Mermaid Pool, Spa & Patio was founded in 1978 by Tom Murr and Dave Rich. Originally called Rich’s Mermaid Pools, Dave was the sales force with Tom on the construction crew. (Mermaid, made by Murr, get it?) Years later when Dave took a job with a pool distributor and sold his shares to Tom, Mermaid Pool, Spa & Patio, Inc. was born.

(Mermaid Pools at Anderson Home Show. Pictured left to right; Tom Murr, Store Manager Diane and Doug Holder.)

Three other buildings in Anderson have served as home to Mermaid before its current location at 182 West 300 North. The original building was on State Road 9 North, now the site of Sylvester Construction. Two years later, 2237 Crystal Street became our home, now the home of Fred’s Garage. During these years, the pool store was closed in the winter and Dave’s Auto Body swung into high gear. Then, for 20 years we operated in a 3,000 square foot facility down the road from our present location in Anderson. Today the company operates two stores year round. (Also, Dave is no longer in the auto body business.) The Muncie store is located at 3505 West Fox Ridge Lane in Lyndenbrook Plaza.

(Mermaid’s third store pictured in 1998)

Sales History

From the first year sales of four swimming pools, the company now averages 20-25 pools per year and 60-70 spas. The staff has grown from the original two principals to about 30 employees during peak season.

Business Style

We feel the success of our business is due to the family-oriented relationships we have with our customers and our employees. Blessed with key personnel from the onset we are able to entrust our business reputation and our customers to their capable hands.

Key Events in Our History

1995 was a turning point in our history. For years Tom had resisted the temptation to expand beyond our capability to deliver quality products and services. However, when our son Scott joined the company that year, new directions were made possible. For many years, our Muncie clients requested more convenient locations for them. Mermaid Muncie was born. A second turning point also happened in 1995. The 17-year tie with SUN brand chemicals, whose parent company found itself embroiled with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) in court, was severed. A new partnership with BioGuard chemicals took its place. This new liaison with BioGuard has meant a more professional approach to the pool business and profoundly positive effect on our ability to improve our customer service as well as our technological expertise in water chemistry.

(Left to Right: Tom Murr, Brenda Murr, Blair Lynch and Scott Murr)

In 1999, we partnered with HotSpring Spas offering the world’s #1 selling hot tub to our customers. Shortly after 2001 and our Anderson expansion to our current location, we became Mermaid Pool, Spa and Patio with the addition of out door casual furniture and grills to our products. In 2002, we became official Big Green Egg dealers of the very popular smoker grills.

2016 was a big year of change at Mermaid Pool, Spa and Patio. Tom and Brenda Murr retired after 37 years in the pool and spa business. As they enjoy their retirement, Scott Murr and his staff continue to work their tails off for our customers!