A typical swimming pool has a number of major components including a basin, a motorized pump, a water filter, drains, return lines, and plumbing piping connecting these components. Chlorine is often the sanitizing agent used in swimming pools, and given the corrosive nature of chlorine, PVC plastic is usually the material of choice for swimming pool plumbing and piping. The water in a pool must be sanitized and have debris strained out of it.

Fountain pumps are pumps designed to handle the particular challenges associated with fountains. Most fountains are designed to lift columns of water into the air for decorative effect. Fountains are also open to the atmosphere and subject to surface debris similar to a swimming pool, and therefore, the pumps and pumping systems are designed to operate in this environment. An example is the Debris Pumping Tetra Pond Pump shown below.

This topic includes information related to swimming pool water treatment equipment that is installed during the construction of a swimming pool. Water treatment equipment filters water to remove pollutants and ensure healthy water for recreational use.