Pool Plumbing Terms to Know
A
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on the surface of the pool water. This pressure is an important consideration in various aspects of pool design, maintenance, and operation.
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact and chemicals. It is commonly used in various applications, including plumbing systems for swimming pools.
Actuator Valve
Automated pool valves, or pool valve actuators, revolutionize the way you manage your pool's water flow system.
Aerator
An aerator is a device used in swimming pools to introduce air into the water, creating bubbles and promoting water circulation and aeration. This can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functional benefits of the pool.
B
Backwash Valve
A valve used to reverse the flow of water through the filter to clean it.
Booster Pump
A booster pump is a specialized pump used in swimming pool systems to enhance the performance of certain features and equipment. It provides additional pressure and flow to ensure optimal operation of devices that require more power than what the primary pool pump can deliver.
Ball Valve
A ball valve is a commonly used valve type in various plumbing systems, including swimming pools. It controls the flow of liquids or gases by using a spherical disc (the "ball") that rotates within the valve body.
Balance Pipe
A balance pipe is an essential component in the hydraulic design of swimming pools, particularly those with complex features such as infinity edges or surge tanks. It helps to maintain the water level balance between different parts of the pool system.
Buoyancy
Buoyancy is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the upward force exerted by a fluid (such as water) on an object immersed in it. This force allows objects to float or rise to the surface of the fluid.
C
Cavitation
The formation of air bubbles in the pump, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency.
CPVC
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used in plumbing systems, including those for swimming pools. CPVC offers a number of advantages due to its durability, resistance to high temperatures, and chemical resilience.
D
Discharge Plumbing
System after the pump that delivers pressurized water to the pool.
Discharge Head
Total vertical distance between the pump discharge and the pool.
E
Equipment Pad
An equipment pad is a designated area where all the essential mechanical and electrical equipment for a swimming pool is installed. This includes the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and other necessary components.
Equalizer
An equalizer in the context of swimming pools is a critical component designed to maintain proper water levels and ensure consistent pool operation, particularly in systems involving skimmers.
F
Filter
The heart of the pool's circulation system, responsible for moving water through the filtration and heating system.
Fluid Dynamics
Fluid dynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of liquids and gases in motion. In the context of swimming pools, fluid dynamics is crucial for designing and maintaining efficient water circulation, ensuring proper filtration, and optimizing the performance of pool features.
Flow Rate
The volume of water that moves through the pool’s plumbing system in a given time, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Friction
Friction refers to the resistance that water encounters as it flows through the pipes, fittings, and other components of the plumbing system. This resistance is caused by the interaction between the water and the internal surfaces of the pipes and fittings, and it results in a loss of pressure, known as "friction loss."
G
Gate Valve
A gate valve is a type of valve that controls the flow of water by lifting or lowering a gate inside the valve body. It is widely used in swimming pool plumbing systems for its reliability and ease of use.
Glue
In pool plumbing, "glue" refers to solvent cement used to join PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes and fittings. This adhesive chemically welds the plastic materials together, creating a strong, leak-proof bond.
H
Heater
Equipment used to warm the pool water.
Head
Pressure expressed in feet.
Head Loss
The reduction in pressure in the pool’s plumbing system due to friction and other factors.
Hydraulics
Hydraulics refers to the study and application of fluid mechanics, particularly the movement and management of water within the pool system. This encompasses the design and function of all water circulation systems.
I
In-Floor Cleaning System
An in-floor cleaning system is an integrated pool cleaning solution designed to keep the pool clean by using strategically placed nozzles and jets built into the pool’s floor and walls.
L
Loop Manifold
A loop manifold is a plumbing configuration used in swimming pool systems to enhance the distribution and control of water flow to various parts of the pool, such as jets, water features, and heating systems. This setup ensures balanced water distribution and simplifies the management of multiple outlets.
M
Main Drain
The primary outlet at the bottom of the pool that allows water to flow out for circulation, filtration, and drainage.
Manifold
A manifold is an important plumbing component that distributes water evenly across various pool equipment and zones.
Multiport Valve
This valve controls and redirects the flow of water as it enters and leaves the filter. It has three main ports: pump, return, and waste. The pump port sends unfiltered water into the valve, the return port sends water back into the pool, and the waste port drains water out. The valve has a handle that allows you to choose from different settings, such as recirculate, winter, rinse, or sand bed.
N
Nappe
Nappe refers to the sheet or stream of water that flows over a weir, spillway, or similar structure. It is a term often used in fluid dynamics and engineering to describe the behavior and appearance of flowing water.
O
Ozonator
An ozonator is a device used in swimming pool systems to generate ozone (O₃) for the purpose of sanitizing the pool water. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that helps in eliminating bacteria, viruses, algae, and other contaminants, making the pool water cleaner and safer.
P
Pressure Drop
Pressure drop refers to the reduction in water pressure as it flows through the various components of the plumbing system, including pipes, fittings, valves, and equipment like pumps, filters, and heaters. This pressure loss is primarily caused by friction and turbulence within the system. Understanding and managing pressure drop is crucial for ensuring the efficient operation of a pool’s plumbing system
Primer
Primer is an essential component in the installation of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) plumbing systems, including those used in swimming pools. It is used to prepare the surfaces of pipes and fittings before applying solvent cement, ensuring a strong and reliable bond.
Prime
Pump priming is an essential process for ensuring that your pool pump operates correctly. It involves preparing the pump so it can efficiently draw water from the pool and circulate it through the filtration system.
PVC
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic commonly used in pool plumbing due to its durability, affordability, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion. PVC pipes and fittings are integral components in the plumbing systems of swimming pools, ensuring efficient water flow and distribution.
PVC Cable saw
A cable saw, also known as a wire saw, is a versatile cutting tool that utilizes a metal cable or wire to cut through various solid materials, including wood, stone, glass, and metal. Cable saws can be operated manually by hand or powered by electricity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Pump Curve
A pump curve, also known as a performance curve, is a graph that illustrates the relationship between the flow rate and the head (pressure) for a specific pump. A pump curve helps determine how a pump will perform in terms of water flow and pressure under different conditions. Understanding the pump curve is crucial for selecting the right pump for a swimming pool system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Pool Pump
The heart of the pool's circulation system, responsible for moving water through the filtration and heating system.
Perimeter Edge
Perimeter Overflows are the same concept as a Vanishing Edge on a pool with the exception that it is the entire perimeter of the Pool and/or Spa. Perimeter Overflow Pools and/or Spas is a very clean modern type of pool.
Plumbing lines
Pipes and tubing that carry water to and from the pool and its equipment.
R
Rambit
A Ram Bit is an essential tool designed for efficiently removing plastic fittings and valves from drainage systems. This versatile tool also excels at reaming plastic pipes accurately, ensuring precise cuts below the surface or finished grade. Perfect for professional plumbers and DIY enthusiasts, the Ram Bit enhances your plumbing toolkit by providing a reliable solution for seamless plastic pipe and fitting removal.
Return Jets
Openings through which filtered water is returned to the pool.
S
Schematic
A pool plumbing schematic is a detailed diagram that illustrates the layout and connections of the plumbing system for a swimming pool. This schematic is crucial for planning, installing, and maintaining the pool’s plumbing.
Schedule 80
Schedule 80 pipe is a type of piping used in various applications, including swimming pools, due to its high strength and durability.
Stub-out
A stub-out, is a key component in both pool construction and general plumbing. It serves as a preliminary setup for future connections and fixtures.
Satellite Valve
Also known as a mushroom diverter, skimmer regulator, or float valve, this valve regulates the flow of water between the skimmer and the main drain. It also prevents air from entering the piping if the water level drops below the skimmer entrance. Without this valve, the pool may only be partially filtered, which can lead to cloudy water, algae, and chemistry issues.
Skimmer
A device installed in the pool's wall that skims the surface of the water, removing debris.
Suction Lift
Suction lift refers to the vertical distance between the water level of the pool and the pump's intake (suction) point. It is an important concept in pool plumbing and pump installation, as it affects the efficiency and performance of the pool pump.
Suction plumbing
System before the pump that brings water into contact with the impeller
Startup
Perimeter Overflows are the same concept as a Vanishing Edge on a pool with the exception that it is the entire perimeter of the Pool and/or Spa. Perimeter Overflow Pools and/or Spas is a very clean modern type of pool.
T
Throttling Valve
A throttling valve is a type of valve used to regulate the flow rate of fluids (liquids or gases) through a pipeline. Unlike other valves that are typically designed to be either fully open or fully closed, throttling valves can be adjusted to any position between fully open and fully closed, allowing precise control over the flow rate.
Three Way Valve
A three-way valve is a versatile plumbing component used to control the flow of water in swimming pools and various other applications. It can direct water flow between different outlets, making it useful for complex plumbing configurations.
TDH
Total dynamic head consists of all the suction lift, discharge head and friction losses in a plumbing system.
Turbidity
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by the presence of suspended particles. In swimming pools, turbidity is an important indicator of water quality and can affect both the aesthetics and safety of the pool.
The Model Aquatic Health Code
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a comprehensive set of guidelines and standards developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with public health and industry experts. Its primary purpose is to help local and state authorities, as well as aquatic facility operators, ensure the health and safety of public swimming pools, spas, and other aquatic facilities.
V
Vacuum Line
A dedicated line for connecting a pool vacuum to clean the pool floor and walls.
Venturi Skimmer
A Venturi skimmer is an advanced type of pool skimmer that uses the Venturi effect to enhance water circulation and debris removal. This innovative design improves the efficiency of traditional skimming systems.
Velocity
velocity refers to the speed at which water moves through the pipes and equipment. It is typically measured in feet per second (ft/s).
VGB
Virginia Graham Baker Act
W
Wier Door
A weir door is a crucial component of a pool skimmer that plays a significant role in maintaining clean and debris-free pool water. Here’s a detailed explanation of what a weir door is and its function in a pool skimmer.
