SAND FILTER: A filter tank, usually
fiberglass or ABS plastic, filled with sand and gravel. The pump
diffuses water over the top of the sand bed, and forces it through
the sand and into the laterals on the bottom.
SKIMMER: A surface skimmer is
a plumbing fitting set at water level, containing a weir mechanism
and a debris basket. The skimmer is part of the suction side
circulation system.
SKIMMER BASKET: Beneath the lid,
the basket strains debris, as the first line of defense in filtering
the water.
SKIMMER NET: Attached to a telescopic
pole, a leaf rake is a very useful tool in keeping the pool clean.
Also called a skimmer net are the flat, "dip and flip"
nets, which aren't so useful.
STRAINER BASKET: The second line
of defense is a basket at the pump. The holes in this are smaller
than those in a skimmer basket, and prevent the pump impeller
from clogging up.
SUCTION SIDE: The plumbing prior
to and carrying water to the pump. This side is under vacuum
pressure.
SPA: A filtered, hot water vessel
with hydrotherapy jets and air induction. Can be portable or
installed permanently. Jacuzzi is a brand name.
TEST KIT: What you should be
using more frequently to determine the water balance in your
pool.
TIME CLOCK: A mechanical device
that controls the timed operation of your electrical equipment,
primarily your filter and booster pumps.
TURNOVER: The amount of time
it takes your pump to move all the water in your pool through
the filter and back again. Usually, pools are designed for an
eight hour turnover.
VACUUM: Refers to the low pressure
condition created in the suction line. Also refers to the cleaning
process of sucking leaves, algae and debris from the pool floor.
VALVES: A device placed in the
plumbing line which restricts or obstructs water flow to create
desired hydraulics, or may permit flow in one direction only
(as in a check valve).
WEIR: The device in a skimmer
that controls the amount of water coming into the skimmer, and
keeps debris inside. That "flapper-gate thing".
