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When a snowstorm is on the way, many people stock up on their favorite foods and drinks. Those who are pool owners will have to take an extra step. If a snowstorm is predicted in your area, there are some precautions you can take to keep others safe and your pool in top shape.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Move any patio furniture closer to the edge of the pool. This will help you safely identify the perimeter when the ground is covered with snow
• Check the condition of your pool cover to make sure there isn’t any damage before it starts to snow
• Keep snow from accumulating on top of the pool cover by using a broom with a long handle to remove it
• Take photos of your pool before the storm just in case you need to make an insurance claim after the storm

Need more tips on caring for your pool? Contact us at (317) 650-5131.

Ask Mud Slingers: It’s winter, so of course, we’ve been getting a lot of 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.

The first few months of the year are great for setting personal and professional goals. If you’re a pool owner, you can add some care goals to the list as well. Maybe you promise to take better care of your pool this year, or maybe you’ll decide to hire help. 

Here are some examples of pool care-related goals to add to your New Year’s resolutions list:

• Enjoy your pool more – dedicate one day a week (if not more) to pool relaxation
• Host a pool party – or two!
• Hire a team of professionals to care for your pool on a weekly basis
• Make an appointment at a pool installation facility to learn more about caring for your pool
• Read books on pool maintenance 
• Add/change up the landscaping or patio furniture around your pool

There are plenty of goals to choose from. If you’re in need of more pool care education, give Mud Slingers Pool & Patio a call at (317) 650-5131.

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.

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.

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.

• Lemongrass
• Mint
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Catnip
• Bay leaves
• Lemon Balm

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.

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.

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.