Skimmer
The wall-mounted intake that draws floating debris from the pool surface into the filtration system.
The skimmer is the rectangular opening you see at the waterline. A weir door regulates flow, a debris basket catches leaves, and the water then heads to the pump. Most Arizona pools have one or two skimmers depending on size; multi-skimmer pools handle palm trash and monsoon debris much better.
Weir
The hinged flap inside a skimmer that holds debris in once it enters the skimmer mouth.
Main Drain
The bottom-of-pool intake that pulls deep water through the filtration system, working alongside the skimmers.
Variable-Speed Pump (VSP)
An ECM-motor pool pump that runs at multiple speeds, cutting electricity use by 50–80% vs single-speed pumps.
Written and reviewed by AE Outdoor Living — Arizona ROC-licensed pool & outdoor living contractor.
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