How do I distinguish filter types in schema.org for pool equipment?

Pool filter type is a binary compatibility decision — sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters are not interchangeable with each other, require different maintenance approaches, and have different filtration micron ratings. Encode filterType and filtration micron rating separately: { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Filter Type', 'value': 'Cartridge', 'description': 'Cartridge filter. Filters to 10–15 microns (finer than sand filters at 20–40 microns; coarser than DE filters at 2–5 microns). Maintenance: rinse cartridges with hose monthly, deep-clean annually, replace every 3–5 years. No backwash needed — reduces water waste vs sand/DE backwash. Best for: drought-region pools (water conservation), pools with limited backwash drainage space.' } and { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Filtration Microns', 'value': '10–15 microns', 'description': 'Cartridge filtration to 10–15 microns. Removes algae spores (20–50 microns), most bacteria, and larger particles. Sub-micron contaminants (Cryptosporidium: 4–6 microns) require DE or UV supplementation for complete removal.' }. For DE filters also encode DE powder capacity in lbs. For sand filters encode sand media weight and sand change interval (typically 5 years).

Optimization Guide

Shopify Pool & Spa Equipment Schema — GPM Flow Rate, Filter Type, NSF/ANSI 50, Pool Heater BTU Structured Data

Q: How do I encode pool pump flow rate in schema.org?

Use 'additionalProperty' with name 'Flow Rate' and unitCode 'G46' (US gallon per minute — GPM): { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Flow Rate (Maximum)', 'value': '90', 'unitCode': 'G46', 'description': '90 GPM maximum flow rate at low speed. Variable-speed pump flow by speed setting: Low (1,100 RPM) = 30 GPM for filtration; Medium (2,350 RPM) = 60 GPM for standard use; High (3,450 RPM) = 90 GPM for vacuuming and backwash. Recommended filtration flow rate for an 18,000-gallon pool: 37.5 GPM minimum (8-hour turnover). Running below required filtration GPM causes algae bloom.' }. For variable-speed pumps (VSP), encode the GPM at each speed tier — buying decisions hinge on whether the low-speed filtration flow meets the turnover requirement for the buyer's specific pool volume. Also encode HP: { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Motor Power', 'value': '1.5', 'unitCode': 'HWP', 'description': '1.5 HP motor (total horsepower). In variable-speed pumps, HP alone is less meaningful than GPM at each speed setting — a 1.5 HP VSP running at low speed uses less energy than a 0.75 HP single-speed pump.' }.

Q: What is NSF/ANSI 50 certification for pool equipment?

NSF/ANSI 50 is the equipment performance standard for residential and commercial swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs published by NSF International (formerly National Sanitation Foundation). It tests: (1) structural integrity under pressure (pumps, filters, heaters), (2) flow rate accuracy (the published GPM must match tested GPM), (3) chemical resistance of wetted surfaces, and (4) for sanitizers, chlorine/bromine generation rate accuracy. NSF/ANSI 50 is required by most state and local pool codes for installed equipment — a non-certified pump or filter may fail building inspection. In schema.org: { '@type': 'Certification', 'name': 'NSF/ANSI 50 Certified', 'issuedBy': { '@type': 'Organization', 'name': 'NSF International', 'url': 'https://www.nsf.org' }, 'certificationIdentification': 'NSF-XXXX', 'description': 'NSF/ANSI 50 — Equipment for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities. Certifies structural integrity, flow rate accuracy, and chemical resistance of wetted materials. Required by most state pool codes for installed pool equipment.' }. Without NSF/ANSI 50, pool equipment may not pass inspection and homeowners face costly replacement — it is a binary purchase requirement for buyers doing a permitted pool build or equipment replacement.

Q: How do I encode pool heater BTU capacity in schema.org?

Pool heaters require two BTU figures: input BTU (the gas burner's gross energy consumption rate) and BTUe (BTU output — the actual heat transferred to pool water). BTUe = Input BTU × thermal efficiency. Always encode both with the efficiency: { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Heater Input BTU', 'value': '400000', 'unitCode': '2L3', 'description': '400,000 BTU/hr natural gas input. Input BTU determines gas meter and line sizing (minimum 3/4 inch supply line at 400K BTU, 1 inch at 800K BTU).' } and { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Heater Output BTU (BTUe)', 'value': '364000', 'unitCode': '2L3', 'description': '364,000 BTU/hr output (thermal efficiency 91%). BTUe is the pool-heating capacity — the input × efficiency rating. Use BTUe for pool sizing calculations.' } and { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Thermal Efficiency', 'value': '91', 'unitCode': 'P1', 'description': '91% thermal efficiency (ASME rating). ENERGY STAR pool heaters require minimum 84% efficiency.' }. Also encode pool volume coverage: a 400K BTU/hr gas heater can raise water temperature ~1°F per hour in a 15,000–20,000 gallon pool under average conditions.

Q: How do I encode voltage type for pool pump and heater installation?

Pool pumps and heaters require dedicated circuits and often 230V service. Encode voltage type with the NEMA plug/receptacle configuration and amperage draw for circuit breaker sizing: { '@type': 'PropertyValue', 'name': 'Voltage Type', 'value': '230V / 60Hz, Single-Phase', 'description': '230V single-phase. Requires dedicated 230V circuit. Amperage draw: 9.6A at full speed. Recommended breaker: 20A double-pole. NEMA 14-30 or direct wire connection (hardwired — no plug). Not compatible with 115V service without a rewiring procedure.' }. For dual-voltage pumps (115V/230V switchable): { 'name': 'Voltage Configuration', 'value': '115V / 230V Dual-Voltage (Factory Set: 230V)', 'description': 'Factory wired for 230V. Can be rewired for 115V by electrician — changes amperage requirements. Note: at 115V the pump draws twice the amperage for the same work; 230V wiring is more efficient and the recommended installation voltage.' }. Pool heaters also require gas supply (natural gas vs propane — not interchangeable without conversion kit) as a separate non-negotiable compatibility field.

AI shopping agents handling queries like "variable-speed pool pump 1.5 HP NSF/ANSI 50 certified," "cartridge filter for 20,000 gallon pool," "natural gas pool heater 400K BTU ENERGY STAR," or "salt chlorine generator for 30,000 gallon inground pool" need machine-readable flow rate GPM, filter type, heater BTU input and output, voltage type, and certification data. Shopify's default JSON-LD for a pool pump outputs nothing but name and price — the GPM flow rate, NSF/ANSI 50 certification, and voltage compatibility that determine whether a pump can legally be installed and correctly size a pool system are invisible to AI agents now ranking pool equipment.

TL;DR Use Product @type with additionalProperty for equipmentCategory (Pump/Filter/Heater/Sanitizer/Cleaner), flowRateGPM (unitCode G46), motorHP (unitCode HWP), filterType (Sand/Cartridge/DE/UV), filtrationMicrons, heaterInputBTU (unitCode 2L3), heaterOutputBTU (BTUe), thermalEfficiency (P1), voltageType, amperage AMP, fuelType (Natural Gas/Propane/Electric), poolVolumeGallons coverage range. Add hasCertification for NSF/ANSI 50 (required for permitted installation), UL 1081 (pumps) or UL 1261 (heaters), and ENERGY STAR (heaters). Store values in a pool.* metafield namespace.

Why Pool Equipment Is Structurally Invisible to AI Agents

Pool equipment purchases involve hard compatibility constraints that make schema data non-optional for AI-assisted shopping. A pool pump must deliver sufficient GPM to turn over the pool volume in the required timeframe (typically 8 hours for residential). A filter must be rated for the pump's flow output. A heater must match the gas supply type (natural gas vs propane — not interchangeable without a conversion kit). A salt chlorine generator must be rated for the pool's volume in gallons. Every one of these is a binary filter, not a preference signal — wrong sizing causes either algae bloom (undersized pump) or equipment damage (oversized pump through undersized filter).

NSF/ANSI 50 certification is the pool equipment equivalent of a building code requirement. Most state and local pool permit processes require NSF/ANSI 50 certified equipment for any installed pump, filter, or heater. A pool equipment retailer selling uncertified products to buyers doing permitted pool construction will generate chargebacks when inspectors flag uncertified equipment. Structured data encoding NSF/ANSI 50 status as a hasCertification entry makes this filter actionable for AI shopping agents.

Pool equipment category matrix

Category	Primary sizing signal	Critical compatibility	Key certifications
Circulation Pump	Flow rate GPM at operating head	Pipe diameter, filter flow rating, pool volume gallons	NSF/ANSI 50, UL 1081, ENERGY STAR (VSP)
Filter	Filter area sq ft, max flow rate GPM	Pump GPM must not exceed filter max GPM	NSF/ANSI 50
Gas Heater	BTU input + BTUe output, thermal efficiency %	Gas type (NG vs LP), gas supply line size, voltage	NSF/ANSI 50, UL 1261, ENERGY STAR
Heat Pump	BTU output, COP rating, min air temp operating	Voltage 230V dedicated circuit, amperage for breaker	NSF/ANSI 50, UL 1012, ENERGY STAR
Salt Chlorine Generator	Pool volume gallons rating	Must match pool size — undersized = insufficient sanitation	NSF/ANSI 50, UL 1081
UV Sanitizer	Flow rate GPM, UV lamp intensity mJ/cm²	Must match pump GPM; single-pass vs multi-pass configuration	NSF/ANSI 50, NSF 55 (UV systems)
Robotic Pool Cleaner	Pool size coverage (max gallons), cord length	Pool shape (rectangular vs freeform) vs cleaning path algorithm	UL 1081

Variable-Speed Pool Pump Schema — Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 1.5 HP

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed and Flow Pool Pump — 1.5 HP",
  "description": "Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 1.5 HP variable speed and flow pool pump. Closed-loop flow control maintains set GPM regardless of head changes. Speed range 200–3,450 RPM. Flow range 10–140 GPM. Energy savings up to 90% vs single-speed pumps. 8 programmable schedules. IntelliFlo3 VSF communicates with Pentair IntelliCenter automation. DOE compliant. NSF/ANSI 50 certified. ENERGY STAR certified.",
  "sku": "011056",
  "mpn": "011056",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "Pentair" },
  "hasCertification": [
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "NSF/ANSI 50 Certified",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "NSF International",
        "url": "https://www.nsf.org"
      },
      "description": "NSF/ANSI 50 — Equipment for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities. Certifies flow rate accuracy, structural integrity, and chemical resistance. Required by most state pool codes for permitted installation."
    },
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "ENERGY STAR Certified — Variable Speed Pool Pump",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency",
        "url": "https://www.energystar.gov"
      },
      "description": "ENERGY STAR certified variable speed pool pump. Meets DOE energy efficiency standards effective July 2021 — which mandate that all pool pumps 0.5 HP and above be variable speed. Single-speed pumps over 0.5 HP are no longer legal for sale for residential pool use in the US after this date."
    },
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "UL 1081 Listed — Swimming Pool Pumps",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "UL (Underwriters Laboratories)",
        "url": "https://www.ul.com"
      },
      "description": "UL 1081 — Swimming Pool Pumps, Filters, and Chlorinators. Tests electrical safety of the motor and impeller assembly for continuous wet-environment operation."
    }
  ],
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Pool Equipment Category", "value": "Variable-Speed Circulation Pump (VSP / VSF)" },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Power",
      "value": "1.5",
      "unitCode": "HWP",
      "description": "1.5 HP total horsepower (THP). For VSP comparison purposes: THP matters less than GPM range — a 1.5 HP VSP at low speed delivers better efficiency than a 1.0 HP single-speed pump. DOE THP is the standardized comparison value for pump compliance."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Flow Rate — Maximum",
      "value": "140",
      "unitCode": "G46",
      "description": "140 GPM maximum at high speed (3,450 RPM). Operating range: 10–140 GPM. At low speed filtration (1,100 RPM): approximately 30–40 GPM for 8-hour daily filtration cycle."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Flow Rate — Recommended Filtration (20,000 gal pool)",
      "value": "42",
      "unitCode": "G46",
      "description": "42 GPM sustained for 8-hour daily filtration cycle turnover of a 20,000-gallon pool. IntelliFlo3 VSF can hold this GPM as closed-loop flow control regardless of filter clogging or head loss changes. Formula: Pool gallons ÷ (target turnover hours × 60 min) = required GPM."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Speed Range",
      "value": "200–3,450 RPM",
      "description": "Variable speed 200–3,450 RPM. DOE minimum efficiency is typically met at medium speeds (2,000–2,800 RPM for most filtration applications). Low speed (600–1,100 RPM) for daily filtration; high speed (3,000–3,450 RPM) for vacuuming, backwash, and spa jets."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Voltage Type",
      "value": "230V / 115V Dual Voltage (Factory Set: 230V)",
      "description": "Factory wired for 230V. Can be field-configured for 115V. Recommended: 230V for energy efficiency (lower amperage draw). 230V dedicated 20A double-pole breaker required. 115V wiring: dedicated 20A single-pole breaker."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Amperage Draw (230V, High Speed)",
      "value": "11.0",
      "unitCode": "AMP",
      "description": "11.0A at 230V, 3,450 RPM (high speed). At low-speed filtration (1,100 RPM, 230V): approximately 1.0–1.5A. Variable speed energy savings vs single-speed 1.5 HP pump: up to 90% reduction in annual energy cost."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Pool Volume Coverage",
      "value": "Up to 30,000 gallons",
      "description": "Sized for pools up to 30,000 gallons with 8-hour daily turnover cycle at appropriate speed. Pools over 30,000 gallons may require dual pumps or 2.0 HP+ VSP."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Automation Compatibility",
      "value": "Pentair IntelliCenter, EasyTouch, SunTouch; third-party via RS-485",
      "description": "Native RS-485 communication with Pentair IntelliCenter and EasyTouch automation systems. Third-party control via Jandy, Hayward, and others through RS-485 protocol — may require additional interface module."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "649.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  }
}
</script>

Filter Type Comparison

Filter Type	Filtration Microns	Maintenance	Water Usage	Best for
Sand	20–40 microns	Backwash when pressure rises 8–10 psi; replace sand every 5 years	High (backwash wastes 250–500 gal)	High-bather-load pools, ease of maintenance, municipal water areas
Cartridge	10–15 microns	Rinse monthly, deep-clean annually, replace every 3–5 years	Minimal (no backwash)	Drought regions, pools with limited drainage, superior clarity vs sand
DE (Diatomaceous Earth)	2–5 microns	Backwash + add DE powder; full tear-down annually; DE disposal regulations vary by state	High (backwash)	Competition pools, cloudy water issues, maximum clarity requirement
UV	Sub-micron pathogen inactivation	Replace UV lamp annually; bulb lumen output degrades ~40% per year	None	Supplement to primary filter — kills Cryptosporidium and chlorine-resistant pathogens
Saltwater Chlorinator	N/A (sanitizer, not filter)	Clean cell quarterly; inspect titanium plates annually	None	Consistent chlorine generation — works as sanitizer alongside primary filter

Pool Equipment Metafield Namespace Reference

Metafield key	Type	Notes
`pool.equipment_category`	single_line_text	Pump / Filter / Heater / Heat Pump / Sanitizer / Cleaner / Automation
`pool.flow_rate_gpm`	number_integer	Maximum GPM for pumps; maximum operating GPM for filters
`pool.motor_hp`	number_decimal	THP (total horsepower) — DOE standard
`pool.speed_type`	single_line_text	Single Speed / Dual Speed / Variable Speed (VSP) / Variable Speed + Flow (VSF)
`pool.filter_type`	single_line_text	Sand / Cartridge / DE (Diatomaceous Earth) / UV / Ozone
`pool.filtration_microns`	single_line_text	e.g., "10–15" for cartridge
`pool.heater_input_btu`	number_integer	Gas input BTU/hr
`pool.heater_output_btu`	number_integer	BTUe output (input × efficiency)
`pool.thermal_efficiency`	number_integer	Thermal efficiency percent (e.g., 91)
`pool.fuel_type`	single_line_text	Natural Gas / Propane / Electric / Solar
`pool.voltage`	single_line_text	115V / 230V / Dual-Voltage 115V-230V
`pool.amperage`	number_decimal	Full-load amperage at rated voltage
`pool.max_pool_gallons`	number_integer	Maximum recommended pool volume in US gallons
`pool.nsf_ansi_50`	boolean	NSF/ANSI 50 certified (required for most permitted installations)
`pool.ul_listed`	boolean	UL 1081 (pumps/sanitizers) or UL 1261 (heaters)

5 Critical Pool Equipment Schema Mistakes

Publishing HP without GPM flow rate. Horsepower alone doesn't determine if a pump can turn over a pool in 8 hours — GPM at operating conditions does. A 1.5 HP single-speed pump at high head may deliver less useful GPM than a 0.75 HP variable-speed pump at optimized speed. Publish GPM at multiple speed settings.
Omitting NSF/ANSI 50 certification status. NSF/ANSI 50 is a permit-required binary — buyers doing permitted pool construction will not purchase non-certified equipment. Encode it as hasCertification with issuing body, not just as text in the description.
Conflating BTU input with BTU output for gas heaters. A "400,000 BTU heater" might only deliver 364,000 BTU to pool water at 91% efficiency. Input BTU sizes the gas supply line; output BTU (BTUe) sizes the pool heating application. Encode both with thermal efficiency.
Missing fuel type for heaters. Natural gas and propane are not interchangeable — conversion requires a kit, a licensed gas technician, and in many cases a permit. Fuel type is a binary incompatibility filter. AI agents cannot answer "natural gas pool heater 400K BTU" queries without fuel type in structured data.
Not encoding voltage and amperage for circuit breaker sizing. Pool pumps and heaters require dedicated circuits. A 230V pump at 11A needs a 20A double-pole breaker — electricians and homeowners need this from the product page. Omitting amperage generates pre-purchase support requests and post-purchase installation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I encode pool pump flow rate in schema.org?

Use additionalProperty with unitCode G46 (US gallons per minute). For variable-speed pumps, encode GPM at multiple speed tiers (low/medium/high), not just maximum GPM. Include the recommended filtration GPM for common pool volumes (10K, 20K, 30K gallons).

What is NSF/ANSI 50 certification for pool equipment?

NSF/ANSI 50 certifies flow rate accuracy, structural integrity under pressure, and chemical resistance of wetted materials for pool/spa equipment. Required by most state pool codes for any permitted installation. Encode as hasCertification with NSF International as the issuing body and the certificate number.

How do I encode pool heater BTU capacity in schema.org?

Encode both BTU input (burner consumption, used for gas line sizing) and BTUe output (actual pool heating capacity = input × thermal efficiency). Also encode thermal efficiency as a percentage (P1 unitCode). ENERGY STAR pool heaters require minimum 84% efficiency.

How do I distinguish filter types in schema.org?

Encode filterType (Sand/Cartridge/DE/UV) and filtration microns separately. Sand: 20–40 microns, high water use backwash. Cartridge: 10–15 microns, no backwash. DE: 2–5 microns, highest clarity, backwash required. UV: pathogen inactivation (not particulate filtration). Also encode maximum flow rate GPM — pump GPM must not exceed filter's rated maximum.

How do I encode voltage type for pool pump and heater installation?

Encode voltage type (115V/230V/Dual-Voltage), amperage draw with unitCode AMP, and recommended circuit breaker size. For dual-voltage pumps, note that 230V is more efficient. For heaters, also encode fuel type (Natural Gas vs Propane — not interchangeable without conversion kit) as a critical compatibility field.

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