Algae Bloom
Algae Bloom is a rapid growth of algae in pool water that turns water green, cloudy, or slimy. Warm temperatures, sunlight, and low sanitizer levels often trigger blooms, and the problem can spread quickly across surfaces and filters.
Glossary
Pool Company Glossary
Browse 34 essential pool company terms and definitions used by professionals in Sandy Springs.
Term Index
Glossary Terms
Every term and its definition, all on this page.
Bond Beam
Bond Beam is a reinforced concrete beam formed around the top edge of a pool shell or masonry wall. It adds stiffness, helps hold the structure in shape, and provides a strong edge for coping, tile, and deck connections.
Bonding Grid
Bonding Grid is a network of conductive metal parts that connects pool equipment, reinforcing steel, and other conductive components to equalize electrical potential. In pool construction, the grid helps reduce shock risk and must be installed to meet electrical code requirements.
Breakout Box
Breakout Box is a splice enclosure that protects and organizes wire connections in pool and spa equipment systems. A technician uses a breakout box to separate conductors for testing, troubleshooting, or service without cutting the main cable.
Coping
Coping is the protective cap or edge finish installed along the top of a pool wall. Coping helps secure the pool shell, creates a finished border, and can provide a safe transition between the pool deck and waterline.
DE Filter
DE Filter is a pool filtration system that uses diatomaceous earth powder to trap very fine debris as water passes through a porous filter grid. DE filters are known for producing clear water and are commonly used in swimming pools that need high-level particle removal.
Deck Drain
Deck Drain is a channel or grate installed in a pool deck to collect and move surface water away from walking areas. A deck drain helps reduce standing water, improve traction, and direct runoff toward a drainage system or storm line.
Deep End
Deep End is the deepest section of a swimming pool, where the water depth allows diving, treading, and stronger swimming movements. Pool layouts often place steps, benches, or shallow play areas away from the deep end for safer entry and exit.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white, chalky deposit that forms on masonry, plaster, tile, or pool surfaces when water carries dissolved minerals to the surface and then evaporates. In pools, efflorescence often signals moisture movement through concrete or grout and may point to drainage, sealing, or water chemistry issues.
Excavation
Excavation is the controlled removal of soil, rock, or other material to create space for a pool, utility line, foundation, or drainage system. In pool work, excavation must match the design depth and shape while avoiding damage to buried pipes, roots, and nearby structures.
Expansion Joint
Expansion Joint is a flexible gap or filler installed between concrete sections to absorb movement caused by temperature changes, settling, or soil shift. In pool decks and surrounding hardscape, expansion joints help reduce cracking and surface stress while allowing adjacent materials to move independently.
Filtration System
Filtration System is the equipment and process that removes debris, dirt, and fine particles from pool water. A typical system uses a pump, filter media, and plumbing to circulate water through a cleaning cycle before returning clearer water to the pool.
Gunite
Gunite is a dry-mix concrete process that sprays cement and aggregate through a hose and mixes it with water at the nozzle. In pool construction, gunite forms strong, custom-shaped shells that can be reinforced with steel and sculpted to fit complex designs.
Hydraulic Line
Hydraulic Line is a pipe or hose that carries pressurized fluid to move force in a mechanical system. In pool equipment, hydraulic lines may connect pumps, actuators, or lifts and must be sized and sealed to handle pressure without leaks or flow loss.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic Pressure is the upward force that groundwater exerts on a submerged or buried surface. In pools, higher pressure can push against the shell or floor and may contribute to lifting, cracking, or structural movement when water levels around the pool rise.
ICC
ICC is the International Code Council, a nonprofit organization that develops model building codes and standards used by many local governments. In pool work, ICC guidance often affects construction, safety, and barrier requirements when permits and inspections are involved.
In-Ground Pool
In-Ground Pool is a swimming pool built into a site so the structure sits below ground level. Common materials include concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-liner systems, and installations usually require excavation, plumbing, and permanent decking or coping.
MDV
MDV is a shorthand term that can mean different things depending on the industry, company, or document. In business settings, MDV is often used as an internal abbreviation, so the exact meaning should be confirmed from the surrounding context.
Plaster Finish
Plaster Finish is the final cement-based coating applied to a concrete pool shell to create a smooth, waterproof interior surface. Common blends include white plaster, quartz, and pebble, each chosen for appearance, durability, and texture.
Pool Code
Pool Code is the set of building, safety, electrical, and health rules that apply to swimming pools and spas. Pool Code is commonly used by inspectors, builders, and property owners to guide permits, construction, fencing, barriers, circulation, and water safety requirements.
Pool Coping
Pool Coping is the material or cap installed along the top edge of a pool shell. It creates a finished border, helps protect the pool structure, and often improves safety by providing a smooth transition between the deck and water.
Pool Shell
Pool Shell is the structural body of a swimming pool that holds the water and supports the finish, plumbing penetrations, and coping. Common shell materials include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-lined construction, and the shell must stay stable to prevent cracks, leaks, and movement.
Pool Skimmer
Pool Skimmer is an opening in a pool wall that pulls surface water into the filtration system. It traps leaves, insects, and other floating debris before they sink, helping keep the water cleaner and reducing strain on circulation equipment.
Pool Turnover
Pool Turnover is the rate at which a pool’s water volume passes through the filtration system and returns to the pool. Pool care uses turnover to judge circulation and filter performance, since faster turnover helps distribute sanitizer and remove debris more evenly.
Rebar
Rebar is steel reinforcing bar placed inside concrete to add tensile strength and help control cracking. In pools, rebar forms a rigid framework for shotcrete or gunite shells, giving the structure shape and support before the concrete hardens.
Shotcrete
Shotcrete is concrete or mortar sprayed through a hose at high velocity onto a prepared surface. In pool construction, shotcrete forms strong structural shells and can be shaped into curves, benches, and custom walls without traditional formwork.
Skimmer Basket
Skimmer Basket is a removable mesh or plastic insert that catches leaves, insects, and other debris before they reach the pump and filter. A clean basket helps maintain water flow and reduces strain on pool equipment.
Skimmer Box
Skimmer Box is the wall-mounted opening in a pool that draws surface water into the circulation system. It catches leaves, insects, and floating debris before water reaches the pump, helping keep the pool cleaner and improving water flow.
Slip-Resistant
Slip-Resistant is a surface or finish designed to reduce slipping by increasing traction underfoot. Pool decks, steps, and walkways often use slip-resistant materials or textures to improve footing when surfaces are wet.
Stabilizer
Stabilizer is cyanuric acid used in pool water to slow chlorine loss from sunlight. It is commonly added in outdoor pools because strong sunlight can break down unstabilized chlorine and reduce sanitation.
Tile Line
Tile Line is the band on a pool wall where water meets the tile surface. Pool owners often notice staining, scale, and oils there first because evaporation and splashing leave residue at the waterline.
VGB Act
VGB Act is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a U.S. law that sets federal requirements for pool and spa drain safety. The law aims to reduce entrapment and drowning risks by requiring approved drain covers and other protective measures.
Water Chemistry
Water Chemistry is the balance of factors that control pool water quality, including sanitizer level, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Proper water chemistry helps water stay clear, safe, and less likely to cause corrosion, scale, or skin and eye irritation.
Water Table
Water Table is the level below ground where soil is fully saturated with water. In pool work, a high water table can affect excavation, drainage, and the risk of groundwater pressure around a pool shell.
