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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.

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

• Burning and itchy eyes
• Skin irritation
• Difficulty breathing
• Other asthma-like symptoms

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.

• 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.

If you’ve been a pool owner for any amount of time, you’ve been told to use a pool cover. Traditional pool covers help keep dirt, leaves and other unwanted items out of your pool.
There is also another type of pool cover that has gained popularity – a solar pool cover. Not only does it keep debris out of your pool, it also heats your pool without fancy cords or machines. Solar pool covers capture the energy of the sun to keep your water warm.
In addition, solar pool covers also help keep more water in your pool by limiting the amount of evaporation that occurs.
 This type of pool cover is recommended for those who live in a sunny area and want to save money.

There is a good reason why everyone is throwing tennis balls into their swimming pools. Not only are they the star of the show during a tennis match, they can also help you clean your swimming pool.
Sure, you can use traditional chemicals, but tennis balls can help give your pool a little scrub when you’re not in the mood to do it yourself. The rough exterior of the tennis balls will soak up dirt and oil that don’t belong in the pool – like sunscreens, lotions and hair products that have made their way into the water.
All you’ll need to do is toss in a tennis ball or two and let them work their magic.