Swimming Pool Terms Glossary
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Hair & Lint Strainer Usually a basket before the pump that is design to catch and prevent hair, lint and other small material from entering the pump where it may damage the impeller.
Halogens The chemical elements either individually or collectively that constitute Group VIIA of the periodic table: namely, fluorine, chlorine, bromine iodine and astatine. Of these, only chlorine and bromine are used as disinfectant and sanitizers in pool and spas.
Hand Rail A tubular steel or plastic device that can be gripped by swimmers or bathers for the purpose of steadying themselves. Usually located near the steps in the pool.
Hand Skimmer A screen attached to a frame that is then attached to a telepole used to remove large floating debris such as leaves and bugs from the water's surface.
Hard Water Drinking water term that indicates water that contains one grain per gallon (17.1 ppm or mg/L) or higher of total hardness. The ideal range of hardness for pools and spas is 200 to 400 ppm.
Hardness The amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. "Water" or "total" hardness refers to the total of the magnesium and calcium dissolved in the water. Calcium hardness refers to just the calcium. Measured by a test kit and expressed as ppm. Proper range is 200 - 400 ppm.
Hardness Increaser A chemical used to increase calcium or water hardness. It is usually calcium chloride.
Head A measure of the pressure at a given point in a water system, expressed as pounds per square inch (psi), or the height of a column of water that would produce the pressure.
Header A manifold in the heater that directs the flow of water into and out of the heat exchanger.
Heat Exchanger A device located inside the heater providing for the transfer of heat from the heat source to the water. This is usually a series of metallic tubes with fins located just above the flames.
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 transfers the heat from this source to the condenser coil, where it discharges the heat to the water in the pool or spa.
High-Rate Sand FIlter A filter using sand for the filtration media designed for flows in excess of 5 GPM but less than 20 GPM per square foot.
Horsepower Work done per unit of time. One horsepower equals 33,000 foot pounds of work per minute or approximately 746 watts. Motors for pumps are rated in horsepower.
Hot Tub A spa constructed of wood with sides and bottom formed separately and joined together by hoops, bands or rods.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) – also called muriatic acid – A very strong acid used in pools to control pH and total alkalinity. It can also be used for various cleaning needs. Used in "acid washing" a pool. Use extreme care in handling.
Hydrogen Peroxide An unstable, colorless heavy liquid used as a bleach in industry and as an antiseptic in households. It is used as an oxidizing agent in pools and spas. May also be used to dechlorinate pool or spa water.
Hydrojet A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment that blends or mixes air and water creating a high velocity, turbulent stream of air-enriched water.
Hydrostatic Pressure The force created by the water that tends to push pools up out of the ground.
Hydrostatic Valve A check valve located in the main drain of a pool to relieve hydrostatic pressure created by rising ground water. The valve allows ground water into the pool, but does not let water out.
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