Pool terminology

Introduction 

When talking about swimming pools we usually use English terminology. We list this exact vocabulary in alphabetical order, interpreting it and giving, where possible, the corresponding Greek word.

Air-relief valve: Manually operated plastic or copper valve located on the top of the filter to relieve pressure inside the filter and remove air from it. It is also known as a pressure relief valve.

Algae: Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll. Algae feed on carbon dioxide and use sunlight to photosynthesize. They are carried by rain or wind and grow in colonies, producing troublesome masses. Algae can feed bacteria and become very slippery. There are thousands of species of algae. The most common types of algae found in swimming pools are black, blue-green, green and mustard (yellow or clear).

Algaecides: Chemicals designed to kill, prevent and control algae.

Automatic pool cleaner: Pool maintenance system, which automatically cleans small particles from inside.

Backflow: the reverse flow of water through a pipe in a direction opposite to normal flow.

Backwash: The process of thoroughly washing the filter by reverse flow of water through it.

Balancers: Chemical designed to prevent pool corrosion and staining by balancing the pH and hardness of the water.

Bromide: Common name for bromine salts. They are used to provide the water with dirty ions and act as a disinfectant.

Bromine: Common name for a bromine-containing chemical used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and algae in pools and spas. It is available in tablet or granule form.

BTUs: Abbreviation of the words British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1lb of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Centrifugal Pump: A pump consisting of an impeller fitted to a rotating shaft, a shell or housing and an outlet valve. The rotating impeller creates pressure on the water due to the velocity caused by the centrifugal force.

Check Valve: A mechanical device placed in a pipe that allows water or air to flow in one direction only.

Chemical Feeder: a device that dispenses chemicals into the pool or hot tub water at a prescribed rate. Some devices dispense chlorine or bromine, while others chemical pH correctors.

Chlorine Neutralizer: Chemical that neutralizes chlorine, rendering it harmless. It is used in test kits to increase their accuracy. It also destroys excess amounts of chlorine and bromine so that they do not affect swimmers.

Chlorine: Term used to describe any type of chlorine substance used as a disinfectant in swimming pools and hot tubs to destroy or control bacteria and algae. In addition, chlorine oxidizes ammonia and nitrogen produced by swimmers.

Coping: The top lip of the pool or hot tub that acts as an edge for the wall of the pool or spa. It can be molded or prefabricated from pressed aluminum or rigid vinyl. It can also be part of a system that secures the liner to the top of the pool wall.

Corrosion: The deterioration, alteration or destruction of the swimming pool or hot tub or its equipment. It can be caused by misuse of water chemicals, acids or oxidation products or by soft water.

Cover, Solar: A cover that, when placed on the surface of the pool or hot tub, increases the temperature of the water by absorbing solar radiation, reduces water evaporation and protects the pool from airborne debris.

DE (Diatomaceous Earth): Porous substance used in some types of pool filter.

Diverted Valve:

A hydraulic component used to change the direction of water flow. Some diverter valves are used in pools/spas to allow the hot tub to be used and then the flow to be directed back to the pool.

Drain or Main Drain (pool grate): Hydraulic fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in swimming pools, spas or hot tubs. It is placed in the deepest part of the pool or jacuzzi. It does not work like the corresponding fixture in the kitchen sink. The pool grate does not carry the water to the drain. It is connected to the pump for circulation and filtration.

Fiberglass: Fine glass filaments available in cord or sheet form. When used with polyester resins, catalysts and hardeners they shape and shape pools and spas.

Filter: A device that removes dissolved particles from water by passing it through a porous substance. There are three types of filters used in pools and spas: sand, cartridge filters, and DE filters

Filtration Rate: The rate at which water passes through the filter.

Flow rate: The amount of water that passes through a specified point in a specified period of time.

Gunite (Shotcrete): Concrete produced by a device in which we place sand, gravel and cement. The mixture is driven with compressed air and in an instant state to the jet nozzle which includes a water supply under pressure. The wetting of the concrete is done continuously at the moment of the shot.

Gutter: An overflow pit at the edge of the pool through which extra fine particles of oil and other lighter-than-water materials pass. Grooved pools usually do not have a skimmer.

Hand Skimmer: Screen fitted to a frame, which in turn is attached to a telescopic pole. It is used to remove large floating debris such as leaves and insects from the surface of the water.

Heat Exchanger: Device placed inside the heater, responsible for transferring thermal energy from the heat source to the water.

Heater: Device that works with fuel, electricity or solar energy and to heat the water of a swimming pool or a jacuzzi.

Liner: Vinyl film that acted as a container for holding water in some existing pool.

Oxidizer: Non-chlorine active substance used to remove contaminants and chloraminate pool water, without increasing chlorine levels.

Pool Cover (Hard-Top): A cover used in swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Attaches to the edge of the pool or hot tub and acts as a boundary for swimmers as well as the maintenance and thermal protection.

Pump: A mechanical device, operated by a mechanical engine, and causes hydraulic flow and

pressure to filter, heat and circulate the water in the pool. This is usually a centrifugal pump.

Pump capacity: The volume of liquid that a pump can move in a certain amount of time.

Pump Curve: Also called Pump Performance Curve). A graph showing the capacity of the pump at any potential resistance.

pH: Abbreviation of the expression Potential Hydrogen. It shows the level of acidity or alkalinity of the water on a scale varying from 0-15. Low pH can cause metal corrosion and eye irritation. A high pH can cause chlorine ineffectiveness and eye irritation. Ideal pH value for swimming pools is 7.4-7.6.

Sanitizers: Chemicals designed to kill bacteria, algae and other living microorganisms. They also protect the water from the influence of the sun.

Shock Treatment (Severe Chlorination): Adding a certain amount of oxidizing chemicals to pool water to kill ammonia and nitrogen compounds caused by swimmers, the environment and the weather.

Skimmer: Device that is built into the upper part of the pool and is connected to the suction system of the pump. Water and particles are collected through a special port and removed from the surface.

Skimmer Basket: Removable perforated basket, placed in the Skimmer on the suction side of the pump, and designed to trap particles floating in the water and remove them.

Solar Cover: Come cover that when placed on the surface of the pool or jacuzzi water, increases the temperature of the water by absorbing solar radiation. It reduces evaporation and protects the pool from airborne particles.

Test Kit: A system or device used to record specific chemical residues, levels, ingredients or requirements for pool or hot tub water. The most common pool or hot tub water tests are: for pH, alkalinity, chlorine, water hardness, iron and copper.

Test Strips: Small plastic strips with a custom cover that are impregnated with reagents and can be used to test pool water for residues, levels, components and requirements. The strips are usually immersed in water and the color of the cover is compared to a certain color code, corresponding to the concentration values of the substances.

Turbidity: The cloudy state of water due to the presence of extremely fine particles that cannot be trapped by the filter because they are too small. By adding organic polymers, water clarity is restored, since the particles condense and the filter becomes more efficient.

Vacuum: Device that, through suction, collects dirt from the bottom and sides of the pool or spa. A more common form is the manual bottom cleaner which is attached to a telescopic pole and collects micro particles in the filter via the skimmer.

Water clarifier: Also known as coagulant or flocculant. A chemical substance used to concentrate or settle particles so that they can be removed by sweeping or filtering. There are two types: inorganic salts of aluminum and other metals or water-soluble organic polyelectrolytes.

Weir: Also known as a skimmer weir. This is a small door on the side of the skimmer that automatically adjusts to small changes in water level and ensures a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. It also prevents micro-particles absorbed by the skimmer from returning to the pool water.