excuse after excuse,” Paleo recalled.

Her video quickly went viral, with other alleged customers sharing similar stories in the comments. Some claimed their pools have sat unfinished for more than two years, while others reported cracked cement and falling tile that remain unrepaired.

In response, Rangel Pool and Spa Designs released a statement on Instagram condemning what it called “harassment, defamation, or threats” toward its business and staff, adding that such actions would be reported to authorities.

Paleo and her husband say they have filed an official complaint and received partial compensation, but the funds are not enough to complete the work. They are now consulting a lawyer and considering filing a claim in small claims court to recoup additional out-of-pocket expenses.