News Summary
The North Carolina Attorney General has filed a legal complaint against Backyard Leisure following numerous customer complaints about unfinished pool and spa installations, delayed deliveries, and misleading communication. The complaint highlights major violations of consumer protection laws and seeks over $520,000 in restitution for affected customers. Many homeowners, including families who paid large sums upfront, are still awaiting the completion of their projects while facing ongoing issues. The legal action underscores the need for adherence to consumer protection laws in the industry.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Attorney General Files Complaint Against Backyard Leisure Over Customer Complaints
The North Carolina Attorney General, Jeff Jackson, has officially filed a legal complaint against Backyard Leisure and its owner, Robert A. Mosher, following an investigation prompted by numerous customer complaints. The complaint accuses the company of violating various consumer protection laws associated with unfinished pool and spa installations, among other issues.
Customer Complaints and Issues Lead to Legal Action
Since spring 2024, homeowners across North Carolina have reported significant problems with Backyard Leisure, a swim spa and pool installation company. The issues focus primarily on delayed deliveries, incomplete installations, and misleading communication from the firm. Many consumers, including families like the Yinglings, have paid large sums upfront for pools and hot tubs, yet wait times for delivery and completion have extended well beyond promised dates.
For example, the Yinglings, who paid approximately $105,000 for a pool, are still awaiting full completion of their installation. They also reported they are owed about $4,000 despite having paid in full. The couple expressed frustration over repeated delays, unfulfilled promises of refunds, and the lack of transparent communication from the company. Their experience echoes that of many other customers who received either no updates or false assurances about the progress of their projects.
Number of Complaints and Legal Allegations
The North Carolina Department of Justice has recorded a total of 53 complaints against Backyard Leisure. Of these, 21 cases remain unresolved. The authorities’ investigation revealed patterns of misconduct, including:
- Collecting full payments before delivering swimming spas or completing installations.
- Failing to pay subcontractors and manufacturers involved in the projects.
- Providing misleading information about delivery and installation dates.
- Forcing consumers into arbitration clauses that hinder legal recourse.
- Pledging refunds that were never fulfilled.
Legal Action: Restitution and Penalties
The Attorney General’s office is seeking over $520,000 in restitution for consumers affected by Backyard Leisure’s actions. Additionally, the complaint includes calls for injunctions to prevent further misconduct, civil penalties, and reimbursement of attorneys’ fees incurred during the investigation.
Customer Experiences and Ongoing Troubles
Many customers reported receiving promises of quick service that never materialized, forcing them to endure long waits and ongoing disruptions. Several also encountered environmental damage to their partially completed pools and hot tubs due to exposure to insects and weather conditions, resulting in additional costs for repairs and cleanups.
Since early 2024, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office has increased scrutiny of Backyard Leisure amid mounting complaints of unfinished work and poor service. The company previously operated a storefront in Raleigh but has since closed that location and moved to a new facility in Kernersville, NC.
Media Investigations and Customer Frustrations
Initial investigations into Backyard Leisure arose from media reports documenting customer issues with hot tub deliveries. Many customers only received their purchased spas after media involvement and pressure. Homeowners have expressed their dissatisfaction with frequent schedule changes, delays, and ongoing damage to their properties caused by incomplete installations. Some have reported deterioration of the work done due to improper protection and environmental exposure.
Company Response and Contact Attempts
Attempts by media outlets to reach Backyard Leisure for comment have been unsuccessful, with the company declining to respond to inquiries about the allegations and ongoing investigations.
Conclusion
The legal action by the North Carolina Attorney General emphasizes the ongoing concern over business practices at Backyard Leisure. Consumers affected by delayed or incomplete work are now seeking restitution and justice through the state’s legal process. The case highlights the importance of adherence to consumer protection laws and the risks of advance payments without delivery or service commitments.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Backyard Leisure Lawsuit
- Google Search: Backyard Leisure Lawsuit
- Pool & Spa News: New Construction Platform
- Wikipedia: Swimming Pool
- ABC11: Unfinished Pools in NC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pool
- Pool Scouts Franchise News
- Google News: Pool Installation Lawsuit
- CBS17: Fire at Pool Supply Store
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
