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

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

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. 

A pool party can come to an end fast if bees show up uninvited. It turns out, most bees are attracted to pools because they want to quench their thirst. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to make sure they don’t crash the party.
Bring out the plants. While bees normally love plants, they aren’t friends with all of them – including mint and lemongrass. Feel free to plant these near your pool to act as a natural repellant.
Use dryer sheets. As mentioned before, certain smells can be a real turn off for bees. We use dryer sheets to give our clothes a fresh smell, but bees hate them. Place the dryer sheets in cups around the pool to keep bees away. Be sure to change them once they lose their scent.

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.