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.


Four Tips for Opening Your Pool
Spring has officially sprung, and now is the time to begin your pool opening process. There are a few things you can do ahead of time to make your opening run smoothly.
Here are a few tips to consider:
  1. Get right to the deck: Before you actually take a peek at your pool, look at the surroundings. Your pool deck may need a good scrub. Check for bushes and plants that may have grown too close to the pool.
  2. Check your tools: Do you need to purchase new tools and pool chemicals? If you don’t, make sure to check all expiration dates on bottles and containers.
  3. Inspect the pool: Check underwater lights, the filter, pump, tile and anything else on your list that may or may not have been damaged from the winter season.
  4. Test the water: Before adding any chemicals you think your pool may need, make sure to test the water first.
These tips are just a handful to consider in conjunction with your normal pool opening routine. If you find yourself with more questions, give us a call at (317) 650-5131 and we would be happy to help you open your pool.

 



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.



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 Use Swimming As A Form of Exercise
If you’re going to carve out time to exercise, why not make it as enjoyable as possible? Owning a swimming pool can have great benefits for your health if you choose to utilize it for low impact exercises.
Even if you only find yourself dipping into your pool once a week for a quick workout session, it could increase your strength and clarity.
Here are a few benefits of swimming to better your physical health according to Swimming.org:
  • Swimming can give you a full body workout
  • Great way to destress as many believe the water has a calming effect
  • A gentle swim can burn as many as 200 calories in 30 minutes
  • Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increase energy levels
  • A form of exercise that doesn’t require much sweating


Ask Us: What Should I Know About Pets And A Swimming Pool?
Our family has multiple pets, and we want them to enjoy the water but we’re afraid for their safety. What are some key items we should know about owning pets and a swimming pool?
When you’re enjoying the swimming pool, of course you don’t want your furry friends to miss the fun. While they can have a great time with you in the water, there are some precautions to take to ensure they remain safe.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
  • If you have an animal that requires outside time, you’ll want to install a fence around your pool to prevent them from entering at unwanted times
  • Pets should safely enter the pool using a pet-safe ladder
  • You may want to equip your pool with an alarm just in case your furry friend finds their way into the backyard without your knowledge.
Overall, you should make sure your animals are familiar with the water (ex: how to enter and exit the pool), but you don’t want them to take a dip unsupervised.


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.




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