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Swimming Pool Building Glossary

Comprehensive Pool Building and Maintenance Glossary

Below is list of terms used in pool building and pool maintenance to help you understand the industry jargon.

Term Description
Acid Wash A cleaning procedure that involves stripping a thin layer off the pool surface to remove tough stains and grime.
Algaecide A chemical treatment added to a pool to deter the growth of algae.
Alkalinity A measure of the pool water's ability to neutralize acidity, contributing to balanced pH levels.
Anode A metal component used in pool systems to control the effects of galvanic corrosion.
Automatic Pool Cleaner A device that removes debris from a pool, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Backwash A process to clean the pool's filter by reversing the flow of water.
Baja Shelf A shallow, flat ledge typically found on the edge of a pool.
Beach Entry Pool A pool design that features a sloping transition from the deck into the water, mimicking a natural beach.
Blower A device that pushes air into the pool to create bubbles in hot tubs or spas.
Bromine A sanitizing chemical often used as an alternative to chlorine in spas and hot tubs.
Booster Pump An extra pump to supplement the main pump, often used for pool cleaners.
Check Valve A type of valve that only allows water to flow in one direction.
Chemical Feeder A device that continuously adds pool chemicals to the water to maintain proper balances.
Chlorinator A device that dispenses chlorine into the pool for the purpose of sanitization.
Coping The edging that surrounds a pool's perimeter and bridges the gap between the pool walls and deck.
Deck The area that surrounds the swimming pool where patio furniture is usually placed.
Diffuser A part of the pump that helps to reduce the velocity of the water as it leaves the pump.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) A natural, porous substance used in some types of pool filters to trap dirt and debris.
Dive Well A deeper area of the pool designed for diving.
Effluent Water that is emitted from the pool's pump and returned to the pool after being filtered and treated.
Expansion Joint A planned gap in the pool decking that allows for expansion due to temperature changes.
Fiberglass Pool A type of pool made from a pre-designed and prefabricated fiberglass shell, known for its quick installation and smooth finish.
Filtration Rate The speed at which the pool water is being filtered, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Filter Device that removes impurities from the pool water.
Floc A chemical used to bind small particles into larger ones, making it easier for the pool filter to remove debris from the water.
Grotto A pool feature that creates a cave-like sanctuary in or around the pool area.
Gunite A mixture of cement and sand sprayed over a rebar frame to create a pool's structural shell.
Gutter A channel around the top of the pool shell that collects and drains water splashed out of the pool.
Hand Skimmer A handheld net on a long pole, used for manually removing leaves and other debris from the pool's surface.
Pool Heater A device used to heat the pool water.
Pool Heat Exchanger A device within a pool heater that transfers heat from a heating element to the pool water.
Pool Pump Impeller A rotating part of a pool pump that propels the pool water.
Infinity Pool A pool design where water flows over one or more edges, producing a visual effect of water with no boundary.
Indoor Pool A pool that is located inside a building or house, allowing for year-round use regardless of weather conditions.
In-ground Pool A pool that is built into the ground, often made from materials such as concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl.
Jacuzzi A type of hot tub or whirlpool bath with underwater jets that massage the body.
Jandy Valve A brand-named valve known for its functionality in controlling the flow of water in pool systems.
Kidney-Shaped Pool A pool design resembling a kidney bean, featuring a naturalistic curvature that fits well into a variety of yard shapes.
Pool Ladder A device installed into the pool to assist swimmers in entering or exiting the pool.
Lagoon Pool A large, freeform pool designed to mimic a tropical lagoon with natural rock features and landscaping.
Lap Pool A long and narrow pool, often at least 25 yards long, designed for swimming laps.
Lazy River Swimming Pool A pool design that creates a slow-moving current, allowing swimmers to float around a predetermined path.
Pool LED Lighting Energy-efficient pool lights that can often change colors.
Lifeguard Chair An elevated chair at a pool or beach from which a lifeguard watches swimmers to ensure safety.
Pool Main Drain The primary point from which the pool's pump draws water, usually situated at the lowest point in the pool.
Marcite A type of plaster used to coat the interior of a pool.
Muriatic Acid Also known as hydrochloric acid, it is used in pools to lower the pH and alkalinity.
Negative Edge Pool Also known as an infinity edge pool, this design has at least one edge where the water appears to merge with the horizon or a larger body of water.
Pool Wall Niche A recess in the pool wall to house a light, speaker, or other accessory.
Olympic Pool A regulation-sized pool used in Olympic competition, measuring 50 meters in length.
Ozonator A device that generates ozone gas which, when injected into pool water, can kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Pool pH Level The measure of how acid or alkaline the water is, on a scale of 0-14. Ideal pool water pH is slightly alkaline, between 7.2 and 7.8.
Perimeter Overflow Pool A pool where the water overflows from all sides into a catch basin, creating a mirror-like water surface.
Peristaltic Pump A type of pump often used in pool systems to dispense liquid chemicals.
Plunge Pool A small, deep pool for soaking and relaxing, often used for cold-water plunges.
Pool Liner A protective layer, typically made of vinyl, that covers the interior surfaces of a pool.
Pool Shell The physical structure of the pool, including the floor and walls.
Pressure Gauge A device used to measure the pressure of the water in the pool's filtration system.
Quartz Aggregate A collective term for crushed quartz used in pool finishes to create a textured, non-slip surface.
Rebar Steel bars used to reinforce the concrete shell of a pool.
Return Jet The outlet through which water returns to the pool after being filtered and treated.
Roman/Grecian Pool A classic design featuring symmetrical rectangles and stylized corners, often incorporating grand staircases and other ornate design elements.
Saltwater System A pool system that uses salt and a chlorine generator to create chlorine, which helps keep the pool clean.
Sanitizer A chemical (chlorine, bromine, etc.) used to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in pool water.
Shock The process of adding a high dose of chlorine or other chemicals to the pool to kill bacteria and algae.
Skimmer A device installed in the side of the pool that removes debris from the surface of the water.
Sports Pool A pool designed for games and sports, typically shallow at both ends and deeper in the middle.
Spa Pool A smaller pool, typically heated, and featuring jets to create a relaxing, therapeutic experience.
Spool A combination of a spa and a pool, typically smaller than a traditional swimming pool but larger than a standard spa.
Submersible Pump A pump designed to be fully submerged to remove water from the pool.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) A measure of all organic and inorganic substances in the water, including minerals, salts and other materials.
Turnover Rate The amount of time it takes for the volume of water in a pool to pass through the filtration system and be replaced.
Turbidity A term that refers to the cloudiness of pool water, often caused by suspended microscopic particulates.
Underwater Light A light fixture designed to illuminate pools or spas from beneath the water's surface.
Unstabilized Chlorine A type of chlorine that does not contain cyanuric acid, commonly used in indoor pools that are not exposed to sunlight.
Vacuum A device that uses suction to collect dirt and debris from the pool floor and walls.
Valve A device in a pipe that controls the flow of water by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the passageway.
Vanishing Edge Pool Also known as an infinity pool, it's designed to give the visual effect of water extending into the horizon.
Vinyl Liner Pool A type of in-ground pool that has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure.
Volute The part of a pool pump that houses the impeller and directs water flow.
Weir The small floating door on the side of a skimmer that regulates the amount of water entering the skimmer system.
Wet Niche A housing for an underwater light fixture that allows the fixture to be removed and replaced while the pool is full of water.
Winterizing The process of preparing a pool for the winter months, including adjusting chemicals, draining certain equipment, and covering the pool.
Zero Depth Entry Pool A pool design where the pool's edge gradually slopes from the deck into the water, mimicking a natural beach.
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