Definitions of Custom Pools & Outdoor Living terms as used by All American Landscape and Stone in Canton, GA. 22 terms defined.
A cartridge filter cleans pool water by passing it through a pleated fabric element that traps debris and fine particles. Compared to sand or DE filters, cartridges use less water for cleaning, offer finer filtration, and are commonly installed during equipment modernization.
Coping is the capped edge installed around the perimeter of a pool where the shell meets the deck. Available in materials like travertine, bluestone, or poured concrete, it protects the pool structure, provides a finished look, and offers a safe handhold for swimmers.
The equipment pad is the concrete slab or dedicated area housing the pool pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and automation controls. Properly sizing and organizing the pad during a renovation improves accessibility for service, reduces plumbing losses, and supports future equipment upgrades.
A gunite pool is built by spraying a dry mix of cement and sand through a hose and combining it with water at the nozzle over a steel rebar framework. Gunite pools are highly customizable in shape and depth and are the most common inground style in Georgia.
Hardscape describes the non-living elements of a landscape design, including patios, retaining walls, walkways, pool decks, and stone features. It provides structure and defines usable areas within an outdoor living space and complements softscape elements like plants and turf.
An infinity edge, or vanishing edge, is a pool design feature where water flows over one or more walls into a catch basin below, creating the illusion of a seamless horizon. It works best on sloped lots with scenic views and requires precise engineering to maintain level flow.
An outdoor living space refers to a designed exterior area used for relaxation, dining, or entertaining, often including kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, and seating zones. These spaces extend the usable square footage of a home and are frequently built in conjunction with pool projects.
Pebble Tec is a premium pool interior finish made from small natural pebbles mixed into cement, creating a durable, textured surface. It resists staining and chemical etching better than standard plaster and often lasts 20 or more years, making it a popular upgrade during pool renovations.
Pool automation systems let homeowners control pumps, heaters, lighting, water features, and chemistry from a smartphone or wall panel. Integrating automation during a renovation simplifies maintenance, improves energy efficiency, and allows scheduled operation of spas, jets, and LED lighting.
Pool deck resurfacing applies a new wear layer, such as travertine, pavers, or decorative concrete overlay, over an existing pool deck. It addresses cracking, fading, and slippery surfaces without the cost of full demolition and often transforms the look of the entire pool area.
A pool permit is an approval issued by county or city building departments authorizing pool construction, renovation, or equipment changes. In areas like Cherokee, Forsyth, and Cobb counties, permits ensure work meets structural, electrical, and safety codes, including barrier and bonding requirements.
A pool rebuild involves demolishing and reconstructing significant portions of an existing pool, such as the shell, plumbing, or decking, rather than making surface-level updates. It is typically required when structural damage, outdated design, or failed systems make simple renovation insufficient.
Pool replastering is the specific resurfacing method of applying a new coat of plaster to a gunite or concrete pool interior. Standard white plaster typically lasts 7 to 10 years, while modified blends with quartz or pebble aggregate can extend lifespan and improve appearance.
Pool resurfacing is the process of removing the existing interior finish of a pool and applying a new layer such as plaster, pebble, or quartz. It restores a smooth, watertight surface and typically becomes necessary every 10 to 15 years as finishes wear, stain, or crack.
The pool shell is the structural body of the pool, typically made of gunite, shotcrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined concrete. Its integrity determines whether a pool can be renovated with cosmetic updates or requires more extensive rebuilding to address cracks and leaks.
A salt water system uses a chlorine generator to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, sanitizing the pool without manual chlorine additions. It produces softer-feeling water, reduces chemical handling, and is often installed during equipment upgrades or pool remodels.
Shotcrete is a wet-mix concrete sprayed at high velocity to form the pool shell, similar to gunite but mixed with water before application. It produces a dense, strong structure with fewer voids and is often chosen for complex shapes, deep ends, and raised walls in custom pool builds.
A spillover spa is a hot tub built adjacent to or within a pool, with water cascading from the spa into the pool. It shares the pool's filtration and heating equipment when desired and adds a therapeutic feature, visual focal point, and soothing water sound.
A tanning ledge, also called a Baja shelf or sun shelf, is a shallow platform inside the pool, usually 6 to 12 inches deep. It provides space for lounge chairs, children's play, or umbrella stands and is a popular addition during pool renovations.
Travertine decking uses natural limestone tiles around the pool perimeter, prized for staying cool underfoot even in direct Georgia sun. It offers slip resistance, natural variation in color, and durability against freeze-thaw cycles, making it a common upgrade from stamped concrete.
A variable speed pool pump allows the motor to run at different speeds based on filtration or feature needs rather than a single fixed rate. These pumps significantly reduce energy use and noise and are now required by Georgia and federal efficiency standards for most new installations.
Waterline tile is a decorative band of tile installed along the top edge of a pool's interior where the water meets the wall. It hides calcium buildup and surface staining, resists chemical damage, and allows homeowners to add color or pattern during a pool remodel.