Mud Slingers Pool & Patio
Mud Slingers Pool & Patio

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What You Need to Know About Zinc Anode

Do you know what zinc anode is? Or a better question, does your pool builder know what zinc anode is? 

Zinc anode is standard on all Mud Slingers pools. A common question we get about swimming pools is about corrosion on metal parts. Especially when it’s a saltwater pool, which we specialize in. 

Corrosion can occur when electrolysis in the water is present. The zinc anode is plumbed directly into the plumbing lines and is also attached to the #8 copper bonding wire that is run continuously through all the metals parts on the pool and pool equipment. 

The sole purpose of this component is to directly absorb any electrical current in the water to keep the pool parts safe. If you don’t have one on your current or potential pool ask why.



Why We Use Jandy Valves

These days swimming pools have a lot of water features such as deck jets, waterfalls and bubblers along with the normal water lines for skimmers, main drains and return jets. 

At Mud Slingers, we like to use standard “Jandy valves.” These valves are made to easily open and close when water is needed to send to a particular water feature when desired. 

When using a Jandy valve with the addition an actuator, the motorized unit can automatically open the valve to activate the water feature. This can be done with your smart device through your wifi app which comes standard with all equipment packages at Mud Slingers Pool & Patio.



Pipe Tips for New Pool Owners

When looking into building a new pool make sure your potential builder is using all Schedule 40 rigid (hard) pipe or better, like Schedule 80, for all of the plumbing and fittings. Flexible PVC pipe is more susceptible to damage and an even bigger risk of termites eating through the pipe. If this occurs, it could cause air to enter the system and cause the pool pump to lose prime and cavitate or burn the motor up which can be a costly replacement. Also, these plumbing lines are underground and usually under concrete decking that would need to be torn out to make the repair. 

If you see rolls of the flex pipe pictured below on your project, demand that your builder immediately remove this and replace it with rigid pipe.

In addition, you want to make sure you are using a minimum of 2″ diameter pipe for all lines. This will get maximum GPM (gallons per minute) for great filtration, heating and disinfection to achieve a quicker turnover time. Six hours is recommended and required for commercial or community pools.

If your builder is using a pipe smaller than 2″ in diameter, in addition to circulation inadequacy, this can cause back pressure on the lines which then causes back pressure on the pump motor, ultimately resulting in shortened motor life.

Plumbing is very important so please verify the type and size of piping being used.

 

Example of flex pipe to avoid.



Keep These Plants Nearby to Ward Off Bugs This Pool Season
Nothing is worse than the moment you’re trying to enjoy your pool and are constantly bothered by bugs. Sure there are bug repellants, but there are other more natural alternatives to keep them away for good.
To get a head start, go to your nearest garden shop and look for these plants that repel bugs spiders, mosquitoes, flies, ticks and more.
  • Lemongrass
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Catnip
  • Bay leaves
  • Lemon Balm
Not only will these plants keep bugs away but they will also enhance your outdoor pool space. Check out our other blogs here.


Ask Us: What’s The Best Way To Clear Snow From My Pool Cover?
It’s finally feeling like winter, so of course, we’ve been getting snow. What is the best way to remove snow from the top of my pool’s cover?
It’s great that you are being proactive by looking for solutions to a pool problem like this one. Leaving snow on top of your pool cover for long periods of time can cause more issues than you’ll want. Heavy snow is known for stretching pool covers and even ripping them. In addition, those who do not remove the snow could be left with water to remove later.
The great thing is, it isn’t that difficult to remove the snow from your pool cover even if you don’t have expensive equipment.
The easiest way to remove the snow involves a broom with a long handle. Many pool owners likely have one and it can for sure come in handy during the winter months. If your area has continuous snow, you’ll want to keep the broom nearby to clear off the cover to keep the snow from accumulating.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t use a shovel or any other sharp objects that could damage your cover.
Want to learn more about caring for your pool, give us a call at (317) 650-5131.


Ask Us: How Many Types of Pool Pumps Are On the Market And How Do I Choose One?

How many types of pool pumps are on the market and how do I choose which one is best for me?
That’s a great question because having the correct pump for your pool can make all the difference in how much you need to maintain your water.
Here are the three main types of pumps:

  • Single-speed pump: Offers one speed and is usually controlled by a timer. While the timer does the work for you, there isn’t an option to lower the speed to save energy costs.
  • Two-speed pump: Has a high speed and low-speed switch that can help you control energy costs.
  • Variable-speed pumps: Allows you to change the flow rate of the water.

We recommend in-ground equipment from Hayward.
Have more questions about pool pumps, give us a call at (317) 650-5131.



Five Reasons to Get a Pool in 2019
As the weather gets cooler and the year winds down, you may be thinking about your wants for 2019. Is a swimming pool on that list? We hope so!
Now is the perfect time to think about and take action on purchasing a pool that will be ready by summer. Here are five reasons to make your pool purchase:
  • Build family memories: Whether it’s a pool party of a lazy afternoon in the sun, a pool is the perfect place to gather around.
  • Great form of exercise: You can skip the gym and use your pool as a low-impact form of exercise.
  • It’s your vacation spot: When you’ve had a long day at work, your pool will be the place you’ll want to unwind.
  • Make a good impression: When selling your home, potential buyers could be truly impressed by your pool amenity and which could help close the deal.
  • It’s great for your kids: Teens will want to hang out with their friends (which means they’ll be closer to home) and kids will play until they tire out.
Need a little more convincing? Call us at 317-650-5131.


What Should We Look For When Buying A Home With A Pool?

My family is looking to buy a home soon with a pool in the backyard. What are some items we should look for during the process?

We’re excited to hear your family is interested in purchasing a new home (and pool). Many homeowners believe pools add value to their property and provide an outdoor space for families to make memories. 

While you’re on the hunt, here are a few things to ask:

– What was the estimate monthly maintenance charge for the pool?

– How old is the pool?

– When was the last time the pool has been cleaned/maintained?

– Is a pool fence required for safety?

Additionally, once you’ve discovered a home you’d like to put an offer on, you’ll want to find an inspector familiar with pool maintenance. 



How to Keep Bees Away from Your Pool

A pool party can come to an end fast if bees show up uninvited. It turns out, most bees are attracted to pools because they want to quench their thirst. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to make sure they don’t crash the party.
Bring out the plants. While bees normally love plants, they aren’t friends with all of them – including mint and lemongrass. Feel free to plant these near your pool to act as a natural repellant.
Use dryer sheets. As mentioned before, certain smells can be a real turn off for bees. We use dryer sheets to give our clothes a fresh smell, but bees hate them. Place the dryer sheets in cups around the pool to keep bees away. Be sure to change them once they lose their scent.



Five Ways to Protect Family and Guests from Dangers Around the Pool

When you become a pool owner you must have your (figurative) safety goggles on at all times.  It is important to think in terms of having layers of protection.  Don’t assume that you can slap up a “Swim at Your Own Risk” sign and you’re done!!  Some important things to consider doing are:

  1. Install a fence around your pool that is at least four feet high and has self-latching gates
  2. Consider a power safety cover that can be used any time the pool is not in use
  3. Be sure that you and everyone in your family know how to swim. It is also advisable that you be certified in CPR and first aid, as well as keeping rescue equipment and a phone near the pool.
  4. Do not allow anyone to swim alone and do not leave an open pool unattended.
  5. Be sure your homeowner’s insurance has coverage to protect you against lawsuits resulting from pool injuries

There cannot be too many layers of safety when it comes to your pool.




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