Mud Slingers Pool & Patio
Mud Slingers Pool & Patio

BLOG

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: When Is The Right Time To Open My Pool?

pool
Public pools in Indiana are open Memorial Day through Labor Day but when is the right time to open your personal pool?  The quick answer is once temperatures are consistently 60° and higher, which typically happens in April. Some may think that the longer it is open the more work and the more cost but don’t discount the fact that the longer the pool is open the more time there is for fun and memories! So…if you haven’t opened your pool yet…it’s time to enjoy!
Have a question? Please use the “Contact Section” to submit a question about your pool or hot tub.



Why Having A Pool Benefits Your Family

There are so many great benefits to having a pool when you have children. The convenience of being able to learn to swim in your own pool, at your home cannot be overstated. With family schedules as hectic as they are, being able to have someone come to your home and give swim lessons is definitely an advantage. Kids are more comfortable in their own surroundings, which can make learning to swim a much more pleasant experience.
Swimming is also great exercise. Whether you are swimming laps or just playing and having fun in the pool, being in the pool ensures you’re getting exercise. Playing basketball or volleyball in the pool, adds a new dimension of fun to those games. Not to mention, being in the pool gets kids outside in the fresh air and off their electronic devices.
Pool maintenance is also a fantastic teaching and bonding opportunity.  If kids take part in the fun times at the pool, they should also take part in the maintenance and upkeep of the pool. Make it a family affair!  Everybody has a pool chore to do and it can be time spent together, maybe even having fun.



How To Properly Open A Pool

Pool season is here and while many open their pools as early as March, Memorial Weekend is symbolically the start of pool season. Opening your pool properly will determine how quickly you and your family will enjoy the pool and will help you avoid potential problems such as chemical imbalance and improper filtration. Below are some key steps to properly opening your pool.
1. Clear or remove your pool cover. If you have an automatic cover you should have been keeping it clear of debris and making sure your pump off all the water prior to trying to operate the automatic cover. If you use a winter cover, remove the cover and store for the pool season. If you do not own an automatic pool cover you should consider a solar cover or other to help keep you pool warm and free from debris.
2. Retrieve all of your stored pool parts out of storage such as: return eyeballs,  o-rings, and  gaskets.
3. Check your equipment:

  • Heater – Just like your home heating system you will want to have your gas pool heater or electric heat pump serviced and ready for the season.
  • Filter – Whatever type of filter you use we recommend examining filter media to make sure it’s clean for maximum filtration. Consider having your filter cleaned professionally when you close or upon opening. Your family will appreciate clean water.
  • Pump – Examine all the wires to ensure no damage, place basket in pump housing and to prevent dry rot and help with a better seal use petroleum jelly or magic lube on gasket before installing (this is also recommended for all o-rings and rubber gaskets).
  • Automation – If your pool is equipped with this option reinstall the ORP and Ph probes. Note:  You should always store inside your house through the winter to prevent freezing.
  • The chlorine generator should be checked on the inside to see if the grids are clean. If they are not clean, use a 50/50 muriatic muriatic muriatic and water mixture to clean.

4. Install the pool return eyeballs, pump, and skimmer baskets.
5. Make sure pool water level is at proper level – middle to upper middle of skimmer.
6. Prime the pump prior to operating. Once everything has been checked and installed, simply fill the pump basket with water.
6. Add chemicals – typically chlorine shock, algaecide, salt, stain and scale preventer.  Your initial chemical composition will vary depending the type of pool that you are running and current levels in the water. Don’t experiment with this.

  • Chlorine pool – with a standard chlorine pool you will need test your water chemistry at least once a week (possibly more with extreme heat conditions) and add the necessary chemicals.
  • Automated pools – you will need to recheck the water within a few days after pool has been circulating to check the reading. Then set all of your levels to your preferred setting and your done for the season.

7. Sweep and brush as needed or use a robotic cleaner (just put in water as needed and it does the work for you). For pools with a lot of large debris, vacuuming on “waste” will  bypass the filter to avoid extra filter cleaning.
8. Monitor the seals, gaskets, o-rings, gauges and fittings closely for the first couple days for leaks.
Opening your pool is a good time to think about converting to a salt water pool. Salt water pools have many advantages including being better for your skin and less irritation on the eyes.
Your pool really is a relatively simple system, however, like anything with pumps and motors, proper maintenance and operation are key. Many chose to have their pools professionally opened and maintained to ensure that everything is functioning properly and to help extend the life of your equipment. We offer many options for opening, closing, and maintaining your pool. Ask about our Mud Club VIP program.



Archives


HAVE QUESTIONS? TALK TO THE EXPERTS!