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Melbourne Head Office
1186 Toorak Road
Camberwell VIC 3124, Australia
Phone : +61 (0)3 9889 6888
Fax : +61 (0)3 9923 6688
Sydney Office
2 Park Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone : +61 (0)2 8004 1999
Brisbane Office
123 Eagle Street
Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia
Phone : +61 (0)7 3173 1667
Perth Office
1/5 Ledgar Road,
Balcatta WA 6021, Australia
Phone : +61 (0)8 9240 4468
Adelaide Office
18 Dequetteville Terrace
Kent Town SA 5067, Australia
Phone : +61 (0)8 7002 9409

 

Swimming Pool Construction Industry Knowledge

Acid Wash

Also See : Acid Wash

Definition : Procedure using an acid solution to clean the interior surface of a swimming pool.

Acid Wash

Also See : Acid Wash

Definition : Procedure using an acid solution to clean the interior surface of a swimming pool.

Air Blowers

Also See : Air Blowers

Definition : A mechanical device that forces air through holes in the floor of a spa to produce bubbles.

Angle of Repose

Also See : Angle of Repose

Definition : The maximum slope or angle at which a material, such as soil or loose rock, remains stable without falling or sliding.

Backfill

Also See : Backfill

Definition : The repositioning of the soil after construction of a pool, refilling an excavated area.

Back Form

Also See : Back Form

Definition : Shoring required below ground level when the soil caves in.

Backwash

Also See : Backwash

Definition : The process of thoroughly cleaning a sand filter by reversing the flow of water through the filter to flush out any dirt.

Beam

Also See : Beam

Definition : Usually constructed of concrete and reinforced with steel rods, the beam is the lip located around the top of the swimming pool shell to support the pool coping.

Booster Pumps

Also See : Booster Pumps

Definition : A water pump added to a spa circulation system to increase pressure to the jets. Also used for some automatic pool cleaners.

Building Surveyor

Also See : Building Surveyor

Definition : An individual or company responsible for making sure a building is safe and that it complies with current Building Regulations. Surveyors evaluate and assess plans, conduct inspections and issue building permits, as well as checking that building practitioners are registered and carry appropriate insurance.

Cartridge Filter

Also See : Cartridge Filter

Definition : A swimming pool and spa filter that uses a replaceable porous element made of paper or polyester to remove even the finest particles without embedding them in the filter.

Commissioning

Also See : Commissioning

Definition : To start up the pool once construction is completed and the pool has been filled with water. This involves adding chemicals to adjust the water balance and turning on the pool equipment.

Concrete Pools

Also See : Concrete Pools

Definition : To start up the pool once construction is completed and the pool has been filled with water. This involves adding chemicals to adjust the water balance and turning on the pool equipment.

Coping

Also See : Coping

Definition : The walkway immediately surrounding the swimming pool or spa that provides a finished edge between the pool structure and the surrounds, also known as capping. Some popular finishes include terra-cotta, clay bricks, sandstone or bluestone type pavers, and timber decking.

Courtyard Pools

Also See : Courtyard Pools

Definition : A smaller sized swimming pool that can be located in more diminutive spaces.

Datum Point

Also See : Datum Point

Definition : A point used to establish the finish level of the swimming pool, usually something existing on site i.e. house floor level, surveyed RL etc.

Dosing System

Also See : Dosing System

Definition : A liquid chlorine feeder that is designed to automatically inject chlorine into the swimming pool at regular intervals throughout the filter cycle.

Exposed Aggregate

Also See : Exposed Aggregate

Definition : A pebble-type interior finish made from a blend of ingredients including white cement, quartz sand, metallic oxides and coated aggregate. Exposed aggregate provides a smooth surface and is available in a range of colours.

Finish Concrete Level (FCL)

Also See : Finish Concrete Level (FCL)

Definition : The level of the finished pool structure.

Formwork

Also See : Formwork

Definition : Generally built on-site out of timber and plywood, the formwork provides a solid surface for the concrete to be sprayed against. Once the concrete has set (or cured), the formwork is stripped away (removed) to expose the finished shape of the concrete swimming pool.

Filtration

Also See : Filtration

Definition : The process of passing pool water through the filter medium to remove dirt and debris particles.

Geometric Pools

Also See : Geometric Pools

Definition : A geometrical pool has even lines and features. Usually built in a rectangular shape, this pool is considered the “traditional” swimming pool style.

Grout

Also See : Grout

Definition : A thin, coarse mortar used to seal joints like those between tiles. Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand and sometimes colour tint which is applied as a thick liquid and hardens over time.

Gutter

Also See : Gutter

Definition : An overflow trough at the edge of the swimming pool through which water and debris flow. A gutter is needed when a pool has a wet-edge design.

Hair and Lint Pot

Also See : Hair and Lint Pot

Definition : Used to trap finer particles that manage to pass through the skimmer box basket. This section of the circulating pump contains the secondary strainer basket for the filtration system. It requires regular cleaning.

Handover

Also See : Handover

Definition : A meeting between pool builder and owner upon completion of the project to discuss the operation of the swimming pool, and to review equipment procedures and correct chemical balances.

Hydrostatic Relief Valve

Also See : Hydrostatic Relief Valve

Definition : A spring loaded plug situated in the main-drain bowl designed to open if the water pressure under the pool is greater than the water pressure within the pool. A relief valve reduces the possibility of an empty pool lifting out of the ground.

Indoor Pools

Also See : Indoor Pools

Definition : A swimming pool located inside a house or other dedicated structure.

In-floor Cleaning System

Also See : In-floor Cleaning System

Definition : A programmed in-floor cleaning and circulation system that cleans a swimming pool automatically. Pop-up nozzles built into the floor of the swimming pool use high pressure streams of water to push dirt, sand, leaves and debris from every corner toward the MDX drain, where it is removed into a collection basket or canister for ease of disposal.

Leaf Basket

Also See : Leaf Basket

Definition : A strainer basket situated in the skimmer box to trap large leaves and debris before they enter the hair and lint pot.

Letter of Appointment

Also See : Letter of Appointment

Definition : A document required by the building surveyor to confirm that a swimming pool construction company is applying for a building permit on behalf of the property owner. This is also called an ‘owners consent form’.

Lap Pools

Also See : Lap Pools

Definition : Lap Pools are built so that people can swim laps for health and fitness. They tend to be long and narrow, usually over 15 metres long.

Licensed Electrical and Plumbing

Also See : Licensed Electrical and Plumbing

Definition : Electrical and plumbing connections are not usually included in a swimming pool contract because they require work by licensed tradesmen. An electrician will be needed to install switch wires for pool lights and fountains etc. A plumber will need to make connections for the backwash, cold water supply and gas (if applicable).

Load Bearing

Also See : Load Bearing

Definition : A load-bearing wall is one in which the wall of a structure bears the weight and force resting upon it. Swimming pool walls can be load bearing if a planter box, for example, is being supported by part of the concrete shell.

Main Drain

Also See : Main Drain

Definition : This term usually refers to a plumbing fitting installed at the deepest part of the pool. It is not a drain, such as a drain on a kitchen sink, but usually connects to the pump for circulation and filtration.

Plunge Pools

Also See : Plunge Pools

Definition : A plunge pool is small in diameter, but deep.

Preliminary Works Agreement

Also See : Preliminary Works Agreement

Definition : A preliminary contract document that allows the pool builder to start administration work on the project before all the details have been finalised in the SPASA contract.

Primary Plumbing

Also See : Primary Plumbing

Definition : The pipe work that makes up the internal circulation system of the pool. These pipes are laid out and configured prior to the concrete pour.

Pump

Also See : Pump

Definition : A mechanical device, usually powered by an electrical motor, which circulates water from the swimming pool where water is drawn into the filtration system.

Property Protection Works

Also See : Property Protection Works

Definition : This usually involves underpinning or some other form of foundation works to protect the neighbouring property from being undermined.

PVC Pipe

Also See : PVC Pipe

Definition : A type of pressure pipe for water distribution manufactured from poly vinyl chloride compound used to plumb swimming pools and spas.

Re-bar

Also See : Re-bar

Definition : Reinforcement bar, used to add strength to concrete. After excavation of an in-ground pool a steel cage is formed out of re-bar, and the concrete shell is sprayed over and surrounding it.

Render

Also See : Render

Definition : A mixture of cement and sand used on the interior of a pool or spa to smooth out the surface before tiles or exposed aggregate (pebble) are applied.

Return Inlets

Also See : Return Inlets

Definition : Part of the plumbing circulation system to return filtered water back to the swimming pool.

Salt Chlorinator

Also See : Salt Chlorinator

Definition : A unit which manufactures chlorine through the electrolytic conversion of salt. A saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free; it simply utilises a chlorine generator instead of direct addition of chlorine.

Sand Filter

Also See : Sand Filter

Definition : A filter that operates on the basis of “depth filtration”; dirt is driven through the sand bed and trapped in minute spaces between the particles of sand.

Screenings

Also See : Screenings

Definition : Crushed rock which acts as a drainage layer between the ground and the swimming pool shell.

Secondary Plumbing

Also See : Secondary Plumbing

Definition : The system of PVC pipes that run underground from the swimming pool structure to the designated equipment location.

Set Out

Also See : Set Out

Definition : The swimming pool is marked out on the property to show the exact location and shape in preparation for the excavation.

Site Cut

Also See : Site Cut

Definition : Also known as ‘overburden’, the site cut is the removal of excess soil above the pool level that needs to be disposed of before excavation can begin.

Skimmer

Also See : Skimmer

Definition : A box-like device installed through the wall of the swimming pool or spa connected to the suction line of the pump that draws water and floating debris into the skimmer from the surface. Usually located to one side / end of the pool and used as the main suction point for manual vacuuming and / or skimming of leaves.

Skimmer Basket

Also See : Skimmer Basket

Definition : A removable, slotted basket or strainer located in the skimmer box which is designed to trap floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing much flow restriction.

Skimmer Weir

Also See : Skimmer Weir

Definition : Part of the skimmer that adjusts automatically to small changes in water level to assure a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. It looks like a small floating ‘door’ on the side of the skimmer that faces the water. The weir also prevents debris from floating back into the pool when the pump shuts off.

Spoil

Also See : Spoil

Definition : The term used for the soil, dirt and rubble that results from an excavation and is discarded off-site.

Steel Fix

Also See : Steel Fix

Definition : The fastening of steel reinforcing bars so that they stay in the correct place to form the skeletal structure of the swimming pool.

Swim-Out

Also See : Swim-Out

Definition : A recessed area outside the general perimeter of a swimming pool, also known as an underwater seat. Swim-outs are designed to allow ease of entry and exit from the pool.

Temporary Fencing

Also See : Temporary Fencing

Definition : A safety barrier that is set up during the construction period. A permanent fence that complies with the Australian Standards must be installed before the swimming pool can be filled with water.

Town Planning Permit

Also See : Town Planning Permit

Definition : A Planning Permit is a legal document issued by the local council giving permission to develop or use a piece of land for a specific purpose. A permit may also contain written conditions and endorsed plans showing the proposed development or use of land. Not all building projects require a Town Planning Permit; examples of planning controls include Heritage or Vegetation Overlays.

Underwater Light

Also See : Underwater Light

Definition : A fixture designed to illuminate a pool or spa from beneath the water’s surface.

Vacuum

Also See : Vacuum

Definition : This term can be used to define any number of devices that use suction to collect dirt from the bottom and sides of a pool or * spa . Most common is a vacuum head with wheels that attaches to a pole and is connected to the suction line, usually via the opening in the skimmer. It must be moved about by a person, and debris is collected in the skimmer basket and filter.

Vacuum Head

Also See : Vacuum Head

Definition : Attached to the hose and telescopic pole, and used to vacuum dirt from the floor of the pool.

Wet Seal

Also See : Wet Seal

Definition : A waterproofing system for protecting internal and external wet areas.

Waterline

Also See : Waterline

Definition : The height to which the water is filled in a swimming pool or spa. This is usually in the middle of the skimmer opening.

Wet-edge Pools

Also See : Wet-edge Pools

Definition : A wet-edge pool is a swimming pool which produces a visual effect of water extending to the horizon, vanishing, or extending to infinity. Often the water appears to fall into an ocean, lake, or other similar body of water. Also known as ‘infinity pool’, ‘negative edge pool’ or ‘vanishing edge pool’.
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