SAN DIEGO -- On paper he looked completely reputable, but 10News investigated a pool contractor making big waves.

"I want (the) backyard he promised for my family. I look at my backyard and look at with disgust," said homeowner Nazare Judd.

"It's a very horrible experience and I don't know when the end will come," said homeowner Conrad Dunga.

Homeonwers like Judd and Dunga signed up with the same pool contractor and wound up with the same gaping problem.

"He takes 80 percent of people's money (and) does 70 percent of the work -- then (he) walks off the job," said homeowner Pete Zacharzuk.

The Zaharzuks are out $4,000. The Judds are out $20,000.

The Ellingwoods say they ended up paying $71,400.

"After a little while, (we were) contacted by subcontractors telling us they hadn't been paid either, so obviously we started to worry," said Shannon Ellingwood.

The Ellingwoods now have liens against their home.

So does Dan Cornwell, along with a hole in his backyard.

"We've found 20 to 25 other people taken by this guy (and are) trying to get everyone together to put him out of business," said Cornwell.

The homeowners all did business with Dan Torgel of Blue Lagoon Pools.

More than 20 families have now filed complaints, claiming to have lost more than $400,000 to the slick salesman.

"If he robbed a bank and stole that money, he'd be sitting in jail right now," said Debbie Zacharzuk.

10News went looking for Torgel at his Chula Vista condo. His truck was parked outside with a Better Business Bureau sticker on it.

10News left some business cards on his truck. Torgel called 10News back and scheduled an interview. But, he never showed.

Here are some tips you can follow to make sure the swimming pool contractor you hire measures up.