Browse 35 essential pool company terms and definitions used by professionals in Sandy Springs.
Term Index
Every term and its definition, all on this page.
Bond Beam is a reinforced concrete beam at the top edge of a pool shell that ties the structure together and helps resist cracking and shifting. In concrete pools, bond beams often support coping, tile, and deck connections while adding strength around the perimeter.
Bulkhead is a retaining wall or partition built to hold back soil, water, or both. In pool projects, bulkheads often define elevation changes, protect slopes, or form a stable edge around decks and waterfront features.
Bump Out is a small outward extension added to a pool, spa, or deck layout to create extra space or shape a feature. In pool construction, a bump out often forms a bench, equipment alcove, or design accent that changes the footprint without a full expansion.
Coping is the cap or edging installed along the top edge of a pool wall. It creates a finished border, helps protect the pool shell from water intrusion, and often provides a smooth transition between the water and surrounding deck.
DE Filter is a pool filter that uses diatomaceous earth powder to trap very fine dirt and debris from circulating water. Common in residential and commercial pools, a DE filter is valued for high filtration clarity and requires periodic cleaning and recharging with fresh powder.
Deck Drain is a drainage channel or grate set into a pool deck to collect and redirect surface water away from walking areas. Proper slope and placement help limit puddling, reduce slip risk, and move runoff toward a storm or waste drainage system.
Decking is the finished surface built around a pool that creates a stable place for walking, lounging, and placing furniture. Common materials include concrete, pavers, stone, and wood, chosen for durability, slip resistance, and drainage near water.
Deep End is the deepest section of a swimming pool, where water depth is greatest and the floor often slopes downward from the shallow end. Swimmers use the deep end for diving, lap swimming, and other activities that require more vertical clearance.
Equalizer Line is a pool plumbing line that helps balance water levels between a skimmer and the main body of the pool. Pool systems use an equalizer line to reduce air intake when water drops below the skimmer opening.
Expansion Joint is a flexible gap or filler placed between pool deck, coping, or concrete sections to absorb movement from heat, settling, and moisture changes. A proper joint helps reduce cracking and surface stress where rigid materials meet.
Filtration System is the equipment that removes debris, dirt, and fine particles from pool water as water circulates through the pool system. A pool filtration system usually includes a pump, a filter tank, and media that trap contaminants before cleaned water returns to the pool.
Gunite is a pneumatically applied concrete mix sprayed at high velocity through a hose onto a reinforced pool shell. Pool builders use gunite for custom in-ground pools because the material forms a dense, durable structure that can follow complex shapes and curves.
Hydrostatic Pressure is the pressure that groundwater or standing water exerts against a submerged surface. In pools, high hydrostatic pressure can push upward on an empty shell and may cause lifting, cracking, or structural damage if water is not balanced.
Hydrotherapy Jets are water nozzles built into spas, hot tubs, or therapy pools that direct pressurized streams at muscles and joints. They are used to create targeted massage and water movement, which can help support relaxation, circulation, and recovery after physical strain.
Inverter Pump is a pool pump with variable-speed control that adjusts motor output to match demand. A typical use is circulating water more quietly and efficiently than a single-speed pump while improving control over filtration and water flow.
Liner is a flexible waterproof membrane that forms the visible inner surface of a swimming pool and helps hold water inside the shell. Vinyl liners are common in residential pools because they can be replaced when wear, fading, or tears appear.
Main Drain is the bottom suction opening in a swimming pool that pulls water toward the circulation system. Main Drain placement helps draw water from the pool floor and supports full circulation, and many pools use more than one drain for safety and balanced flow.
Makeup Water is fresh water added to a pool or spa to replace water lost through evaporation, splash-out, backwashing, or leaks. Pool systems use makeup water to keep the water level within the range needed for proper skimming, circulation, and equipment performance.
NPSI is an abbreviation for net positive suction inlet, a pool plumbing measure that describes suction conditions at a pump inlet. A higher NPSI helps reduce cavitation risk and supports stable pump operation in circulation systems.
Plumbing Manifold is a distribution point that splits one water supply into separate lines for different pool equipment or features. A manifold helps balance flow, simplify routing, and isolate sections during service without shutting down the entire system.
Post-Tension Cable is a high-strength steel cable used in concrete systems to add tension after the concrete has hardened. In pool construction, installers place cables in the shell to help control cracking and improve structural strength.
Rebar is steel reinforcing bar placed inside concrete to add tensile strength and help control cracking. In pool construction, rebar forms a rigid frame that supports the shell before concrete or shotcrete is applied.
Shotcrete is concrete or mortar that is sprayed at high speed through a hose and nozzle onto a prepared surface. In pool construction, shotcrete forms the shell around rebar and can be shaped into curved walls, steps, and benches before it hardens.
Skimmer is a surface-level pool inlet that pulls floating debris and water into the filtration system. A basket inside the skimmer catches leaves, insects, and other debris before they reach the pump, helping maintain circulation and reduce clogging.
Slope Ratio is the relationship between vertical rise and horizontal run on a surface or structure. In pool work, a steeper ratio indicates faster drainage or sharper grade, while a flatter ratio indicates gentler change in elevation.
Spa Spillover is the feature where water flows from a raised spa into a connected pool, creating a visible stream or cascade. Spa Spillover is often used for circulation, temperature balance, and a decorative sound or visual effect in pool design.
Starter Kit is a basic set of supplies, tools, or instructions gathered for a specific task or activity. In pool care, a starter kit often supports first-time setup or routine maintenance and usually includes only the essentials needed to begin.
Tile Line is the band where pool water meets the interior finish, usually marked by a row of tile, stone, or other waterline material. Pool owners inspect the tile line for scale, stains, and surface wear because constant water contact makes this area prone to buildup and discoloration.
Total Alkalinity is the amount of buffering minerals in pool water that help resist sudden pH changes. In pool care, proper total alkalinity supports more stable water chemistry and can make pH easier to manage during routine testing and treatment.
Turnover Rate is the time needed to circulate all pool water through the filtration system once. Pool operators use it to judge circulation quality and to size pumps, filters, and run times for safe water clarity and sanitation.
VGB Act is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a federal law that requires safer drain covers and related anti-entrapment protections in public pools and spas. The law was enacted to reduce the risk of suction entrapment and applies to many commercial aquatic facilities.
Variable-Speed Pump is a pool pump with a motor that can run at different speeds instead of one fixed speed. The adjustable speed helps match water flow to different tasks, such as filtration, skimming, and water features, while often reducing noise and energy use.
Vinyl Liner is a flexible waterproof sheet that lines the inside of a swimming pool and helps hold water. Vinyl liner pools use a factory-made membrane that can be replaced when wear, fading, or damage affects the pool surface.
Waterline Tile is the tile band installed along a pool’s waterline, where air, water, and pool chemicals meet. Waterline Tile helps protect the pool shell from staining and makes routine cleaning easier because the surface is smooth and durable.
Weep Holes are small openings that let water drain from masonry, retaining walls, or other built structures. In pool construction, they help relieve trapped water pressure and reduce cracking, staining, or movement caused by saturated materials.
