The Pool Encyclopedia

Auto Cover

A retractable pool cover operated automatically to provide safety, reduce evaporation, and maintain water temperature. Auto covers are convenient and essential for energy efficiency and year-round pool care.

Automation System

A centralized control system that allows pool owners to manage functions such as lighting, heating, filtration, and water features remotely. Automation systems enhance convenience and streamline pool operations.

Baja Shelf

A shallow platform integrated at the pool’s entrance, ideal for lounging or wading. Designed for sunbathing with lounge chairs, this feature combines functionality with a luxurious, resort-style aesthetic.

Bar Stools

Submerged seating installed within the pool, often accompanying a swim-up bar. Bar stools provide a functional and social space for enjoying drinks and snacks, adding a resort-like feel to the waterscape.

Bubblers

Small jets installed in shallow areas such as tanning ledges, producing bubbling water effects. These playful and visually dynamic features enhance the pool's appeal and are especially popular among children and families.

Cabanas

Luxurious poolside structures offering shade, comfort, and a resort-like experience. Often outfitted with seating, fans, or entertainment systems, cabanas elevate both the functionality and aesthetic of the pool area.

Catch Basin

A concealed reservoir designed to collect water flowing from features such as infinity edges or scuppers. Catch basins ensure efficient water circulation and add to the seamless design of the pool’s water features.

Child-Barrier Fence

A safety barrier installed around the pool to prevent unauthorized access, particularly for children and pets. Pool fences are required in many regions for compliance with safety regulations.

Chlorinator

A device, incorporated into the equipment of the waterscape, that automatically dispenses chlorine into the water of the swimming pool, ensuring consistent sanitization while simplifying routine pool maintenance.

Concrete-Flocrete Decking

A specialized coating applied to pool decks to reduce surface temperatures, providing comfort for barefoot walking in hot climates. This feature enhances safety, usability, and complements the pool’s overall design.

Coping

The material used to cap the edge of a pool, providing a finished look while protecting the pool structure. Coping is available in various materials such as concrete, stone, and tile, blending functionality with design.

Deck Jets

Water features that project elegant streams of water from the pool deck into the pool. Often illuminated for dramatic nighttime effects, deck jets perfectly combine entertainment and visual appeal.

Endless Swim Unit

A powerful propulsion system installed in a pool, creating a current that allows swimmers to swim in place. Endless swim units are ideal for exercise, training, and compact spaces.

Filter

A key component of the pool’s circulation system that removes debris, dirt, and impurities from the water. Filters are available in with various components, sizes, and forms, each offering different levels of efficiency.

Fire Pit

A versatile fire feature designed for warmth and ambiance, often placed near pools or patios. Fire pits create a cozy gathering spot, combining functionality with a visually striking element in outdoor spaces.

Fire-Water Bowl

A decorative fire-water feature, typically placed near pools to enhance ambiance and visual drama. These striking bowls create a luxurious effect, and are fueled by natural gas or propane.

Fire-Water Feature

A striking design element that seamlessly combines fire and water, creating a dynamic contrast of movement and warmth through the use of linear fire features and sheer descent waterfalls.

Flush Spa

A spa integrated seamlessly with the pool, featuring a design where the water level of the spa is even with the surrounding pool or deck, creating a smooth, continuous surface, that offers a modern aesthetic.

Fountains

Water features that project streams of water into the air, creating movement, sound, and visual interest. Fountains enhance the ambiance of the pool area, offering a touch of elegance and serenity.

Freeform Pools

Pools with a curved shape, designed to mimic natural bodies of water as to offer a relaxed and organic aesthetic, making them an ideal choice for creating unique backyard retreats.

Geometric Pools

Pools defined by clean lines and precise shapes such as rectangles, squares, or circles. These modern, structured designs complement contemporary and minimalist landscapes, emphasizing symmetry and sophistication.

Glass Tile

Small, durable tiles made of glass, often used to create vibrant designs, patterns, or accents in pool interiors. Glass tiles add a polished, luxurious look and reflect light beautifully, enhancing the pool's aesthetic.

Gunite

A durable mixture of cement, sand, and water applied pneumatically to a framework of rebar. Renowned for its flexibility in creating custom shapes, gunite is a preferred material for luxury pool construction.

Handrails

Stainless steel or powder-coated rails installed at pool entry points to enhance safety and accessibility, providing additional support and functionality for those with mobility challenges.

Heat Pump

An energy-efficient pool heating system that transfers heat from the air to the pool water. Heat pumps are ideal for maintaining comfortable swimming temperatures while reducing energy costs.

Heater

A system designed to raise pool water temperature, extending the swimming season and enhancing comfort. Pool heaters can operate using gas or electricity, offering solutions for various climates, needs, and budgets.

Illusion Spa

A spa featuring an infinity-style edge that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, creating a serene visual effect that has become a hallmark of luxury waterscapes, perfect for more modern or minimalist homes.

In-Pool Fire Feature

A dramatic fire element installed within or at the edge of the pool, creating a striking blend of fire and water. These fire features enhance ambiance, provide warmth, and serve as a stunning focal point for any waterscape.

Infinity Edge

A pool design where water flows over one or more edges, creating the illusion of a seamless boundary. Often situated in elevated locations, infinity edge pools pair breathtaking views with architectural sophistication.

Lap Pool

A long, narrow pool specifically designed for swimming laps and exercise. Typically rectangular with consistent depth, lap pools are favored by fitness enthusiasts and homeowners seeking efficient use of limited space.

Ledge Lounger Chairs

Specially designed chairs for use on tanning ledges, crafted to withstand water exposure. Ledge lounger chairs offer a comfortable and stylish way to relax while partially immersed in the pool.

Lighted LED Bubbler

A decorative water feature installed in shallow areas of the pool, producing bubbling water enhanced with colorful LED lighting. These features add a dynamic visual to the pool, especially during evening hours.

Linear Fire Feature

A sleek, modern fire feature with a long, narrow design, often installed near pools or patios. Linear fire features provide warmth and ambiance while adding a sophisticated, contemporary touch to outdoor spaces.

Mosaic Tile

Small decorative tiles used to craft intricate patterns, images, or vibrant color schemes in pools. Commonly applied to interiors, steps, or waterlines, mosaic tiles add elegance and a personalized touch to pool designs.

Negative Edge

A pool design featuring one or more sides where water flows over the edge of the waterscape into a hidden catch basin, creating the illusion of water vanishing along the horizon.

Perimeter Overflow

A sophisticated pool design where water flows uniformly over all edges into a concealed trough, creating a mirror-like surface. This visually striking feature also enhances functionality by maintaining precise water levels.

Picture Window Screen

A large, unobstructed screen enclosure designed to provide clear, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while simultaneously keeping the pool area protected from insects and debris.

Planter Boxes

Raised planters, incorporated directly into surrounding a pool, designed to introduce greenery and flowers to the space. These elements enhance the natural beauty of the backyard, allowing for truly customized landscaping.

Planters

Decorative containers or structures used for cultivating plants, flowers, or greenery around the pool area. Planters enhance the natural beauty of the space, creating harmony between landscaping and waterscape.

Plunge Pool

A small, deep pool intended for soaking and cooling off rather than swimming. Compact and energy-efficient, plunge pools are ideal for smaller spaces or as secondary features, offering easy maintenance and relaxation.

Pool Deck

The area surrounding a pool, designed for walking, lounging, and enhancing the usability of one's outdoor space, typically constructed with materials like concrete, pavers, or natural stone.

Pool Grotto

A hidden, cave-like feature integrated into the pool, often enhanced with waterfalls or seating areas. Pool grottos provide a secluded, luxurious retreat, offering true relaxation to any pool environment.

Pool Ladder

A removable or built-in ladder designed for safe entry and exit from the pool. Pool ladders are typically made from stainless steel or powder-coated materials for durability and ease of use.

Pool Return

Inlets located around the pool that return filtered, treated water back into the pool. Pool returns are an essential part of the pool's circulation system, ensuring no portion of the waterscape becomes stagnant.

Pool Steps

An element incorporated directly into the swimming pool, pool steps are designed to provide both safe and convenient entry, as well as exit, from a waterscape, often featuring non-slip surfaces.

Poolside Furniture

Outdoor furniture designed for use around the pool area, including loungers, chairs, tables, and umbrellas. Poolside furniture provides comfort and functionality, enhancing the usability and aesthetic of the space.

Pump Basket

A component within the pool pump, designed to capture debris. Through the prevention of major clogs, , the pump basket ensures efficient pump operation, along with increasing overall waterscape health.

Putting Green

A small, landscaped area designed for practicing golf, which may be integrated directly into the pool deck or backyard space, offering both recreational functionality and visual appeal.

Rain Curtain

A water feature that produces a wide, thin sheet of water flowing vertically into the pool, designed to emulate the ambiance of a gentle rain while adding a dramatic visual effect to the outdoor area.

Raised Spa

A spa elevated above the level of the pool, often featuring a spillover edge where water cascades into the pool below. This design element adds visual drama and functional luxury to outdoor spaces.

Rock Waterfall

A naturalistic water feature, constructed with rocks and cascading water. Rock waterfalls bring movement, sound, and tranquility to an outdoor space, and are often paired with freeform or lagoon-style pools.

Saltwater Pools

Swimming pools that implement a salt chlorinator to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, offering a gentler swim experience than that of traditional chlorination, along with reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

Screen Enclosure

A structure surrounding the pool area, often made of glass or screened materials, providing protection from debris, insects, and harsh weather while maintaining an open, outdoor feel.

Scuppers

Architectural water features that channel water from a raised structure into the pool or a catch basin. Scuppers create a soothing sound and a dynamic visual element, enhancing the ambiance and elegance of the pool area.

Sheer Descent

A waterfall feature creating a smooth, thin sheet of water that flows elegantly into the pool. Known for its modern appeal, this feature enhances the pool’s ambiance with an understated elegance.

Skimmer

A built-in device located at the pool's waterline designed to capture debris such as leaves and dirt. Skimmers help maintain water clarity and cleanliness, playing a critical role in the pool’s filtration system.

Spillover Spa

An elevated spa, featuring water cascading gracefully into the pool below. This design combines the relaxation of a spa with the functionality of a pool, creating a visually stunning focal point.

Spillways

Narrow channels that allow water to flow from one area to another, such as from a raised spa into a pool. Spillways enhance the visual and auditory appeal of the pool while seamlessly connecting different features.

Sun Shelf

A broad, shallow area in a pool, typically 4 to 8 inches in depth, designed for lounging, sunbathing, or safe play for children and pets, adding a versatile and luxurious element to the modern waterscape.

Suspended Water Feature

A dramatic water element in which water flows from a suspended structure. Suspended water features create a striking visual effect, and add unparalleled architectural sophistication to the pool area.

Swim Jet System

A high-powered propulsion system installed in the pool to create a strong current for resistance swimming or aquatic exercise. Swim jet systems are ideal for fitness-focused swimmers in compact pools.

Swim-Up Bar

An in-pool bar, often featuring submerged seating and a dedicated countertop, creating the ideal space for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying a beverage without leaving the water.

Tanning Ledge

A shallow area of a pool, typically 4 to 8 inches deep, designed for lounging and relaxation, and perfect for sunbathing with lounge chairs or for children and pets to safely enjoy the water.

Travertine Decking

A pool deck comprised of a premium natural stone material, known for its durability, slip resistance, and ability to stay cool underfoot, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces with its elegant, timeless look.

Turf Decking

A poolside surface made of synthetic turf, offering a soft, grass-like texture. Turf decking provides a visually appealing, low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass or hardscaping.

Umbrella Sleeves

Sleeves installed in pool decks or tanning ledges to securely hold umbrellas. These features provide convenient shade and comfort while blending seamlessly into the pool’s design.

Water Bowls

Decorative bowls that release flowing water into the pool or catch basins, combining elegance with functionality, enhancing both the visual and sonic elements of the backyard.

Water Feature Wall

A vertical structure integrated into the pool design, often featuring cascading water or decorative elements. Water feature walls serve as striking focal points, blending functionality with aesthetics.

Waterline Tile

Decorative tiles installed along the edge where the pool water meets the wall, preventing stains and scale buildup while offering a unique and personalized visual appeal.

Zero-Entry Pool

A pool design featuring a gradual slope from the deck into the water, mimicking a natural beach. Zero-entry pools offer accessibility and an elegant, modern aesthetic.