Pool and spa
At Haolys, a Pool means a swimming pool. A Spa is a permanent, in-ground body of water that is separate from the pool and has its own pump and filtration system. The location and equipment arrangement matter more than the informal name someone gave it.
A Hot Tub is a portable, above-ground spa unit with a self-contained pump, heater and filtration. We use that term separately from an in-ground Spa so requests describe the system more clearly.
The connection changes the description
A Spool and a Shared-Equipment Spa can both share equipment with a pool. In Haolys’ terminology, the key distinction is whether their water connects.
| System | Water connection | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Spa | Separate from the pool. | Its own pump and filtration. |
| Spool | Combined pool and spa water, usually connected by a spillway or water feature. | Shared pump and filtration. |
| Shared-Equipment Spa | Water stays separate; no spillway or mixing. | Shared pump and filtration, commonly alternated by automation. |
| Hot Tub | Portable, above-ground unit. | Self-contained pump, heater and filtration. |
You do not need to operate valves or change settings to identify your system. If you are unsure, describe what you can see and share an overview photo.
Fountains and water features
A Fountain is a freestanding, standalone body of water with its own independent pump and circulation. A Water Feature is built into a pool or spa and shares its circulation; examples include a deck jet, waterfall or sheer descent.
These are Haolys’ terminology definitions. They help organize a conversation, but they do not replace a property-specific quote or confirm which work is included in an agreement.
Updated
Sources & further reading
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