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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

It’s impossible to have every season in one week – unless you live in Indiana. We experience unpredictable weather that may be hot and sunny one day, then cold and snowy the next. While unpredictable weather may seem like a challenge, don’t let that stop you from having the pool of your dreams. Pools can be great in any type of weather.
Having a pool in the spring: While we never know exactly when the weather will become nice, you can guarantee as soon as it does, your pool will be waiting for you. Until it does, simply work on keeping your pool and surrounding area clean and in good shape. Outdoor pool and patio spaces serve as natural gathering places for families looking to break spring fever. The spring is also the perfect time to begin construction on your new pool.
Having a pool in summer: This one is a no brainer because having a pool during Indiana summers is the best! The hot temperatures and humidity make a dip in the pool the perfect way to cool off. From barbeques to holidays, pools are a great focal point of every party and keeps the kids entertained.
Having a pool in fall: There are some unexpectedly hot days often lingering during the autumn months. This gives you an opportunity to enjoy the last tastes of the warm weather.
Having a pool in winter: As we get to the traditionally colder months, winterizing your pool and preparing it to withstand snow are very important. If you still want to swim in the winter months, there is good news as hot tubs can be used in any type of weather!
Whatever the weather, pools make for a great time year-round — even in Indiana.

Many people often overlook cleaning their hot tub cover but it’s an important part of the maintenance routine. Without proper maintenance, your cover may begin to crack, fade, become heavier and even begin to stink. Be prepared to clean your cover every two weeks, by wiping it down and taking an extra few moments to inspect for any damages.
Use a standard garden hose to loosen up debris and dirt on the cover. The hot tub cover features a special top coat of vinyl that can become cracked or faded when exposed to harsh chemicals or weather elements. Select a product designed to clean hot tub covers such as Cover Care by Natural Chemistry. Avoid using cleaners with oil, bleach, silicone, detergent or alcohol, which will destroy the top coat. The use of an oil-based product will actually attract the sun’s rays faster causing the cover to deteriorate faster. Additionally, try to limit the cover’s exposure to sunlight or winter elements by concealing it with a plastic tarp.
It’s also important to maintain the proper chemical levels to keep the integrity of the cover and protect your investment. If the water is unbalanced the acidic elements may cause the cover to come apart at the seams, bulge and even become discolored.
The cover includes foam pieces, which can become bogged down in water making it extremely heavy. To help keep your cover light, unzip the edges for a few hours to let the cover dry out.
Following all of these steps will help keep the musty odor away.
Have a question? Please use the “Contact Section” to submit a question about your pool or hot tub.
-Kim
 

As the temperature outside continues to drop, the temperature of your hot tub stays nice & warm. While swimming & soaking aren’t often thought of as a winter recreational activity doesn’t mean you should forget about your hot tub! Here are the top 7 reasons to enjoy your hot tub in the cold weather.

1. Reduce stress and anxiety. With the holidays upon us, stress and anxiety can rise. Soaking in a hot tub raises your body temperature which releases stress-fighting hormones, allowing you to relax and ready to conquer the rest of your day.
2. Improves sleep. Similar to a bath or long shower, soaking in a hot tub increases your body temperature which helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
3. Alleviates joint pain. Being in water makes you 90% more buoyant than being on land. This feeling of floating takes the tension and weight off your joints and allows them to relax.
4. Healthy for your heart. Your heart rate increases and your blood pressure decreases when soaking in a hot tub. However, if you have heart problems please consult your doctor before enjoying a hot tub.
5. Lose toxins. Sweating allows your body to relieve itself of toxins. This will also help with sore throats, congestion and sinuses.
6. Clear skin. Increased circulation within your body means more nutrients are being delivered to your skin. Not to mention that stress and anxiety are a leading cause of aging skin as well. Soaking in a hot tub is a win for your skin.
7. Improves mood. Just like at a beach, being in a hot tub makes you feel warm, relaxed and happy. For most of us, access to the beach is limited but a hot tub is within walking distance from your back door.

Improve your mind and body through hot tubs this year & make the winter blues drift away.

Ask Kim: What temperature should my hot tub be?
Maintaining a consistent temperature is an important component in staying safe while using a hot tub. Many rookie and experienced hot tub owners wonder exactly what temperature their hot tub should be at. While the water may feel good, it might not be safe for you.
Despite the limits (or lack thereof) on your temperature settings, 104°F is the maximum temperature you should set your hot tub. Anything higher than 104°F is considered unsafe and can lead to overheating or heat exhaustion.
Typically, hot tub temperatures range from 100 – 102°F, which feels warm while being safe for your body to be in and safely adjust. Anything under 100°F is still safe for you but may not feel as enjoyable. However, new owners should start their hot tub temperatures off at around 98°F and slowly increase after that in order to adjust your new equipment.
Consistent temperature maintenance is important not only for you but also for your budget. Like your air conditioner, you may want to turn down your hot tub temperature when you’re not using it to save money. This is actually the opposite of what you want to do! In the long run, you are creating more work and using more energy for your hot tub to heat back up each time you want to use it. Maintaining a consistent temperature is key.
Have a question? Please use the “Contact Section” to submit a question about your pool or hot tub.
-Kim

Have you been considering installing a new inground pool before summer starts? Spring is the perfect time to pull the trigger and invest in your very own luxurious backyard oasis. Consider these 5 reasons to call us now at (317) 650-5131 and schedule your installation:

1) Now is the Best Time for Poolside Landscaping

When you install your pool in the spring, new grass and other beautiful landscaping plants will still have time to grow in around the installation area. If you wait until the sun is hot in the summer, it may be more difficult to find plants that will tolerate the heat!

2) Save BIG Money on Premium Features

Now through Memorial Day, you’ll receive a FREE upgrade to a full steel step with bench options when purchasing a vinyl liner pool through Mud Slingers Inc. Choose from 3 different options—Valued at approximately $3,000! That’s about 10% of the overall cost for a new vinyl liner pool.

3) Get Ahead of Unpredictable Weather Patterns

Our Indianapolis weather is quite unpredictable. If you wait to install your new inground pool, hot summer temperatures may sneak up on you. The Indianapolis area has been known to see record highs near 90° in the past! Unpredictability also means weather that may interrupt the installation process—it’s a good idea to allow plenty of time for your target pool installation date. Why not get started now?

4) Summer Parties Can’t Wait

Think of all of the parties and summer festivities that are just around the corner. So many events take place in the early summer—Father’s Day, graduation celebrations, backyard barbeques, and the list goes on! Won’t it be wonderful to have your pool in time for your summer celebrations? You’ll be the sure hero among family and friends!

5) Maximum First Year Return on Investment

The longer you wait, the less time you’ll have to spend relaxing in your new pool this summer. But install now, and you’ll enjoy your brand new pool the entire season! That’s more time for spending with family and friends, taking advantage of the health benefits of owning a pool, and admiring the aesthetic beauty of a top quality ingrained pool.
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Don’t forget—Schedule your vinyl liner pool installation before Memorial Day to receive a FREE upgrade to a full steel step with bench options valued at approximately $3,000! Call us now at (317) 650-5131 for your personalized consultation.

Do these freezing temperatures have you dreaming of warmer days? Although Mother Nature isn’t currently giving us sunshine and green grass, now is the time to be thinking about barbeques, birthday parties, and family time by the pool.
Whether you are ready to break ground and install a new pool, or simply need to schedule a repair before that first summer scorcher, slots are filling up quickly. Here are a few reasons you should schedule your swimming pool construction, repair, or routine maintenance with Mudslingers Pool & Patio today:

Build Your Dream Swimming Pool

With over 65 years of pool experience under our belts, it’s safe to say we know how to create the pool you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you need a concrete, Gunite, or a vinyl swimming pool, we have the tools, supplies, and experience necessary to bring your vision to life.
With our concrete and Gunite custom-built swimming pools, we make it easy to create the backyard you’ve always wanted this spring. Whether you want a family-friendly pool, or a romantic oasis, our expert builders and experienced designers can make your dreams a reality. View some of our past projects here.

Swimming Pool Payment Plans Available

It’s no secret that swimming pools can cost a pretty penny, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating the home you’ve always wanted for your family. We offer convenient payment plans to help you afford the pool you want. Check out some of the payment options we offer here.

Spring Slots Are Filling Up Quickly

Although summer may feel far away, builds are already being scheduled for this spring. Take the first step towards your perfect pool and fill out the information below, before available time slots and inventory run low, and we’ll get in touch right away. Or, call us at (317) 550-2552 to talk to a representative!
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Deciding you want to build a pool for your family is the easy part. The hard part is figuring out which type of pool is best for your needs and budget —  that’s where we come in. Let’s walk through a few of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pool together, so you feel comfortable and confident when making your decision.

Gunite Concrete Pools

A concrete pool, also known as Gunite or Shotcrete, is very different from it’s vinyl and fiberglass brothers. Although it does have a longer installation period of 4 to 8 weeks, many customers find it is worth the wait because of the endless design possibilities, infinite life expectancy, and 50-year warranty.
Because a concrete pool is superior to other offerings and 100% customizable, more skills and materials are required for a successful installation. Many companies are just beginning to offer concrete pools, while we have been doing it for the last 65 years.
Buyers beware: Builders need many years of experience and training to master installation. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential builder if they have ever built a concrete pool, how many they have completed, and if you can see any past projects and references. A quality builder should have no problem with these requests.

Vinyl Pools

Although customization options are limited, vinyl pools will last a lifetime and are a great choice for Hoosiers and our ever-changing weather conditions. With its low-maintenance and affordable reputation, lifetime warranty for the steel and 20 year warranty for the liner, and installation period of 3 to 6 weeks, vinyl pools are one of the most popular options available.

Fiberglass Pools

An uncommon sight in Indiana, fiberglass pools have the quickest installation period of 7 to 10 days, and require the least amount of maintenance. However, we do not recommend Indiana residents install fiberglass pools because of our climate. Seasonal freezing and thawing can causing cracking and bowing that can ruin your pool.

Choose a Contractor You Can Trust

We want you to make the best decision not only on the pool you choose, but on the contactor you choose as well. Contact Mud Slingers today — we’re happy to provide references, discuss your options with you further, and walk you through each step of the pool installation process.

Whether you want to give your family a surprise for Christmas, or have been planning a pool installation for years, now is the time to schedule your build. For a limited time, Mud Slingers is offering you special savings on the pool of your dreams.

Schedule an Installation Before the New Year!

Thinking about installing a traditional vinyl pool, or want a Gunite concrete pool designed just for you and your family? Mud Slingers is offering big incentives to those who book their 2016 pool installations this month. If you have a signed contract and deposit in our hands by December 31, 2015, we will offer you up to $1,000 off all equipment packages and up to $500 off an automatic pool cover! Savings will be based off of our 2016 prices.
The clock is ticking, so contact Mud Slingers today! Call us at (317) 550-2552 or fill out the form below to get the installation of your dream pool in the books and the extra savings in your pocket.
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Everyone judges a book by its cover and a good way to think about your pool is the deck is the cover of the book. Choosing the right style of concrete pool deck for your home can seem a bit overwhelming, so here is a simple guide to picking one of the three most common types of concrete pool decking – standard broom finish, colored and cut, and stamped or exposed aggregate.
The most common type of pool deck is standard grey concrete broom finish that is just like a sidewalk or driveway. This style is the tried and true and most economical way to have a long lasting, low maintenance pool deck. Normal maintenance consists of pressure washing and sealing. We recommend resealing your deck a minimum of every other year (fall). There is really no disadvantage to this style of pool deck other than it is very common.
Colored concrete is becoming increasingly popular. Colored concrete allows you to choose a color that matches your house or other outdoor decor. Color can really make your deck pop and with some decorative cuts (such as diamond), you can make a beautiful deck that is only incrementally more of an investment than the standard grey. One challenge with coloring is blending color if you need to make repairs. Sticking with a particular brand of coloring such as Butterfield will help create consistent look and color. Maintenance is similar to standard concrete, but it is imperative to seal soon so the color will not fade.
Decorative concrete such as stamped or exposed aggregate is the third option. These styles are very beautiful finishes for a pool deck. They are more expensive than standard finish, but definitely add a pop to your deck that can create a completely customized look. Stamped concrete can create a paver look that is much more economical than actual pavers. Custom patterns and styles can create an amazing look to complement your landscaping. Options are virtually endless. Maintenance is more imperative with decorative concrete so we recommend sealing every year or even twice per year. Your location and the harshness of winters (salt or chemicals to de-ice) will dictate your maintenance schedule.
What to expect:
The most common question asked is how long to until my concrete cracks? There is no definite timeline, but just know that it will eventually crack. If cracking happens within the first 30 days or even immediately after the pour is complete, be sure the concrete from the manufacturer was correct. With concrete, the installer has only 10% of the outcome of the concrete cracking, the correct psi, mix design, and preparation account for the other 90% . The ACI (American Concrete Institute) set parameters for this and require testing and reporting to make sure concrete is made properly. At Mudslingers, we recommend a pool deck  have a 4000 psi or stronger mix design, also with a minimum of 3.5-4″ in thickness.  A wire mesh of three feet from water’s edge is required for pool bonding (this can be installed around entire pool of desired) and is required to pass electrical inspection, but this will also give it added strength. Ask your pool company about all of the options to ensure you are getting the best mix design for your budget. The next check is the type of crack – most likely just looking at a small surface crack, probably from hot temperatures and wind drying the surface quicker than the rest of the slab. Surface cracks will not affect the integrity of the pool deck. You simply caulk or seal the crack to keep water out and prevent it from getting bigger. If you have decorative concrete you can add some color to the sealer which will help conceal the crack even better.
Tips on Sealing
Your geographical location will impact the degree you need to worry about sealing. The midwest has extremely hot summers and very harsh winters. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can wreak havoc on your pool deck (especially in winter if you use salt or other chemicals to remove snow and ice). Normal erosion and ground movement could happen sooner and sealing will help prevent the cracks from expanding.
Choosing the right pool deck for your family can be a great experience. Consider your landscaping or future plans when choosing the style you are most comfortable with for the “cover of your book.” Your pool builder should be willing to offer suggestions and show examples of others for inspiration.