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If your goal is to reduce your pool operation costs and be kinder to the planet, you might want to consider installing solar panels to help heat your pool.
Solar pool heaters allow water to be pumped through a filter and then through a solar collector, where it is heated. The heated water is then pushed back into the pool. The $3,000 to $4,000 investment can be great for those who are able to install solar panels in an unshaded area to collect direct solar energy.
As an added bonus, the solar collectors can also help cool the pool during the summer months.

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.

Routine maintenance of your pool is critical to the enjoyment of your pool. Even if you employ a service company to maintain your pool, there are steps that you need to take to ensure your pool is swim ready at all times:

1. Skim the surface: This should be done every few days. When debris falls to the bottom it can be harder to remove, so be sure to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom.
2. Empty the baskets: This will help lower the need for chlorine, thus saving you money. This task should be performed at least once per week and it may help to spray out and scrub the basket as well.
3. Maintain the water level: A lot of water is lost from your pool regularly. Whether it is due to evaporation or splashing and swimming, it is important to check the water levels regularly so they don’t get to low and compromise the pump. If levels do get low, you can quite simply use your garden hose to fill it back up.
4. Scrub the walls: Be sure to scrub the walls regularly to prevent calcium deposits and algae buildup. The kind of pool you have will dictate what kind of brush to use. For example, a stiffer brush can be used with a concrete pool, but if you have a fiberglass pool you should use a softer brush.
5. Check the pH: Make sure the pH in the water is between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure safety for swimmers and that sanitizers are working.

You’ve saved and sacrificed for it and now you have just had your very own pool installed. Congratulations! In more ways than one, owning a pool is like winning the lottery.  Upside: You have a beautiful oasis in your backyard to you can go enjoy.  Downside: Relatives, neighbors, “friends” from high school and distant cousins are coming out of the woodwork to swim in your pool.
So where do you start when it comes to rules?
Talk to your family about how you intend to use your pool.  Make sure everyone is on the same page as to whether the pool is open to everyone that asks or if it’s for family and close friends only. It might be best to keep your pool circle small to begin with and expand as you feel comfortable.
Also, work together as a family to determine and understand what the specific rules of the pool are so as others start to use the pool, everyone can explain them as new people begin to visit. Guests must mind their manners and respect the rules.
Safety is a major concern when owning a pool. Be sure you are well informed about the liability that you assume as the homeowner. It is important that you are fully aware and you should not hesitate or feel bad about telling people to stop acting recklessly if you are ultimately responsible, which includes asking/telling people to leave the pool area.
While having this new pool is a dream come true, ultimately there may be times you will have to law down the law (aka your rules). It is important to prepare yourself with these conversations with a focus on safety first!
Happy swimming!!!

There is no single perfect temperature for pool water. The perfect temperature truly depends on what you are doing in the pool – whether it’s recreational or competitive – who is in the pool and even the air temperature. Typically, somewhere in the 80°F to 90°F range is comfortable. Something to also keep in mind is that algae and bacteria will thrive in warmer water, so it is important to ensure that you have a good balance of chemicals and temperature.

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.

Pull out your color wheel and channel your inner artist while you create a custom lighting scheme for your pool. That’s right. Now you can blend different LED pool lights. Add a fresh and fun look to your new or existing pool that shows your style. Be one of the first families to transform their pool into a unique and colorful oasis.
Here’s an example…

Transform your pool today. Contact us: Sales@mudslingersinc.com or by calling 317-650-5131.
 

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.

Hot tubs offer a simple “getaway” in your backyard. However, when you’re ready to go on a vacation it’s important to make sure your hot tub is taken care of properly. These tips will ensure you hot tub stays in the best shape possible when you return.
First, test the water for proper pH levels to ensure the best plumbing. If your kit shows levels are too low, add chemicals to get your water to reach the correct level.
Next, know your hometown forecast before leaving. If there will be freezing temperatures while you’re gone, don’t turn your hot tub off! Keep your hot tub running with warm water to make sure the pipes don’t freeze. Feel free to turn down the temperature about 10 degrees cooler than normal to save on heating bills. We don’t recommend doing this for everyday use but it’s fine to turn down your hot tub temperature for an extended amount of time.
If your hometown weather shows it will be warm while you’re away, be mindful of algae. Add shock to the water and allow the jets to run for half an hour. Afterwards, unplug the heater, pump and power source. There is no possibility of your pipes freezing during the warmer months so your hot tub does not need to keep running.
Finally, if you’re not in the habit of putting the cover on your hot tub every night, make sure to do it before you leave! The last thing you want is to come home from a beautiful vacation to a hot tub full of dirt and debris.
If it helps put your mind at ease, ask a neighbor or friend check on your hot tub every few days while you are away to ensure safety and proper care. Otherwise, relax and enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
Have a question? Please use the “Contact Section” to submit a question about your pool or hot tub.
 
-Kim