 | ABRASION HAZARD - A sharp or rough surface that would scrape the
skin by chance during normal use. |
| ACCESSIBLE - Easily exposed for inspection and the replacement of
materials and/or parts with the use of tools. |
| ACID - A liquid or dry compound used to reduce the pH of Swimming
pool or spa water. SEE SODIUM BISULFATE, MURIATIC ACID |
| ACTIVATED CARBON - Usually granulated, activated carbon, used to
remove excessive oxidizers (e.g. ozone), colors and odors in water. |
| AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM - A system whereby a volume of air (only) is
inducted into a hollow ducting in a spa floor, bench, or other location.
The air induction system is activated by a separate air blower. |
| ALGAE - Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll.
Algae are nourished by sunlight (carrying out photosynthesis). They are
introduced by rain or wind and grow in colonies producing nuisance masses.
These organisms include green, blue-green or black, brown, and yellow-green
(mustard) algae. Pink/red colored algae-like organisms exist but are
bacteria and not algae. There are 21,000 known species of algae.
Plant-like organisms which grow in water due to a lack of sanitizers, and
certain warm temperatures. |
| ALGAECIDE (ALGICIDE) - A natural or synthetic substance used for
killing, destroying, or controlling algae. |
| ALGICIDAL - Being capable of killing algae. |
| ALGISTAT - Any substance or agent that inhibits the growth of
algae. |
| ALGISTATIC - Being able to inhibit the growth of algae. |
| ALKALINITY - The amount of bicarbonate, carbonate or hydroxide
compounds present in water solution. See also TOTAL ALKALINITY |
| ALUM (Aluminum Sulfate) - An aluminum sulfate compound, used to
cause suspended solids in the water to congeal into filterable masses.
(flocculate) |
| APPURTENANCE - A subordinate part or adjunct; accessory object. |
| AVAILABLE CHLORINE - A term used in rating chlorine containing
products as to their total oxidizing power. See also FREE AVAILABLE
CHLORINE Top of Page
B
|
| BACKWASH - The process of thoroughly cleansing the filter medium
and/or elements by the reverse flow of water through the filter. |
| BACKWASH CYCLE - The time required to backwash thoroughly the
filter medium and/or elements and the contents of the filter vessel. |
| BACKWASH PIPING - The pipe or hose going from the backwash outlet
of a filter system to a disposal point. |
| BACKWASH RATE - The rate of flow of water through a filter during
the backwash cycle, normally expressed in US Gallons per minute per square
foot of effective filter area. |
| BACTERIA - Single-celled micro-organisms of various forms, some of
which can cause infections or disease. |
| BAND - See HOOP |
| BARRIER - A fence, a safety cover, a wall, a building wall or a
combination thereof which completely surrounds or covers the swimming pool and
obstructs access to the swimming pool. |
| BATHER - see USER |
| BATHER LOAD - See USER LOAD |
| BEGINNER'S AREA - Those water areas in pools which are three feet
(3') or less in water depth. |
| BOOSTER PUMP SYSTEM - A system whereby one or more hydrotherapy
jets is activated by the use of a pump which is completely independent of the
filtration and heating system of a pool or spa. ALSO a device used to
provide hydraulic support for certain types of equipment such as cleaning
systems, gas chlorinators, and solar heating systems. |
| BOTTOM RAIL - The lower portion of the pool frame that guides the
aboveground pool wall in place. |
| BREAKPOINT - See SUPERCHLORINATION |
| BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION - The addition of a sufficient amount of
chlorine to water to destroy the combined chlorine present. |
| BROADCAST - A method of putting granular or powdered chemicals into
a pool or spa by spreading them widely over the surface of the water. |
| BROMINATOR - A device used to apply or to deliver a bromine
disinfectant to the water at a controlled rate. |
| BROMINE (Br2) - A chemical element that exists as a liquid in its
elemental form or as a part of a chemical compound which is an oxidant and
biocidal agent used to disinfect pool or spa water.
Top of Page
C
|
| CALCIUM CARBONATE (CaCO3) - See SCALE |
| CALCIUM CHLORIDE (CaCl2) - A soluble white salt used to raise the
calcium hardness of pool or spa water. |
| CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE (Ca(OCI)2) - A solid white form of inorganic
chlorine found in both granular and tablet forms, it has a pH of approximately
11 and is 65-70% available chlorine. See HYPOCHLORITE |
| CARTRIDGE - A depth, pleated, or surface-type filter component with
fixed dimensions and designed to remove suspended particles from water flowing
through the filter.
 | Depth Type Cartridge - A filter cartridge with media relying on
penetration of particles into the medium for removal and providing adequate
holding capacity of such particles. |
| Surface Type Cartridge - A filter cartridge with a media relying
on the retention of particles on the surface of the cartridge for removal. |
|
| CASUAL CONTACT - Contact of any body part occurring by normal use
modes. |
| CHEMICAL FEEDER - A mechanical device for applying chemicals to
pool or spa water. |
| CHINE - That portion of the stave of a hot tub below the bottom of
the croze. |
| CHINE JOIST - a brace that provides support to the floor of a hot
tub |
| CHLORAMINE - A compound formed when chlorine combines with nitrogen
or ammonia which causes eye and skin irritation and has a strong,
objectionable odor. |
| CHLORINATOR - A mechanical device to apply or deliver a chlorine
disinfectant to pool or spa water at a controlled rate. |
| CHLORINE (Cl2) - A chemical element that exists as a gas in its
elemental form or as a part of a chemical compound which is an oxidant and a
biocidal agent used in pool or spa water disinfection. See also
HYPOCHLORITE |
| CHLORINE GENERATOR - Equipment that generates chlorine,
hypochlorous acid, or hypo-chlorite on site for disinfection and oxidation of
water contaminants |
| CIRCULATION EQUIPMENT - The mechanical components which are a part
of a circulation system on a pool or spa. Circulation equipment may be,
but is not limited to categories of pumps, hair and lint strainers, filters,
valves, gauges, meters, heaters, surface skimmers, inlet/outlet fittings, and
chemical feeding devices. The components have separate functions, but
when connected to each other by piping, perform as a coordinated system for
purposes of maintaining pool or spa water in a clear, sanitary, and desirable
condition for using. |
| CIRCULATION SYSTEM - An arrangement of mechanical equipment or
components, connected by piping to a pool or spa in a closed circuit.
The function of a circulation system is to direct water from the pool or spa,
causing it to flow through the various system components for purposes of
clarifying, heating, purifying, and returning the water back to the original
body of water. |
| CLARIFIER - See also COAGULANT or FLOCCULANT - A
chemical that coagulates and neutralizes suspended particles in water.
There are two types: Inorganic salts of aluminum or iron, and
water-soluble organic polyelectrolyte polymers. |
| COLD CRACK (vinyl liner) - Tested by the Masland Test Method.
The vinyl specimen is folded in half, mounted on a test plate, and subjected
to the test temperature for one hour. Then is impacted with a calibrated
anvil. |
| COMBINED CHLORINE - The portion of the total chlorine existing in
water in chemical combination with ammonia, nitrogen, and/or organic
compounds; mostly comprised of chloramines. |
| CONTACT CONCENTRATION - The concentration of a chemical in a flow
of water. This concentration depends on the rate of addition, the flow
rate of the water, and the efficiency of the mixing. It is calculated
using the equation (assumes complete mixing): Amount of chemical
(grams/hour)/Water Flow Rate (gpm) X 4.41 = Contact Concentration (mg/L). |
| COPING - The cap on the pool or spa wall that provides a finishing
edge around the pool or spa. Can be formed, cast in place or pre-cast,
or pre-fabricated from metal or plastic materials. It may be used as
part of the system that secures a vinyl liner to the top of the pool wall. |
| CORROSION - The etching, pitting, or eating away of a material by
chemical action |
| COVE - The radius between the pool or spa wall and the pool or spa
floor. |
| COVERS - Something that covers, protects or shelters, or a
combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa or hot tub.
| Hard Top Cover - A cover used on pools, spas, or tubs that rests
on the lip of the pool or spa deck, not a flotation cover, used as a barrier
to users, for maintenance and thermal protection. |
| Winter Cover - A cover that is secured around the perimeter of
the pool or spa that provides a barrier to debris, when the pool or spa is
closed for the season. |
| Solar Cover - A cover that when placed on a pool or spa surface,
increases the water temperature by solar activity, and reduces evaporation. |
| Thermal Cover - An insulating cover used to help prevent
evaporation and heat loss from pools or spas. |
| Safety Cover - As defined by ASTM F1346, Performance
Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, a barrier (intended to be completely
removed before entry of users), for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs or wading
pools, attendant appurtenances and/or anchoring mechanisms which will - when
properly labeled, installed, used and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturers' published instructions - reduce the risk of drowning of
children under five years of age, by inhibiting their access to the
contained body of water, and by providing for the removal of any
substantially hazardous level of collected surface water. (These
covers may be powered or manual). |
|
| CROZE - The milled grooves in the stave of a wooden hot tub that
accommodate the floor boards. |
| CYANURIC ACID - See also STABILIZER, ISOCYANURIC ACID,
CONDITIONER or TRIAZINETRIONE. A chemical that helps
reduce the excess loss of chlorine in water due to the ultraviolet rays of the
sun. Top of Page
D
|
| DECKS - Those areas immediately adjacent to or attached to a pool
or spa that are specifically constructed or installed for use by users for
sitting, standing, or walking.
| Cantilever-type - A deck structure which relies on the pool
structure for support. |
| Free-Standing Type - A deck structure which does not rely on the
pool structure for support. |
|
| DEEP AREAS - Water depths of five feet (5') or greater. |
| DIATOMITE - See also DE POWDER - The filtering medium of a
diatomaceous earth filter composed of microscopic fossil skeletons of the
"diatom", a tiny freshwater marine plankton. |
| DISINFECTANT - Energy or chemicals to kill undesirable or
pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms, and having a measurable residual at a
level adequate to make the desired kill. |
| DISSOLVED SOLIDS - See TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) |
| DIVING BOARD - A recreational mechanism for entering a swimming
pool, consisting of a semi-rigid board that derives its elasticity through the
use of a fulcrum mounted below the board.
| Jump Board - A recreational mechanism that has a coil spring,
leaf spring or comparable device located beneath the board which is
activated by the force exerted in jumping on the board. |
| Stationary Diving Platform - Stationary diving platforms are used
for diving and are constructed or located on site. They may be natural
or artificial rocks, pedestals, or other items constructed on site. |
|
| DIVING EQUIPMENT, COMPETITIVE - Competitive diving equipment shall
include competitive diving boards and fulcrum setting diving stands intended
to provide adjustment for competitive diving. |
| DIVING EQUIPMENT, MANUFACTURED - Manufactured diving equipment
shall include diving boards, jump boards, spring boards, and starting
platforms. Architectural features such as decorative rocks and elevated
bond beams are not considered to be manufactured diving equipment. |
| DPD (DIETHYLPPHENYLENEDIAMINE) - A reagent and test method that
specifically measures bromine or free available and total chlorine; produces a
series of colors from pale pink to dark red. Top of
Page
E
|
| EDGE GUARDS - Shields designed to cover sharp edges in aboveground
swimming pools |
| EFFECTIVE FILTER AREA - Total surface area through which designed
flow rate will be maintained during filtration.
|
| FACTOR OF SAFETY - The ultimate load divided by the safe load or
the ultimate strength divided by the allowable stress. |
| FEET OF HEAD - A basis for indicating the resistance in a hydraulic
system, equivalent to the height of a column of water that would cause the
same resistance (100 feet of head equals 43 pounds per square inch). The
TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD is the sum of all resistances in a complete
operating system. |
| FILTER - A device that removes un-dissolved particles from water by
recirculating the water through a porous substance (a filter medium or
element)
| Permanent Medium Filter - A filter that utilizes a medium, e.g.
sand, that under normal use will not have to be replaced. |
| Diatomaceous Earth Filter - A filter that utilizes a thin coating
of diatomaceous earth (DE) over a porous fabric as its filter medium that
periodically must be replaced. |
| Cartridge Filter - A filter that utilizes a porous element that
acts as a filter medium. The cartridge is disposable. |
| Vacuum Filter - A filter that operates under a vacuum from the
suction of a pump. |
|
| FILTER AGITATION - The mechanical or manual movement to dislodge
the filter aid and dirt from the filter element. |
| FILTER AID - Usually refers to powder-like substances such as
diatomaceous earth or volcanic ash used to coat a septum type filter.
Can also be used as an aid to sand filters. |
| FILTER CYCLE - The operating time between cleaning or backwash
cycles. |
| FILTER ELEMENT - A device within a filter tank designed to entrap
solids and conduct water to a manifold, collection header, pipe or similar
conduit and return it to the pool or spa. A filter element usually
consists of a septum and septum support, or a cartridge. |
| FILTER MEDIUM - A finely graded material such as sand, diatomaceous
earth, polyester fabric, anthracite, etc. that removes filterable particles
from the water. |
| FILTRATION FLOW - The design rate of flow, in volume per time (gpm,
gph), through the filter system installed per manufacturers instructions with
a new, clean filter medium. |
| FILTRATION RATE - The rate of filtration of water flowing through a
filter during the filter cycle expressed in US gallons per minute per square
foot of effective filter area. |
| FIREMAN SWITCH - A mechanism adapted to the time clock which will
turn the heater off long enough for it to cool down before the time clock
turns the pump off. |
| FLOCCULATING AGENT (FLOCCULANT) - A chemical substance or compound
that promotes the combination, agglomeration, or coagulation of suspended
particles in water. |
| FLOOR - Shall refer to the interior bottom surface of a pool or
spa. |
| FRAME - That structure that defines and/or supports the outline or
shape of the aboveground pool wall. |
| FREE AVAILABLE CHLORINE - That portion of the total chlorine
remaining in chlorinated water that is not combined with ammonia or nitrogen
compounds and will react chemically with undesirable or pathogenic organisms. |
| FREEBOARD - The clear vertical distance between the top of the
filter medium and the lowest outlet of the upper distribution system in a
permanent medium filter. |
| FREE CHLORINE - See FREE AVAILABLE CHLORINE
Top of Page
G
|
| GRAB RAIL - Tubular rails used to enter or leave a pool or spa,
usually made of stainless steel or chrome plated brass. See also
HANDHOLD/HANDRAIL |
| GUNITE - A dry mixture of cement and sand, sprayed onto contoured
and supported surfaces to build a pool or spa. Water is added to the dry
mixture at the nozzle. Top of Page
H
|
| HANDHOLD/HANDRAIL - A device that can be gripped by a user for the
purpose of resting and/or steadying him/herself. It is not limited to
but may be located within or without the pool or spa or as part of a set of
steps or deck installed equipment. |
| HARDNESS - The amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water;
measured by a test kit and expressed as parts per million (ppm) of equivalent
calcium carbonate. |
| HEATER - A fossil fueled, electric or solar device to heat the
water of a pool or spa. Fossil fueled heaters use natural, propane gas
or fuel oil and utilize an open flame to heat a heat exchanger. Electric
heaters utilize a heating element immersed in water. Solar heaters
utilize ultraviolet rays of the sun to heat the water. Other ways to
categorize heaters include: Direct heaters heat the tubes in which the water
circulates. Indirect heaters circulate steam or hot water inside a heat
exchanger through which water flows. |
| HEAT EXCHANGER - a device with coils, tubes or plates that takes
heat away from any fluid, liquid or air, and transfers that heat to another
fluid without mixing the fluids together. |
| HEAT PUMP - A refrigeration compressor usually electrically driven,
that is operated in reverse. To obtain heat, the evaporator side
(cooling coil) is exposed to water, air or ground. The coil takes the
heat from this source and transfers it to the condenser coil where it
discharges the heat to the pool or spa to be heated. |
| HOOP - A circumferential constraint that prohibits the staves of a
hot tub from separating. Also, device used to secure two halves of a
filter together. See BAND |
| HOOP CONNECTOR - A tightening and connecting device |
| HOT TUB - A spa constructed of wood with sides and bottoms formed
separately; and the whole shaped to join together by pressure from the
surrounding hoops, bands, or rods; as distinct from spa units formed of
plastic, concrete, metal, or other materials. |
| HYDROCHLORIC ACID (HCI) - Also called muriatic acid when diluted.
A very strong acid used in pools or spas for pH control and for certain
specific cleaning needs. A by-product of the addition of chlorine gas to
water. Use extreme caution in handling. See also MURIATIC ACID |
| HYDROTHERAPY JETS - A fitting that blends air and water creating a
high-velocity, turbulent stream of air-enriched water. |
| HYDROTHERAPY SPA - A unit that may have a therapeutic use but which
is not drained, cleaned or refilled for each individual. It may include
but not be limited to, hydrotherapy jet circulation, hot water, cold water
mineral baths, air induction bubbles, or any combination thereof.
Industry terminology for a spa includes, but is not limited to, "therapeutic
pool", "hydrotherapy pool", "whirlpool", "hot spa", etc. NSPI standards
exclude facilities used or under the direct supervision and control of
licensed medical personnel. |
| HYPOBROMOUS ACID (HOBr) - The most powerful disinfecting form of
bromine in water. |
| HYPOCHLORITE - A family of chemical compounds including CALCIUM
HYPOCHLORITE, LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE, SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE, etc., found in
various forms for use as a chlorine carrier in pool and spa water. |
| HYPOCHLOROUS ACID (HOCI) - The most powerful disinfecting form of
chlorine in water. Top of Page
I
|
| IMPELLER - The rotating vanes of a centrifugal pump; its
action creates the flow of water. |
| INFLUENT - The water entering a filter or other device. |
| INLET, RETURN - see RETURN INLET |
| IODINE (I2) - a chemical element that exists as a grayish-black
granule in its normal state, or as a part of a chemical compound, which is a
biocidal agent used to disinfect pool and spa water. The spa
disinfectant is in the form of liquid iodine and in iodine compounds.
Chlorine used with iodides releases elemental iodine. |
| ISOCYANURATES (also ICOs) - Families of pool sanitizer products
that are self stabilizing by containing cyanuric acid. also called
STABILIZED CHLORINES. Top of Page
J
|
| JETS - See HYDROTHERAPY JETS - A fitting in a pool or
spa wall where water is returned to the vessel. Top
of Page
L
|
| LADDERS - A structure or device used to enter or exit a pool or
spa.
| A-Frame Ladder - An entry ladder that straddles an
aboveground/onground pool wall and is either removable (Type A) or has a
built-in entry limiting feature. (Type B) |
| Double Access Ladder (Type A) - An "A-Frame" ladder that
straddles the pool wall of an aboveground pool and provides pool ingress and
egress, and is intended to be removed when not in use. |
| Limited Access Ladder (Type B) - An "A-Frame" ladder that
straddles an aboveground/onground pool wall and is removable with a built in
entry limiting provision for making entry inaccessible when a pool or spa is
not in use. (I.E., swing-up, slide-up, "Pick Off" or equivalent) |
| Staircase Ladder (Type C) - A "Ground to deck" staircase ladder
that allows access to an aboveground pool deck and has a built-in entry
limiting feature. A type E "in-pool" staircase ladder is located in
the pool to provide a means of ingress and egress from the pool to the deck. |
| In-pool or Spa Ladder (Type D) - An "in-pool" ladder located in a
pool or spa to provide ingress and egress from the deck. |
| Staircase Ladder (Type E) - An "in-pool" staircase ladder located
in the pool to provide a means of ingress and egress from the pool to the
deck. |
|
| LINER - See VINYL LINER |
| LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE (LiOCI) - A solid white granular form of
inorganic chlorine that has a pH of approximately 9 and contains an Available
Chlorine Content (ACC) of 35%. |
| LOWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (Underdrain) - Those devices used in the
bottom of a permanent medium filter to collect the water during filtering and
distribute the water during backwashing. Top of Page
M
|
| MAKE-UP WATER - Fresh water used to fill or re-fill the pool or
spa. See also SOURCE WATER |
| MARCITE - See PLASTER |
| MULTIPORT VALVE - a filter valve having a number of control
positions for various filter operations that combines in one unit the function
of two or more single valves. |
| MURIATIC ACID (HYDROCHLORIC ACID) (HCI) - Used to lower pH and/or
Total Alkalinity in pool and spa water. Also used as a cleaning agent.
Use extreme care in handling, storage and use. Top of
Page
N
|
| NON-SWIMMING AREA - Any portion of a pool where water depth, offset
ledges, or similar irregularities would prevent normal swimming activities. |
| NON-TOXIC - Meaning that a given substance has no adverse
physiological effect on human beings or other living organisms.
Top of Page
O
|
| ORGANIC MATTER - Perspiration, urine, saliva, suntan oil,
cosmetics, lotions, dead skin, and similar debris introduced to water by users
and the environment. |
| ORP - Also called REDOX - The OXIDATION REDUCTION
POTENTIAL produced by strong oxidizing agents in a water solution.
It is a measure of the oxidation level measured in milivolts by an ORP
METER. |
| OTO (ORTHOTOLIDINE) - A colorless reagent that reacts with chlorine
or bromine to produce a series of yellow-to-orange colors which indicate the
amount of chlorine or bromine in water. Effectively measures total
chlorine only. |
| OVERFLOW SYSTEM - Refers to the removal of pool/spa surface water
through the use of overflows, surface skimmers, and surface water collection
systems of various designs and manufacture. |
| OZONE (O3) - A gaseous molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen
that is generated on site and used for oxidation of water contaminants. |
| OZONE, LOW OUTPUT GENERATING EQUIPMENT (OZONATOR) - Refers to units
which will produce ozone in air at a concentration less than 500 ppm.
Usually this term will refer to ultraviolet (UV) generators.
Top of Page
P
|
| PASS THROUGH - Referring to opening between vertical pickets of a
fence |
| pH - A value expressing the relative acidity or basicity of a
substance, such as water, as indicated by the hydrogen ion concentration.
pH is expressed as a number on the scale of 0 to 14, with 0 being most acidic,
1 to 7 being acidic, 7 being neutral, 7 to 14 being basic and 14 being most
basic. |
| PHENOL RED - A dye that is used to measure pH. |
| PINCHING HAZARD - Any configuration of components that would pinch
or entrap the user. |
| PLASTER - A type of interior finish (a mixture of white cement and
aggregate, which can be colored or tinted) which is applied to a concrete pool
or spa. Also called Marcite or Marblite. |
| POOLS -
| Permanently Installed Swimming Pool - A pool that is constructed
in the ground or in a building in such a manner that cannot be readily
disassembled for storage. |
| Aboveground Pool - Type 0 - A removable pool of any shape that
has a minimum water depth of thirty-six inches (36") and maximum water depth
of forty-eight inches (48") at the wall. The wall is located on the
surrounding earth and may be, readily disassembled or stored and reassembled
to its original integrity. Diving and the use of a water slide are
prohibited. |
| On-Ground Residential Swimming Pool - Type 0 - A removable pool
package whose walls rest fully on the surrounding earth and has an excavated
area below the ground level where diving and the use of a water slide are
prohibited. The slope adjacent to the shallow area shall have a
maximum slope of 3:1, and the slope adjacent to the side walls shall have a
maximum slope of 1:1. |
| Inground Swimming Pool - Any pool whose sides rest in partial or
full contact with the earth. |
| Residential Pool - A residential pool shall be defined as any
constructed pool, permanent or non-portable, that is intended for
noncommercial use as a swimming pool by not more than three (3) owner
families and their guests and that is over twenty-four inches (24") in
depth, has a surface area exceeding 250 square feet and/or volume over 3,250
gallons. Residential pools shall be further classified into types as
an indication of the suitability of a pool for use with diving equipment.
 | Type 0 - Any residential pool where the installation of diving
equipment is prohibited |
| Type I-V - Residential pools suitable for the installation of
diving equipment by type. Diving equipment classified at a higher
type may not be used on a pool of a lesser type. (i.e., Type III equipment
on a Type II pool). |
|
| Commercial/Public Pool - Any pool, other than a residential pool,
which is intended to be used for swimming or bathing and is operated by an
owner, lessee, operator, licensee or concessionaire, regardless of whether a
fee is charged for use. References within the standard to various
types of public pools are defined by the following categories:
| Class A Competition Pool - Any pool intended for use for
accredited competitive aquatic events such as Federation Internationale De
Natation Amateur (FINA), U.S. Swimming, U.S. Diving, National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), National Federation of State High School
Associations (NFSHSA), etc. The pool may also be used for
recreation. |
| Class B Public Pool - Any pool intended for public recreational
use. |
| Class C Semi-Public Pool - Any pool operated solely for and in
conjunction with lodgings such as hotels, motels, apartments,
condominiums, etc. |
| Class D Other Pool - Any pool operated for medical treatment,
therapy, exercise, lap swimming, recreational play, and other special
purposes, including but not limited to, wave or surf action pools,
activity pools, splash pools, kiddie pools, and play areas. These
pools are not intended to be covered within the scope of NSPI Standards.
Public pools may be diving or non-diving. If diving, they shall be further
classified into types as an indication of the suitability of a pool for
use with diving equipment.
| Type VI-XI - Public pools suitable for the installation of
diving equipment by type. Diving equipment classified at a higher
type may not be used on a pool of a lesser type. (i.e., Type VIII
equipment on a Type VI pool). |
| Type N - A non-diving public pool (no diving allowed) |
| Splasher (wader) Pools - A splasher pool shall have a minimum
water depth of twenty-four inches (24") and a maximum depth of
thirty-six inches (36"). |
| Wading Pool - A pool that has a shallow depth used for
wading. There are no requirements for residential wading pools. |
|
|
|
| POOL UPRIGHT SUPPORT - That portion of the frame that is adjacent
to the aboveground pool in a vertical position which supports the top rail and
braces the wall. |
| POTABLE WATER - Any water, such as an approved domestic water
supply, which is bacteriologically safe and otherwise suitable for drinking. |
| PPM - An abbreviation for PARTS PER MILLION. The unit of
measurement used in chemical testing which indicates the parts by weight in
relation to one million parts by weight of water. It is essentially
identical to the term milligrams per liter (mg/L). |
| PRECIPITATE - A solid material which is forced out of a solution by
some chemical reaction and which may settle out or remain as a haze in
suspension (turbidity). |
| PRE-COAT - The coating of filter aid on the septum of a
diatomaceous earth type filter at the beginning of each filter cycle. |
| PRE-COAT FEEDER - A chemical feeder designed to inject diatomaceous
earth into a filter in sufficient quantity to coat the filter septum at the
start of a filter run. |
| PRESSURE CHECK - A test for the rate of water flow; also a
test for leaks in a system. |
| PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL - The difference in pressure between two
parts of a hydraulic system, such as the influent and effluent of a filter. |
| PRIMARY STRUCTURAL MEMBERS - Any part of the aboveground pool
structure that carries or retains any static load or stress caused by water
pressure, surge and/or natural forces, and for reasonable foreseeable use. |
| PSI - Pounds per square inch. |
| PUMP - A mechanical device, usually powered by an electric motor,
which causes hydraulic flow and pressure for the purpose of filtration,
heating, and circulation of pool and spa water. Typically, a centrifugal
pump design is used for pools and spas. |
| PUNCTURE HAZARD - Any surface or protrusion that would puncture a
user's skin under casual contact. Top of Page
Q
|
| QUATERNARY AMMONIUM - Also called QUATS - Organic compounds
of ammonia used as algaestat and germicide. Top of
Page
R
|
| RATE OF FLOW - The quantity of water flowing past a designated
point within a specified time, such as the number of gallons flowing in one
minute (GPM). |
| RATED PRESSURE - That pressure that is equal to or less than the
designed pressure and appears on the data plate of the equipment. |
| REHABILITATION - The activity of restoring all or part of a pool or
spa structure, and its a component parts, back into good condition, including
the rebuilding and/or replacing of worn and broken parts or components. |
| REMOVABLE - Capable of being disassembled with the use of only
simple tools such as a screwdriver, pliers or wrenches. |
| RETURN INLET - The aperture or fitting through which the water
under positive pressure returns into a pool or spa. |
| RETURN PIPING - That piping which is referred to as effluent. |
| RING BUOY - A ring-shaped floating buoy capable of supporting a
user. |
| ROPE AND FLOAT LINE - A continuous line not less than one-fourth
inch (1/4") in diameter, which is supported by buoys and attached to opposite
sides of a pool to separate the deep and shallow ends.
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S
|
| SCALE - The precipitate that forms on surfaces in contact with
water when the calcium hardness, pH, or total alkalinity levels are too high. |
| SECONDARY STRUCTURAL MEMBERS - Any part of the aboveground pool
structure that is not subject to load caused by water pressure. |
| SEPTUM - That part of the filter element consisting of cloth, wire
screen, or other porous material on which the filter medium or aid is
deposited. |
| SEQUESTERING AGENT - Synonymous with CHELATING or METAL
COMPLEXATION AGENT, a sequestering agent reacts with potential stain
producing metal ions (i.e., copper, iron, etc.) to reduce staining of pool/spa
surfaces and associated colored water. |
| SHALLOW AREAS - Portions of a pool or spa with water depths less
than five feet (5'). |
| SHOCK TREATMENT - The practice of adding significant amounts of an
oxidizing chemical to water to destroy ammonia and nitrogenous and organic
contaminants in water. |
| SHOTCRETE - A mixture of cement and sand, applied onto contoured
and supported surfaces to build a pool or spa. Shotcrete is premixed and
pumped wet to the construction site. |
| SIGHT BARRIER - Available opening space in any given or total fence
area. |
| SKIMMER - See also SURFACE SKIMMING SYSTEM
| Thru-wall - A device installed in the wall of an inground pool or
spa or aboveground/onground pool that permits the continuous removal of
floating debris and surface water to the filter. |
| Over-the-wall - A device installed over the wall of an
aboveground/onground pool that allows for continuous removal of debris and
surface water to the filter. |
|
| SKIMMER WEIR - Part of a skimmer which adjusts automatically to
small changes in water level to assure a continuous flow of water to the
skimmer. See WEIR. |
| SLIP RESISTANCE - A surface that has been so treated or constructed
as to significantly reduce the chance of a user slipping. The surface
should not be an abrasion hazard. |
| SLOPE - An inclined surface. |
| SODA ASH - Also SODIUM CARBONATE - (Na2CO3) - A white powder
used to raise the pH of the water. |
| SODIUM BICARBONATE - Also Baking Soda (NaHCO3) - A white
powder used to raise the Total Alkalinity in water. |
| SODIUM BISULFATE - Also DRY ACID (NaHSO4) - A granule used
to lower pH and/or Total Alkalinity in water. |
| SODIUM CARBONATE (Na2CO3) - See SODA ASH |
| SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (NaOCI) - A clear liquid form of an inorganic
chlorine compound obtainable in concentrations of 5 to 16% available chlorine. |
| SODIUM DICHLORO-ISOCYANURATE (C3N3O3Cl2Na) - Also known as SODIUM
DICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE. An organic chlorine, granular in form,
approximately 62% available chlorine; In the dihydrate form,
approximately 56% chlorine. It contains 58.7% stabilizer by weight and
has a pH of 6.0. See also ORGANIC CHLORINE. |
| SODIUM TRICHLORO-ISOCYANURATE (C3N3o3CI3) - also known as
TRICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE. Most common in compressed form (tablets
or sticks), with 90% or more available chlorine, approximately 55.5%
stabilizer by weight, and with an approximate pH of 2.9. |
| SOURCE WATER - Water used to fill or refill the pool or spa.
See MAKE UP WATER. |
| SPA - See also HYDROTHERAPY SPA - A hydrotherapy unit of
irregular or geometric shell design.
| Permanent Residential Spa - A spa in which the water heating and
water circulating equipment is not an integral part of the product.
The spa shall be intended as a permanent plumbing fixture and shall not be
intended to be moved. |
| Public Spa - Any spa other than a permanent residential spa or
residential portable spa which is intended to be used for bathing and is
operated by an owner, licensee, concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee
is charged for use. |
| Residential Portable Spa - Either self contained or non self
contained.
| Self-Contained Spa - A spa in which all control, water heating,
and water circulating equipment in an integral part of the product.
Self-contained spas may be permanently wired or cord connected. |
| Non-Self-Contained Spa - A spa in which the water heating and
circulating equipment is not an integral part of the product.
Non-self-contained spas may employ separate components such as an
individual filter, pump, heater, and controls, or they may employ
assembled combinations of various components. |
|
|
| STABILIZER - See CYANURIC ACID |
| STEPS, RECESSED STEPS, LADDERS, AND RECESSED TREADS - Means of pool
and spa ingress and egress that may be used in conjunction with one another.
| Steps - A riser/tread or series of risers/treads extending down
from the deck and terminating at the pool or spa floor. May be
recessed so that all risers are located outside of user areas. |
| Ladders - A series of vertically separated treads or rungs
connected by vertical rail members or independently fastened to an adjacent
vertical pool wall (see LADDERS for definitions of particular ladder types). |
| Deck Ladder - A ladder for deck access from outside the pool or
spa. |
| Recessed Treads - A series of vertically spaced cavities in the
pool or spa wall creating tread areas for step holes. |
|
| SUCTION OUTLET - The aperture or fitting through which the water
under negative pressure is drawn from the pool or spa. |
| SUCTION PIPING - That piping which is referred to as influent |
| SUPERCHLORINATION - The practice of adding a sufficient amount of
chlorinating compound to water to destroy chlorine demand compounds and any
combined chlorine which may be present. Generally, the level of chlorine
added is 10 times the level of combined chlorine in the water. See
BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION. |
| SURFACE SKIMMING SYSTEM - This term encompasses perimeter-type
overflows, surface skimmers, and surface water collection systems of various
design and manufacture. See SKIMMER. Top
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T
|
| TAMPERPROOF - Meaning that tools are required to alter or remove
portions of the equipment. |
| TEST KIT - A device used to monitor specific chemical residual or
demands in pool or spa water. |
| TIME CLOCK - A mechanical device that automatically controls the
periods that a pump, filter, heater, blower and other electrical devices are
on. |
| TOP RAIL - That frame part located on top of or adjacent to the
outer edges of the aboveground pool wall. |
| TOTAL ALKALINITY - The ability or capacity of water to resist
change in pH; also known as the buffering capacity of the water.
Measured with a test kit and expressed as ppm. |
| TOTAL CHLORINE - The sum of both the free available and combined
chlorines. |
| TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) - A measure of the total amount of
dissolved matter in water, e.g. calcium, magnesium, carbonates, bicarbonates,
metallic compounds, etc. |
| TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD - See FEET OF HEAD |
| TOXIC - Meaning that a given substance has an adverse physiological
effect on human beings or other living organisms. |
| TREAD CONTACT SURFACE - Foot contact surfaces of a ladder, step,
stair or ramp. |
| TRICHLORO-ISO-CYANURATE (C3N3O3Cl3) - Also known as
TRICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE. A form of organic chlorine, most common
in compressed form (tablets or sticks), with 90% or more available chlorine,
approximately 5505% stabilizer by weight, and with an approximate pH of 2.9.
See also ORGANIC CHLORINE and SODIUM DICHLORO-ISO-CYANURATE |
| TURBIDITY - Cloudy condition of water due to the presence of
extremely fine particulate materials in suspension that interfere with the
passage of light. |
| TURNOVER RATE - The period of time (usually in hours) required to
circulate a volume of water equal to the pool or spa capacity.
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U
|
| UNDERWATER LIGHT - A fixture designed to illuminate a pool or spa
from beneath the the water surface.
| Wet Niche Light - A watertight and water-cooled light unit placed
in a submerged, wet niche in the pool or spa wall and accessible only from
the pool or spa. |
| Dry Niche Light - A light unit placed behind a watertight window
in the pool or spa wall. |
|
| UPPER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Those devices designed to distribute
the water entering a permanent medium filter in a manner so as to prevent
movement or migration of the filter medium. This system shall also
properly collect water during filter backwashing unless o |
