Glossary

Glossary of Pool Terms

AIR-RELIEF VALVE: A manually-operated brass or plastic valve located at the top of a filter tank for relieving the pressure inside the filter and removing the air inside the filter (bleeding the filter). Also known as a pressure-relief valve.

ALGAE: Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll. Algae is nourished by carbon dioxide (CO2) and use sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. It can be introduced by rain or wind and grows in colonies, producing nuisance masses. Algae can harbor bacteria and can be slippery. There are thousands of known species of algae. The most common types of algae found in pools are black, blue-green, green and mustard (yellow or drawn).

ALGAECIDES: Chemical compounds designed to kill, prevent and control algae.

AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER: A pool maintenance system that will agitate and/or vacuum debris from the pool interior automatically.

BACKFLOW: The backing up of water through a pipe in the direction opposite to normal flow.

BACKWASH: The process of thoroughly cleaning the filter by reversing the flow of water through it with the dirt and rinse water going to waste.

BALANCERS: Chemical compound designed to prevent corrosion and staining by balancing the pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness in pool water.

BROMIDE: A common term for a bromide salt used to supply bromide ions to the water so they may be oxidized or changed into hypobromous acid, the killing form of bromine. Used as a disinfectant.

BROMINE: A common name for a chemical compound containing bromine that is used as a disinfectant to destroy bacteria and algae in swimming pools and spas. Available as a tablet or as sodium bromide, a granular salt.

BTU: Abbreviation for British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP: A pump consisting of an impeller fixed on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a casing or volute and having an inlet and a discharge connection. The rotating impeller creates pressure in the water by the velocity derived from the centrifugal force.

CHECK VALVE: A mechanical device in a pipe that permits the flow of water or air in one direction only.

CHEMICAL FEEDER: A device that dispenses chemicals into pool or spa water at a predetermined rate. Some dispense chlorine or bromine while others dispense pH-adjusting chemicals.

CHLORINE NEUTRALIZER: A chemical used to make chlorine harmless. Used in test kits to counteract the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine in order to increase the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine and bromine neutralizer, it is used to destroy excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine so the high levels will not affect swimmers.

CHLORINE: A term used to describe any type of chlorine compound used as a disinfectant in swimming pool and spa water or to kill, destroy or control bacteria and algae. In addition, chlorine oxidizes ammonia and nitrogen compounds cause by swimmers.

COPING: The cap or top lip on the pool or spa wall that provides a finished edge around the pool or spa. It can be formed, cast in place or precast, or prefabricated of extruded aluminum or rigid vinyl. It may also be part of the system that secures a vinyl liner to the top of the pool wall.

CORROSION: The etching, pitting or eating away of the pool or spa or equipment. Can be caused by improper water balance, misuse of acid or acidic products or from soft water.

COVER, SOLAR: A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool, spa or hot tub, increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission of solar radiation; reduces evaporation and prevents windborne debris from entering the water.

D.E.: Diatomaceous Earth — a porous substance used in certain types of pool filters.

DIVERTER VALVE: A plumbing fitting used to change the direction or redirect the flow of water. Some diverter valves are used on pool/spa combinations to allow the use of the spa and then switch the flow back to the pool.

DRAIN: This term usually refers to a plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools, spas and hot tubs. Sometimes called the main drain, it is located in the deepest part of the pool, spa or hot tub. It does not function like a drain on a kitchen sink. Pool main drains do not allow the water to drain to waste but rather connect to the pump for circulation and filtration.

FIBERGLASS: Finespun filaments of glass which are available in a rope or mat form. When used in a process with polyester resins, catalysts and hardeners, can be formed or molded into pools and spas.

FILTER: A device that removes dissolved or suspended particles from water by recirculating the water through a porous substance (a filter medium or element). The three types of filters used in pools and spas are sand, cartridge and D.E. (diatomaceous earth).

FILTRATION RATE: The rate at which the water is traveling through the filter, expressed in U.S. gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot of filter area.

FLOW RATE: The quantity of water flowing past a designated point within a specified time, such as the number of gallons flowing past a point in 1 minute — also known as gallons per minute or gpm.

GPM: Abbreviation for “gallons per minute.”

GUNITE: A mixture of cement and sand sprayed onto contoured and supported surfaces to build a pool. Gunite is mixed and pumped to the site dry, and water is added at the point of application. Plaster is usually applied over the gunite.

GUTTER: An overflow trough at the edge of the pool through which floating debris, oil and other "lighter-than-water" things flow. Pools with gutters usually do not have skimmers.

HAND SKIMMER: A screen attached to a frame which is then attached to a telescopic pole used to remove large floating debris, such as leaves and bugs, from the water's surface.

HEAT EXCHANGER: A device located inside the heater providing for the transfer of heat from the heat source to the water. This is usually a series of metallic tubes with fins located just above the flames.

HEATER: A fossil-fueled, electric or solar device used to heat the water of a pool, spa or hot tub.

LINER: Also called a vinyl liner. The vinyl membrane that acts as the container to hold or contain the water in some types of pools.

MAIN DRAIN: A plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools, spas and hot tubs. Sometimes simply referred to as the drain, it is located in the deepest part of the pool, spa or hot tub. It does not function like the drain on a kitchen sink. Pool main drains do not allow the water to drain to waste but rather connect to the pump for circulation and filtration.

NEUTRALIZER: A chemical used to make chlorine or bromine harmless. Used in test kits to counteract the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine in order to increase the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine and bromine neutralizer, it is used to destroy excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine so the high levels will not affect swimmers.

OXIDIZER: A non-chlorine shocking compound that removes or destroys built-up contaminants and chloramines in pool water without raising chlorine levels.

POOL COVER, (HARD-TOP): A cover used on pools, spas and hot tubs that rests on the lip (coping) of the pool or spa deck ; not a flotation cover. Used as a barrier to swimmers and bathers and for maintenance and thermal protection.

PUMP: A mechanical device, usually powered by an electric motor, which causes hydraulic flow and pressure for the purpose of filtration, heating and circulation of pool and spa water. Typically, a centrifugal pump is used for pools, spas and hot tubs.

PUMP CAPACITY: The volume of liquid a pump is capable of moving during a specified period of time. This is usually listed in gallons per minute or gpm.

PUMP CURVE: Also called a pump performance curve. A graph that represents a pump's water flow capacity at any given resistance.

pH: Abbreviation for Potential Hydrogen. Indicates the level of acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale ranging from 0-15. A low pH can cause etched plaster, metal corrosion and eye irritation. A high pH can cause scale formation, chlorine inefficiency and eye irritation. The ideal range for pH in swimming pools is typically 7.4 to 7.6.

SANITIZERS: Chemical compounds designed to kill bacteria, algae and other living organisms. Also protects water from the effects of the sun.

SHOCK TREATMENT: The practice of adding significant amounts of an oxidizing chemical -- (usually non-chlorine oxidizers, such as sodium persulfate or potassium peroxymonosulfate) -- to the water to destroy ammonia and nitrogen compounds caused by swimmers, the environment and/or weather.

SKIMMER: A device installed through the wall of a pool or spa that is connected to the suction line of the pump that draws water and floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing much flow restriction.

SKIMMER BASKET: A removable, slotted basket or strainer placed in the skimmer on the suction side of the pump, which is designed to trap floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing flow restriction.

SOLAR COVER: A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool, spa or hot tub, increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission of solar radiation; reduces evaporation and prevents windborne debris from entering the water.

TEST KIT: An apparatus or device used to monitor specific chemical residuals, levels, constituents or demands in pool or spa water. The most common pool and spa water tests are: pH, total alkalinity, free available chlorine, water hardness, cyanuric acid, iron and copper.

TEST STRIPS: Small plastic strips with pads attached that have been impregnated with reagents that can be used to test pool water for residuals, levels, constituents or demands. The strips are usually dipped in the water, and the resulting colors of the pads are compared to a standard set of colors to determine concentration.

TURBIDITY: The cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of extremely fine particles in suspension that cannot be trapped by the filter because they are too small. Adding a clarifier, such as an organic polymer or alum, will coagulate the particles and make the filter more efficient.

VACUUM: Devices that use suction to collect dirt from the bottom and sides of a pool or spa. Most common is a vacuum head with wheels that attaches to a telepole and is connected to the suction line, usually via the opening in the skimmer. Pool vacuums must be operated by a person, and debris is collected in the filter.

VINYL LINER: The vinyl membrane that acts as the container to hold or contain pool water.

WATER CLARIFIER: Also called coagulant or flocculant . A chemical compound used to gather (coagulate or agglomerate) or to precipitate suspended particles so they may be removed by vacuuming or filtration. There are two types; inorganic salts of aluminum (alum) and other metals or water-soluble organic polyelectrolytes.

WEIR: The small floating "door" on the side of the skimmer that faces the water over which water flows on its way to the skimmer. Adjusts automatically to small changes in water level to assure a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. The weir also prevents debris from floating back into the pool after the pump shuts off. Also known as a skimmer weir.

Pool History

The History of Swimming Pools

The Beginning

The First Swimming Pool

The "great bath" is the earliest public water tank in the ancient world. It existed over 5000 years ago in the Pakistani city settlement of Mohenjo-daro. The tank itself measures approximately 12 meters north-south and 7 meters wide, with a maximum depth of 2.4 meters. Two wide staircases lead down into the tank from the north and south and small sockets at the edges of the stairs are thought to have held wooden planks or treads. At the foot of the stairs is a small ledge with a brick edging that extends the entire width of the pool. People coming down the stairs could move along this ledge without actually stepping into the pool itself.

The floor of the tank is water tight due to finely fitted bricks laid on edge with gypsum plaster and the side walls were constructed in a similar manner. To make the tank even more water tight, a thick layer of natural tar was laid along the sides of the tank and presumably also beneath the floor. Brick colonnades were discovered on the eastern, northern and southern edges. The preserved columns have stepped edges that may have held wooden screens or window frames. Two large doors lead into the complex from the south and other access was from the north and east. A series of rooms are located along the eastern edge of the building and in one room is a well that may have supplied some of the water needed to fill the tank. Rainwater also may have been collected for this purpose, but no inlet drains have been found.

Most scholars agree that this tank would have been used for special religious functions where water was used to purify and renew the well being of the bathers.

Not Just for Bathing

Probably the most prominent pool history comes from the ancient Greeks and Romans. A major change in the quality of life occurred in these times as individual wealth increased and, with this increase in the standard of living, came luxuries like pools. Water itself played such an important part of society for thousands of years and during this period pools were placed everywhere and for many reasons. Not only were pools considered aesthetic and enhanced the beauty of the property (much the same as today’s custom pools do in our homes) but pools were used for bathing, health, religious ceremony, socializing and much more.

In the 6th to 8th Century BC, the ancient Greeks had “Palaestras” which were essentially an open court area between columns and rooms where one could come and wrestle, box, play ball type games and other miscellaneous exercises. But most importantly, there were pools here for swimming, bathing and socializing in.

Pools at this time were also used by the Greek and Roman militaries to physically train for war. The great Greek philosopher Plato felt that every child needed to learn to swim as part of a proper education along with mathematics, writing, astronomy, etc. And, in fact, it was standard education to teach children to swim in pools dating all the way back to 400 BC.

In AD 305 the Romans built an incredible pool that was over 900,000 square feet. This pool was used for bathing and was also heated by giant fires in the basement beneath the floors of the pool, the columns and walls pumped the heat up to the pool above. You can just imagine how beautiful this must have been with marble and statues in the Roman architecture.

Pools were obviously important in society during these ages and used here for many public and social activities but during this time pools were just as important in homes as well. Both Roman and Greek emperors had huge ornate pools with live fish in them. In fact, the word “pool” comes from, “piscine” meaning fish. The first Jacuzzi style custom pool was designed and ordered by Gaius Maecenas, one of Augustus Cesar’s political advisors sometime around 8 BC. This pool was supposedly magnificent with waterfalls, lush gardens, overlooking terraces, libraries, villas and other incredible luxurious décor.

Pools as Competition Grounds

Competitive swimming was first introduced in the early 1800′s in Britain by the National Swimming Society. At that time, there were man-made indoor pools in London and the National Swimming Society of England used them for swimming competitions. These events became popular in England and led to the formation of the Amateur Swimming Association in 1880.

The swimming strokes used in this time period were the side stroke and the breast stroke. In 1873 John Trudgen introduced the front crawl to Britain used with a scissor or flutter kick. This enhanced speeds and made swimming competitions new and exciting. Improvements to the front crawl, either by different kicks or different ratios of kicks to strokes, resulted in the fastest swimming style known today, now called the freestyle stroke. In 1896, swimming was first included in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

First “Modern Day” Pools

One of the first in-ground swimming pools in the United States is the oldest pool in Texas—Deep Eddy Pool in Austin. Deep Eddy has a bathhouse built during the Depression-era, by the Works Progress Administration. The pool began as a swimming hole in the Colorado River, became a resort in the 1920s, and is today a popular swimming pool operated by the City of Austin.

Deep Eddy began simply as a swimming hole in the Colorado River that flows through Austin. Cold springs rose from the river banks and people swam in the river where a large boulder formed an eddy. In 1915, A.J. Eilers, Sr. bought the land surrounding the swimming hole and built the concrete pool. The pool served as the centerpiece of a resort, the Deep Eddy Bathing Beach, which featured cabins, camping, and concessions.

Deep Eddy Pool is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the inspiration of various works of art.

The first recorded above ground swimming pool in the United States (and one of the first in the world) dates back to 1907, and is credited to the Philadelphia Racquet Club. It was designed by the noted bridge builders, Roebling Construction Company. The Clubhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The first swimming pool to literally cross the Atlantic Ocean was installed on the Adriatic cruise ship from White Star Lines in 1907. There was also a swimming pool on the Adriatic’s sister ship, the Titanic.

Swimming Pools Go Mainstream

Swimming pools became mainstreamed in America after World War II, and with the advent of Hollywood movies, became a status symbol.  Swimming pools evolved as a viable consumer purchase as more and more people began to realize that part of the American dream was being able to take a backyard vacation in their very own swimming pool.

Swimming pools can be found in almost every country throughout the world, even some of the smallest. New Zealand boasts almost 200,000 total swimming pools for its approximately 4 million people, making it the leader in pools per capita.

Swimming Pool Evolution - A Timeline

Swimming pools have a long history in the cultures of Greece, Rome, Assyria and Egypt dating back to 2500 B.C. Their modern era popularity took off in the 1800s with swimming clubs, and continued to grow with the start of the modern Olympics in 1896, which included swimming competitions.

• 2500 BC: Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting swimming.
• 36 BC: Japanese historic records describe swimming competitions.
• 78 AD: Romans introduced swimming as a social event to Britain.
• 1400s: The Catholic Church objects to naked bathing on moral grounds.
• 1800s: Acrobatic diving is developed in Germany and Sweden.
• 1830s: Swimming clubs are established in England.
• 1844: The Breaststroke loses popularity after Britain is introduced to the Native American "Crawl."
• 1862: The First documented indoor swimming pool is built in England.
• 1885: The first diving competition is held in Germany. Briton Matthew Webb is the first documented person to swim the English Channel.
• 1900: The Paris Olympics feature an obstacle swimming event in the Seine River.
• 1907: The White star line installs a swimming pool on its ocean liner, The Adriatic.
• 1908: The international governing body of swimming, FINA (Federation Internationale de Nataion de Amateur), is founded.
• 1912: Women's swimming events are added to Olympic Games in Stockholm.
• 1924: Johnny Weissmuller sets 67 world swimming records before becoming a Hollywood movie star.
• 1943: Two-piece swimsuits are introduced after wartime shortages prompt a 10% reduction in the amount of fabric used to create swimsuits.
• 1972: Mark Spitz wins seven gold medals in the Summer Olympics.
• 2008: American Michael Phelps becomes the world's most decorated Olympic swimming with a career total of 14 gold medals.
• Today: The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates there are more than 10 million swimming pools across the USA, including more than 360,000 public pools that are open year round.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Make Your Pool Green!

Pool owners LOVE green pools. Crazy statement if the “green” you're thinking about is unclean, algae-filled water. But when “green” means eco-friendly, a “green” pool is something homeowners should aspire to have in their yards.

Energy Efficiency – Why?

Why should I build or upgrade to an energy efficient pool?

Reduce Costs

You’ll save money. Energy-efficient pool appliances always pay for themselves in reduced electric bills, and then continue to save money for years to come. By choosing pool equipment such a variable speed pump or pool cover, and by establishing good habits like lowering the pool heater when not in use and proper preventative maintenance, costs to a pool owner can be greatly decreased.

Cuts down on energy waste and saves water

Almost all of a pool’s heat loss—about 95 percent—occurs at the surface, mostly through evaporation to the air and radiation to the sky. By using a pool cover to prevent heat and water loss, the amount of chemical water treatment will also be reduced. A multispeed or energy efficient pool pump can also significantly reduce the power consumption of a swimming pool by over 65%.

Tax incentives and rebates

Did you know that some states offer tax incentives and rebates for homeowners that purchase energy efficient pool appliances? Check to see what incentives and rebates are available in your state..

Energy Efficiency – How?

With a combination of pool products and good preventative maintenance habits, you can improve the heating and energy efficiency of your swimming pool. Variable drive pool pumps reduce utility costs.

Pump Efficiency

You can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less. On average, an energy efficient pump will use 30-45% less energy than that of a standard pump. The difference over a season can be immense. Pumps now come in two-speed, four-speed, and variable-speed models, so you can turn the speed down for regular daily use saving a lot of energy, and use higher settings for more thorough, less frequent cleanings. New energy-efficient pumps also move the water more efficiently for further savings. Since pumps circulate the water to keep it clean, the better they work, the less a filter has to work.Visit www.pentairpool.com/pumpcalc to see how much money you could save by switching to an IntelliFlo variable speed pump.

Pentair Water Pool and Spa® was the first to introduce variable speed technology with theirIntelliFlo® pumps over 5 years ago. Today, IntelliFlo continues to lead the way, out-selling all other variable speed brands combined. Their ultra-efficient permanent magnet motor design reduces noise and vibration for greater efficiency and longer pump life. 8 programmable speed settings ensure minimum flow requirements are being used for every pool task – filtering, heating, cleaning, spa-jets and more – to optimize performance and minimize energy use. In fact, with IntelliFlo technology, pool owners can save $620 to $1,360 each year compared to other pumps.

• With the Hayward EcoStar family of pumps, money flows back into your pocket. EcoStar is the industry’s most energy efficient variable speed pump, thanks to a super-efficient permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor and industry leading hydraulic design. Tests prove that EcoStar can save you up to 90% on energy costs compared to ordinary single speed pumps. EcoStar matches pump flow to a pool's needs, versus running at full power 100% of the time. It's fully programmable with a self-contained 24-hour clock and up to 8 custom speed and timer functions that allow EcoStar to manage flow throughout the day. Whether used in new construction or aftermarket applications, EcoStar is the perfect choice.

Pool Covers

A good pool cover will save energy and water. It can keep the water in your pool an average of 10 degrees warmer, which can cut summertime pool heating costs by up to 90 percent. A cover reduces water and chemical evaporation by up to 70 percent, saving nearly a thousand gallons of water per month. A cover also helps keep your pool clean, which means you'll have to run your filter pump less often, saving even more energy.

Water temperature efficiency

In addition to a pool cover, there are other ways to help keep the cost of heating your pool to a minimum while you still enjoy a comfortable water temperature. Make use of solar energy by locating your pool in the sunniest part of your yard. If possible, screen it from the cooling, prevailing wind with existing structures such as the house or garage, or add a solidly built fence as a windbreak. The water temperature you desire for your swimming pool not only affects the size of the pool's heater, but also your heating costs if use a gas or heat pump pool heater. Heating your pool with solar energy is by far the most energy-efficient method. If you buy a gas or electric heater, check the yellow-and-black Energy Guide label on the appliance. It shows relative energy-efficiency according to tests by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Pool water temperatures typically range from 78ºF to 82ºF. The energy consumption for each degree rise in temperature will cost 10%–30% more in energy costs, depending on your location. In warmer climates, this percentage is higher because of the relatively low cost of heating a pool at 78ºF.

Timers

Buy automatic timers for both your pool heater and pump. This will allow you to run them in several short cycles during the day, which is more effective than running them once continuously for several hours a day.

Preventative Maintenance

Maintain efficient daily operations. Turn down the pool heater when the pool is not in use and maintain appropriate water temperatures when in use (78°-80° for active swimming, 82°-84° for recreational use). Raising the water temperature just 1°F can costs an additional 10 - 30%, depending on your location. Keep a thermometer in the pool to help determine the temperature that is best for your pool and mark the "comfort settings" on the thermostat dial to avoid accidental overheating. Backwash the pool filter only as much as necessary to avoid wasting water and energy and be sure to keep drain systems clear to allow the free flow of water. By far, the most energy efficient lights you can get for the pool are LED or solar powered.

Energy Efficiency – Not just for pools!

 It is also possible to make your spa energy efficient. Portable spas are more energy efficient than in-the-ground spas because they are better insulated and usually have covers. If you have a typical portable spa, your heater will heat water 10 degrees in about 8 hours. If you use your spa once a week, lowering the temperature 3 degrees when not in use will save you approximately 5-10% of your spa heating costs; if you use the spa less often, your savings could be even greater. Don't run the jets unless you are using your spa. The mixture of water and air is great for relaxing the muscles, but it cools the water quickly. Spa covers are important. Be sure to leave the cover on until you are ready to use your spa and replace when you're finished. Remember that the heat that escapes is the heat you must pay to replace.

Energy Efficiency Quick Tips

To support your efforts to make your pool and spa as economical and eco-friendly as possible, below are some changes you can make that help conserve energy and water while reducing your operating costs.

• Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover. Your energy savings can be 50-70%.
• Fencing, hedges and landscaping that shelter your pool from prevailing winds will further reduce heat loss.
• If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater or heat pump thermostat settings by 8-10º during the week.
• When leaving for vacation for more than a week, unless freezing temperatures are expected, turn off the pool heater or heat pump.
• According to the American Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78º F. Reducing your heater or heat pump thermostat to maintain a 78º or lower temperature will also help conserve energy.
• Reduce pump speed to reduce energy use. A slower pump reduces power consumption.
• For good water maintenance, circulate water through a filter only once per day. Additional cycles tend to waste energy.
• Run your pool’s filtration system during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower – generally between 8pm and 10am.
• Keep intake grates clear of debris. Clogged drains require the pump to work harder.
• To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, clean your filter regularly.
• New variable drive pool pumps slash utility costs.

Pool Remodeling

Pool Remodeling

Renovating and adding new features to a pool is a popular home project. If you haven’t done much with your pool other than maintenance and upkeep, you will be amazed at the new features, materials and equipment that are available today. Even small changes will help you reap big benefits.

Pool Remodel: Before

There are also many reasons to remodel your pool. Perhaps you are looking to remodel the surface of your pool. Maybe you would like to add a few luxury features such as a beach entry, baja landing or a rock waterslide. Possibly you are just looking to make subtle changes that will completely change the look of your swimming pool like adding water or lighting features. Converting to a saltwater pool and energy efficiencyare also popular pool renovation projects. Whatever your reason, a pool remodel can make an impressive difference in your outdoor living space.

Pool Remodel: After

Don't know where to start? A great plan can start with 6 Easy Steps to Remodel Your Pool. There you can examine endless possibilities to remodel your backyard into the paradise of your dreams.