A surge pool is a basin designed to absorb excess water from a flood or tidal wave. The term is often used interchangeably with other words such as spillway, weirs, and retention basins. A surge pool can also be referred to as an overflow structure in hydroelectric power plants, where it is used to regulate the flow of water. Other synonyms for a surge pool include detention pond, catch basin, sump, and flood plain. These terms are generally used to describe structures or areas that act as natural barriers or storage vessels for water to prevent damage from floods or other natural disasters.