Swimming pool contractors glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a swimming pool contractor provider in Naples.
- What is a cantilever deck edge?
- A cantilever deck edge is a section of concrete pool deck that projects out beyond the pool wall without support underneath, cantilevered from the main deck structure.
- What is a cartridge filter?
- A cartridge filter is a pool filtration unit that uses a replaceable pleated fabric element to remove debris and particles from water, operating at lower pressure than sand or diatomaceous earth filters.
- What is a DE filter?
- A DE filter uses diatomaceous earth powder as its filtration media to trap small particles from pool water, and must be backwashed regularly to clear the filter.
- What is a lanai?
- A lanai is a roofed porch or patio area, common in Florida residential design, typically adjoining a home or pool enclosure to provide covered outdoor space.
- What is a pebble finish?
- A pebble finish is a pool surface coating made from small colored pebbles or aggregate mixed with cement and adhesive, applied over a concrete shell to create a textured, durable finish.
- What is a pool automation system?
- A pool automation system is networked equipment that lets you control pumps, heaters, lighting, chlorinators and water features from a smartphone app or wall-mounted panel rather than manually.
- What is a pool cage or screen enclosure?
- A pool cage is an aluminum-framed structure fitted with screening material that surrounds a swimming pool to exclude insects and debris while permitting airflow.
- What is a pool heat pump?
- A pool heat pump is a device that transfers ambient heat from the air into pool water using refrigerant circulation and a compressor, maintaining warm temperatures without burning fuel.
- What is a salt chlorine generator?
- A salt chlorine generator is a device that electrolyzes sodium chloride (salt) dissolved in pool water to produce chlorine for sanitization, eliminating the need for manually adding chlorine chemicals.
- What is a sand filter?
- A sand filter is a pool filtration system that pumps water through layers of sand to trap debris and particles, then reverses water flow during backwashing to clean the sand and drain waste.
- What is a spillover spa?
- A spillover spa is an attached, raised hot tub positioned above a pool's water level so that its overflow flows directly into the main pool, creating a visual and functional connection between the two bodies of water.
- What is a sun shelf?
- A sun shelf is a shallow, submerged ledge built into the interior wall or floor of a pool, typically 6 to 12 inches deep, designed for lounging, tanning, and wading.
- What is a variable speed pump?
- A variable speed pump is a pool circulation motor that adjusts its rotation speed continuously to match the current demands of filtration and water movement, rather than running at one or two fixed speeds.
- What is an infinity edge pool?
- An infinity edge pool features one or more edges where water spills over into a hidden catch basin, creating the visual illusion that the pool water extends to the horizon.
- What is Diamond Brite?
- Diamond Brite is a trademarked quartz aggregate pool plaster finish that provides a textured, colored surface more durable than standard marcite.
- What is gunite?
- Gunite is a pneumatically sprayed concrete and sand mixture applied to a steel reinforced framework to form the structural shell of a swimming pool.
- What is marcite?
- Marcite is a white cement-based plaster used as a pool finish that provides a smooth surface and traditionally lasts 5 to 7 years.
- What is pavers vs stamped concrete?
- Pavers are individual interlocking concrete or stone units installed side-by-side, while stamped concrete is a continuous poured surface with decorative texture or pattern pressed into it before curing.
- What is pool coping?
- Pool coping is the finished edge material that runs around the top of a pool shell, forming the transition between the pool structure and the surrounding deck.
- What is pool plaster?
- Pool plaster is a cement-based interior finish applied over a pool's structural shell to create a smooth, watertight surface and aesthetic appearance.
- What is pool resurfacing?
- Pool resurfacing is the application of a new protective finish layer over an existing pool interior to restore the surface when it has cracked, stained, or deteriorated.
- What is pool tile line?
- Pool tile line is a band of decorative tile installed at the waterline of a pool to conceal dirt and scum accumulation and provide an aesthetic finish to the pool structure.
- What is shotcrete?
- Shotcrete is a wet-mix concrete that is sprayed at high pressure onto formwork or existing surfaces, commonly used to construct pool shells and shells in Naples.
- What is travertine decking?
- Travertine decking is a natural limestone paver material laid around pool perimeters, prized for its cool surface feel and textured, slip-resistant finish.