Term |
Definition |
| Acid |
A chemical compound which releases hydrogen ions into water, decreasing
pH. Products like muriatic acid or Sodium Bisulfate (pH minus, down
or decreaser) are used to lower pH and Total Alkalinity in pool water. |
| Acid Demand |
The amount of acid required to lower pH and Total Alkalinity of pool
water to the correct level. Determined by the acid demand test. |
| Acid Demand Test |
A reagent test usually used in conjunction with a pH test to determine
the amount of acid needed to lower pH and total alkalinity levels. |
| Acid Rain |
Precipitation having an unusually low pH value (4.5 or lower) caused
by absorption of air polluted by sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and
nitrous oxide. |
| Acidity |
The state of being acidic (corrosive), as opposed to being alkaline,
measuring below 7.0 (neutral) on the pH scale. |
| Acrylic |
A thermoplastic sheet formed into a mold to make a spa or related
equipment. It is first heated then vacuumed onto the mold. |
| Aggressive Water |
A description of unbalanced water that attacks and corrodes pool surfaces,
fixtures and pipes. |
| Air Blower |
A mechanical device that forces air through holes in the floor, bubbler
ring or hydrotherapy jets in a spa. |
| Air Relieve Valve |
A brass or plastic manually operated valve located at the top of a
tank for relieving the pressure inside and for removing the air
inside (called bleeding). Also called a pressure relief valve. |
| Algae |
Microscopic plant-like organisms containing chlorophyll that thrive
in sunshine. They are present on vegetation, in the air, and in soils.
Their microscopic
spores are continually introduced into the pool by winds, dust storms,
rain showers, etc. They grow rapidly in pool water when exposed to
sunlight and temperatures above 40 degrees. If not destroyed by chemical
treatment, they form objectionable slime and odor, can interfere
with proper filtration and greatly increase chlorine demand. Phosphates
(fertilizers) in the water encourage their growth. There are 21,000
known species of algae. The most common pool types are black, blue-green,
green and mustard (yellow or drawn). Pink or red-colored algae-like
organisms exist but are bacteria and not algae. Yellow and black
are hardest to kill. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels, shocking
and superchlorination will help prevent its occurrence. |
| Algaecide |
Also called algacide. A chemical agent specifically designed and used
to kill algae and prevent their recurrence. |
| Alkaline |
A condition when the water is above 7.0 on the pH scale. |
| Alkalinity |
The amount of bicarbonate, carbonate and
hydroxide compounds present in the water. Total Alkalinity is a measure
of the water's ability to resist changes in pH. One of the basic
water tests necessary to determine water balance. |
| Alum |
An aluminum sulfate compound, commonly called Floc.
Used to help clarify water. Causes small particles to join together
so
that they
can be
trapped in the filter. Alum lowers the pH of the water. |
| Aluminum Sulfate |
See Alum |
| Ammonia |
Introduced into the water by swimmers as waste (perspiration, urine,
etc.) or by other means. Quickly forms foul-smelling, body-irritating
chloramines, a disabled less effective form of chlorine. See chloramines. |
| Anti-Foam |
A chemical added to the water to make the suds or foam go away. These
products do not remove the source of the sudsing. Most often, the
water must be drained and refilled to remove the soaps, oils and
other causes of foaming. Shocking and superchlorination may help
prevent foaming. |
| Ascorbic Acid |
A chemical compound used to remove iron stains from fiberglass and
vinyl-liner pools. |
| Automatic Pool Cleaner |
A pool maintenance system that will agitate or vacuum debris from
the pool interior automatically. |
| Backwash |
A means of cleaning which reverses the flow of water through the filter,
forcing dirt out a waste line. This is done by setting the backwash
valve to the backwash position. Typical maintenance for sand and
DE filters. NOTE: Never adjust the valve while the pump is running |
| Backwash Cycle |
The time needed to backwash (clean) the filter and its components. |
| Bacteria |
Invisible single-cell organisms of various forms, some of which can
cause infections or disease. Bacteria are controlled by chlorine,
bromine or other sanitizing agents. |
| Balanced Water |
Water containing just the right amounts of Calcium Hardness, Total
Alkalinity, pH and Dissolved Solids so as to prevent scale-forming
or corrosive tendencies. |
| Ball valve |
Used to regulate the flow of water and to shut off skimmers, drains
and other lines in order to vacuum or run a spa or other water feature. |
| Base Demand |
The required amount of soda ash (or other pH increaser) to increase
the pH level of pool water to the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6. |
| Biguanides |
A sanitizer that is part of a non-chlorine water treatment system.
Most chemicals used with chlorine are incompatible with biguanide sanitizers
and visa versa. The recommended shock for biguanide treated pools contains
hydrogen peroxide. |
| Blower |
An electrical device that produces a continuous rush of air to create
the optimal bubbling effect in a spa, hot tub or whirlpool. It is
usually plumbed in with the hydrotherapy jets or to a separate bubbler
ring. |
| Blue Fingernails |
A condition caused by too much copper in the pool water. Blue fingernails
are not caused by chlorine. the copper may get into the water by
the bad practice of placing trichlor tabs in the skimmer; this acidic
product will cause low-pH water, which will in turn dissolve metals
in the equipment. The dissolved metal (usually copper) then stains
hair, fingernails and, eventually, pool walls. It can also be caused
by keeping the pH too low or misusing acid. |
| Borate |
An elemental mineral used for conditioning water to provide clearer,
more comfortable water. |
| Bottom Circulation System (BCS) |
Also called a main drain. It is a separate system that is installed
beneath the pool connecting into the filter. The system circulates the
water from below. |
| Breakpoint Chlorination |
The process of adding sufficient chlorine to completely
oxidize all organic matter, ammonia or nitrogen compounds. All chlorine
added after that point is free available chlorine. |
| Broadcasting |
Distributing chemicals into a pool by scattering over the water surface. |
| Bromamines |
By-products formed when bromine reacts with swimmer waste (perspiration,
urine), nitrogen or fertilizer. Bromamines are active disinfectants
and do not smell, although high levels are body irritants. Bromamines
are removed by superchlorination or shock treating. |
| Brominator |
A mechanical or electrical device for dispensing bromine at a controlled
rate. Most often a canister or floater filled with tableted or granular
bromine. |
| Bromine |
A sanitizer similar to chlorine commonly used in spas. Very effective
against bacteria but it cannot be stabilized so it is susceptible to
deterioration by sunlight. Unlike chlorine, it can be combined with
ammonia compounds and still be an effective sanitizer. |
| BTU |
Abbreviation for British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary
to raise 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. |
| Buffer |
Chemicals that serve to prevent fluctuations in pH. |
| Bypass |
An arrangement of pipes, gates and valves by which the flow of water
may be passed around a piece of equipment or diverted to another
piece of equipment; a controlled diversion. |
| Calcium Carbonate |
Scale that forms from calcium compounds when pool water is too alkaline,
calcium hardness is too high or total alkalinity is too high. These
hard deposits accumulate on pool surfaces and equipment. |
| Calcium Chloride |
Also called "Calcium Up" it is a soluble white salt used
to raise the calcium harness of the pool water when required. |
| Calcium Hardness |
A measure of the level of calcium and magnesium pool and spa water.
Helps to determine how scaling or corrosive the water is. It is especially
important to monitor calcium harness in pools with a plaster finish.
The ideal range is from 200 to 400 ppm; the minimum level is 150
ppm. One of the basic water tests necessary to determine water balance. |
| Calcium Hypochlorite |
The sanitizing or chlorinating agent using calcium as the carrying
salt for application. It's a granular product that is not sun stable.
It tends to increase pool water pH. It is usually used for superchlorination.
It usually contains 65% available chlorine. |
| Cartridge Filter |
Filter with a pleated element that traps debris. Looks like a giant
oil filter. |
| Check Valve |
A mechanical device in a pipe that permits the flow of water or air
in one direction only. |
| Chelating Agent |
(Pronounced KEY-late) Also called sequester. A chemical that binds
up metals. Used to prevent metal staining and colored water. |
| Chelated Copper |
Copper algaecides that contain a special ingredient to prevent the
copper from staining the pool walls and bottom or producing colored
water. |
| Chemical Feeder |
Any of several types of devices that dispense chemicals into the pool
or spa water at a predetermined rate. Some dispense chlorine or bromine
while others dispense pH-adjusting chemicals. |
| Chloramines |
Smelly compounds formed by combining with nitrogen compounds from
human waste such as perspiration, urine and skin proteins. Chloramines
have an objectionable odor of "too much chlorine" and can
irritate swimmers' eyes and skin. Cured by proper shocking. |
| Chlorinator |
A mechanical or electrical devise for dispensing chlorine at a controlled
rate. Most often a canister or floater filled with tablets of chlorine. |
| Chlorine |
The most widely used bacteria-killing agent for recreational water
treatment. A sanitizer and an oxidizer. As a sanitizer it kills bacteria
in pools. As an
oxidizer it burns
off organic matter
and
kills algae. |
| Chlorine Demand |
The amount of chlorine required to destroy bacteria, algae, and other
contaminants in swimming pool water. Once the chlorine demand is
satisfied, the water will be in a sanitary condition until further
contamination takes place. |
| Chlorine Enhancer |
A chemical compound that when used in conjunction with chlorine makes
the chlorine perform better as an algaecide. |
| Chlorine Gas |
The most pure form of chlorine, which can only be applied to pools
by trained professionals. It is not an appropriate sanitizer for
spas. |
| Chlorine Generator |
An electrical device that generates chlorine from a salt solution
in a tank or from salt added to the pool water. |
| Chlorine Lock |
A term used to describe a condition where chlorine has
slower killing speed on algae, bacteria and burning out organic matter.
It is caused by over-stabilization or excess cyan uric acid. |
| Chlorine Neutralizer |
A chemical used to make chlorine harmless. Used in test kits to counteract
the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine in order to increase
the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine and bromine neutralizer,
it is used to destroy excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine, so
the high levels will not affect swimmers. |
| Chlorine Residual |
The amount of chlorine that remains in the pool or spa water after
the chlorine demand has been satisfied. See also Free
Available Chlorine. |
| Circulation |
The flow of water in a swimming pool or spa. Ideally the circulation
should leave no dead spots (areas of stagnant water). |
| Clarifier |
A chemical used to remove haze in the water. Usually works by causing
small particles to join together so the filter or vacuum can pick
them up. Also called coagulant or flocculant. There are two types;
inorganic salts of aluminum (alum) or water-soluble organic polyelectrolytes. |
| Coagulant |
A chemical compound added to water to gather suspended particles
together for filtration.
See Flocculating
Agent .
|
| Colorimetric Test |
A test where a reagent causes a change in color when reacting with
the specified chemical. This color is then compared to a color standard
chart. |
| Combined Chlorine |
Chlorine that is in combination with ammonia, nitrogen or other organic
compounds. See Chloramines |
| Conditioner |
Chemically, conditioner is cyanuric acid. It slows down the degradation
of chlorine in the water by sunlight. Minimum level is 10 ppm. Too
much does not slow down chlorine activity or effectiveness. Conditioner
does not protect bromine from sunlight. |
| Coping |
The material that joins the pool to the deck. Made of concrete, aluminum,
plastic, brick or wood. Commonly concrete on concrete pools and aluminum
on vinyl pools. |
| Copper |
it is one of nature's elements. It is also used for various parts
of equipment and plumbing in swimming pools and spas. Corrosive water
caused by misuse of chemicals, improper water balance, or placing
trichlor tablets in the skimmer can cause copper to be dissolved
from the equipment or plumbing and deposit the precipitates on hair,
fingernails or pool walls. High levels of copper can also cause green
water. Copper is also used as an algaecide. Maximum level is about
0.2 ppm. |
| Copper Algaecide |
A chemical compound that contains element copper. Copper sulfate was
one of the original copper algaecides. Too much copper in the water
can cause green-colored stains. Newer copper algaecides contain and
ingredient that prevents the copper from staining but does not affect
the copper's ability to kill algae. These special copper algaecides
are called chelated copper algaecides. |
| Corrosion |
The etching, pitting or eating away of the pool or spa or equipment.
Caused by improper water balance, misuse of acid or acidic products
or from soft water. |
| Corrosive Water |
A water condition of low pH (acid condition) that can corrode metal
pipes, pool fixtures and pumps. |
| Coupling |
A plumbing fitting that is used to connect two pieces of pipe. |
| Cover, Hard Top |
A cover used on pools, spas and hot tubs that rests on the lip (coping)
of the pool or spa deck - not a flotation cover. used as a barrier
to swimmers and bathers, and for maintenance and thermal protection. |
| Cover, Solar |
A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool, spa or
hot tub, increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission
of solar radiation; reduces evaporation and prevents wind-borne debris
from entering the water. |
| Cover, Winter |
A cover that is secured around the perimeter of a pool, spa or hot
tub that provides a barrier to bathers and debris when the pool,
spa or hot tub is closed for the season. |
| Cyanuric Acid |
Also called conditioner and stabilizer. Stabilizes chlorine. Can be
part of the chlorine, as in stabilized chlorine or can be added separately
if using unstabilized
chlorine.
Helps prevent deterioration of chlorine from heat or sunlight. Avoid
high levels (75 ppm or above) which can cause discoloration, odors
and other problems. Recommended level = 25 ppm. |
| Deck |
The area that surrounds the pool. It can be made of a variety of materials
including concrete, flagstone, brick, aggregate, etc. A deck should
drain well and be slip resistant. |
| Defoamer |
Also called Anti-Foam. A chemical that reduces and/or eliminates foam.
It pops bubbles. Squirt it over the water surface. |
| Diatomaceous Earth (DE) |
A white powdery filtering agent composed of the skeletal remains of
a form of plankton (diatoms), commonly used to filter water. DE is
added to the skimmer and as it goes into
the
filter it coats
the elements. When the DE is dirty the filter
is backwashed or drained and new DE must be added to the filter. |
| Dichlor |
The common name for sodium dichlor. A fast dissolving chlorine compound
containing chlorine and cyanuric acid (stabilizer or conditioner).
It has a neutral pH and is quick-dissolving. |
| Directional Fitting |
Eyeball type of device which attaches to the pool return so that the
water can be directed a certain way. |
| Discoloration |
Presence of unusual colors in the water, commonly clear green or brown. |
| Dissolved Solids |
See Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). |
| DPD |
Technical name is Diethyl-P-Phenylene Diamine. A test reagent used
to measure disinfectant levels such as free available chlorine and
total chlorine. |
| Dry Acid |
Sodium Bisulfate - added to water to lower pH or Total Alkalinity.
Safer to handle than muriatic acid. |
| Effluent |
The water that flows out of a pump, filter or heater, usually on its
way back to the pool or spa. |
| End-point Reaction |
The resulting color change in a test sample created when you add drops
of a given reagent. The number of drops correlates with a measurement. |
| Enzymes |
Break down oily, gooey substances and convert them to water and carbon
dioxide. |
| Equalizer Valve |
A device used in some pools where the main drain line is plumbed into
the skimmer. Varies the flow from skimmer and main line, usually adjusted
before vacuuming. |
| Escutcheon Plate |
An ornamental shield, flange or border used around a pipe, plumbing
fitting, grab rail or light. |
| Feeder |
A device in the circulating water line of the pool which provides
a constant controlled source of sanitizer, usually in the form of
chlorine tablets for the recirculating water. |
| Fiber Optics |
A lighting system that has light generated at a remote source and
transmitted along fibers. |
| Fiberglass |
Fine spun filaments of glass which are available in a rope or mat
form. When used in a process with polyester resins, catalysts and
hardeners, can be formed or molded into pools, spas and related shapes. |
| Filter |
A device that is used to filter fine debris out of pool water.
Types of filters include Cartridge, DE (Diatomaceous Earth), Regenerative
DE, and Sand. |
| Filter Aid |
A chemical compound added to the water or to the filter that allows
the existing filter to become more efficient. Examples are alum,
water clarifiers and D. E. |
| Filter Cycle |
The length of time between cleaning or backwashing the filter until
it has to be done again. |
| Filtration Rate |
The rate at which the water is traveling through the filter, expressed
in U.S. gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot of filter area. |
| Floc |
The clump of tuft formed when suspended particles combine with a flocculating
agent. |
| Flocculating Agent |
Added to water to coagulate particles that cause haze. See Alum or
Clarifier. |
| Flow Rate |
The quantity of water flowing past a designated point within a specified
time, such as the number of gallons flowing past a point in 1 minute
- abbreviated as gpm. |
| Foam |
A froth of bubbles on the surface of water. Usually comes from soap,
oil, deodorant, hair spray, suntan oil, etc., that is shed into the
water as swimmers enter. |
| Free Available Chlorine (FAC) |
Also called Chlorine Residual or Available Chlorine. The amount of
active chlorine remaining in the water after the chlorine demand
to destroy algae, bacteria, or other contaminants has been satisfied.
Recommendations vary for pool type, pool usage patterns and pool
water pH. |
| GPD, GPH, GPM |
Abbreviations for: gallons per day, gallons per hour, gallons per
minute - relating to flow rate. |
| Gizzmo |
A hollow, collapsible plastic fitting used to plug the skimmer. If
ice forms in the skimmer the gizzmo can absorb the expanding ice. It's
green and looks like a thermos bottle. |
| Grab Rail |
Also called a hand rail. A tubular steel or plastic device that can
be gripped by swimmers or bathers for the purpose of steadying themselves.
Usually located near the steps in a pool. |
| Green Hair |
A condition caused by too much copper in the pool water. Green hair
is not caused by chlorine. The copper may get into the water by the
bad practice of placing trichlor tablets in the skimmer. This acidic
product will cause low-pH water, which will in turn dissolve metals
in the equipment. The dissolved metal (usually copper) then stains
hair, fingernails and eventually, pool walls. it can also be caused
by keeping the pH too low or misusing acid. |
| GFI |
Ground fault circuit interrupter. A device intended to protect people.
It interrupts (de-energizes) the electrical circuit whenever it detects
the presence of excess electrical current going to ground. |
| Gunite |
A mixture of cement and sand sprayed onto contoured and supported
surfaces to build a pool. Gunite is mixed and pumped to the site
dry, and water is added at the point of application. Plaster is usually
applied over the gunite. |
| Hand Rail |
See Grab Rail. |
| Hand Skimmer |
A screen attached to a frame which is then attached to a telepole
used to remove large floating debris, such as leaves and bugs, from
the water's surface. |
| Hardness |
The quantity of calcium and manganese dissolved in water. High levels
contribute to cloudy water and scale formation while low levels cause
water to "attack" pool components |
| Haze |
Cloudiness in the water caused by very small floating particles. Turbidity. |
| Heat Exchanger |
A device located inside the heater providing for the transfer of heat
from the heat source to the water. This is usually a series of metallic
tubes with fins located just above the flames. |
| Heater |
A fossil-fueled, electric or solar device used to heat the water of
a pool, spa or hot tub. |
| High Dissolved Solids |
Pool water containing high levels of dissolved minerals. High levels
of dissolved solids may cause water to have a "flat" or "salty" taste
and cause water to appear dull or "dead". Pools with water
three to five years old, or those containing water with solids higher
than
3,000 ppm should be partially drained or diluted with fresh water. |
| Horsepower |
The work done per unit of time. 1 horsepower equals 33,000 foot-pounds
of work per minute or approximately 746 watts. Motors for pumps are
rated in horsepower. |
| Hydrochloric Acid |
See Muriatic Acid. |
| Hydrogen |
The lightest chemical element. A component of water, and a frequent
product of many chemical reactions. pH is a measure of hydrogen in
its ionic form in water. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide |
An unstable, colorless, heavy liquid used as a bleach in industry
and as an antiseptic in households. It is used as an oxidizing agent
in pools and spas, especially with biguanide
systems. May also be used to dechlorinate pool or spa water. |
| Hydro jet |
A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment
that blends or mixes air and water, creating a high velocity turbulent
stream of air-enriched water. |
| Hypobromous Acid |
The most powerful disinfecting form of bromine in water. Sometimes
called the killing form of bromine. |
| Hypochlorite |
An inorganic (un-stabilized) family of chlorine compounds used in
various forms to provide chlorine for water treatment. Includes Calcium
Hypochlorite,
Lithium Hypochlorite, and Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine). |
| Impeller |
The "heart" of the centrifugal pump. Rotating veins create
the suction flow of the water into the pump. Pumps do more pushing
that pulling. |
| Influent |
The water entering the pump, the filter or other equipment of space.
Water going into the pump is called influent, while water leaving
the pump is called effluent. |
| Inlet |
A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment
that water returns to the pool. Usually the last thing on the return
line. |
| Ionizer |
A water sanitation device that uses electricity to generate copper
and/or silver ions, which are dispersed in the water. It works by
passing a low-voltage DC current through a set of metallic electrodes
placed in line with the circulation equipment. The copper is an algaecide,
while the silver is a bactericide. It does not remove swimmer waste. |
| Iron |
Iron in water can cause the water to be brown or green colored. This
can be controlled by the addition of a sequestering or chelating
agent. Water can be tested with an iron test kit. |
| Langelier Saturation Index |
A formula developed by Dr. W.F. Langelier to determine the scale forming
or corrosive tendencies of water. |
| Leaf Rack or Scoop |
Like a surface skimmer but has a bag for picking up leaves. |
| Leaf Vacuum |
Powered by a garden hose, not the pool's vacuum system. Debris is
swirled into a nylon bag atop the leaf vacuum. |
| Liquid Acid |
See Muriatic Acid. |
| Liquid Chlorine (Bleach) |
Sodium hypochlorite solutions added to water as a disinfectant. Characteristics
include very low levels of available chlorine (12-15%), high contribution
to Total Dissolved Solids, and inconvenient to handle and apply.
Should not be confused with Clorox. |
| Lithium Hypochlorite |
A granular form of chlorine used in pools and spas. It is known for
its tendency to dissolve quickly with 35% available chlorine. |
| Magnesium Hardness |
A measure of the amount of magnesium dissolved in the
water. It is a part of total hardness and causes scale if levels
are too high. |
| Main Drain |
The part of the pool that provides water circulation
and is located in the center of the deep end on the pool bottom.
Water can be removed from the pool through the main drain. |
| Make-Up Water |
This is sometimes called "tap" or "refill" water. It is the water
used to replace water lost to evaporation, splash-out, leaks or swimmer
drag-out in the pool. |
| Micron |
A unit of length equal to 1 millionth of a meter - it is .000394 of
an inch. Microns are used to describe the pore size of filter media.
Sand filters have openings of 25 to 30 microns; cartridge filters
have openings of 8 to 10 microns; and D.E. filters have openings
of 1 to 5 microns. Humans, without magnification, can see objects
about 35 microns or larger. A granule of table salt is between 90
to 110 microns. |
| Mineral |
Any substance that is neither animal or vegetable. It is any class
of substances occurring in nature, usually comprising of inorganic
substances, such as quartz or feldspar, of definite chemical composition
and definite crystal structure. It sometimes includes rocks formed
by these substances. Ground water dissolves these rock substances,
and the dissolved minerals are present in tap water. Depending on
the kinds of rocks the water comes in contact with, the minerals
dissolved in the water may be just a few or they may be many. Water
hardness is mostly comprised of these minerals. |
| Multi-port Valve |
A lever controlled chamber with a number of settings to allow you
to backwash. |
| Muriatic Acid |
A solution of 31.45% hydrochloric acid - also called liquid acid.
It is used for lowering pH, total alkalinity and for various cleaning
needs. It is also used for acid washing. |
| N.S.F. |
National Sanitation Foundation. A not-for-profit, non-governmental
organization providing public health and safety-related
information to concerned consumers around the world. |
| Neutralizer |
A chemical used to make chlorine or bromine harmless. Used in test
kits to counteract the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine
in order to increase the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine
and bromine neutralizer, it is used to destroy excessive amounts
of chlorine or bromine, so the high levels will not affect swimmers. |
| Nitrogen |
A gas that causes algae to bloom and disables chlorine. An element
that when combined with chlorine forms chloramines. Common in rainwater,
cosmetics,
oils, perspiration and
urine. Maintaining proper chlorine levels will prevent nitrogen from
becoming a problem. Superchlorination will remove nitrogen and its
related compounds. |
| Organic |
Refers to volatile, combustible and sometimes biodegradable chemical
compounds containing carbon atoms bonded together with other elements.
The principal groups of organic substances found in water are proteins,
carbohydrates, fats and oils. Also see organic waste. |
| Organic Waste |
Debris such as microorganisms, perspiration, urine, etc. that needs
to be oxidized (burned up) regularly to prevent haze, algae, chloramines,
etc. |
| OTO |
Abbreviation for orthotolidine. A colorless chemical reagent that
reacts with chlorine to produce a series of light yellow to deep orange
colors which indicate
the
amount of
chlorine in the water. Only measures Total Chlorine. |
| Oxidation |
The burning off of organic compounds (swimmer waste), ammonia and
nitrogen compounds. These organic compounds disable chlorine, are
body irritants and have a foul smell. Removal is accomplished by
superchlorination or by shock treating with a non-chlorine oxidizer. |
| Ozone |
A form of oxygen that disinfects and deodorizes. It is generated and
entered into a pool by an ozonator. Highly unstable and cannot be
used to create a sanitizer residual. |
| pH (potential Hydrogen) |
A measure from 1-14 of how acidic or basic the water is.
A pH of 7.0 is neutral. Pool water should be kept slightly basic
with a pH of 7.2-7.8. A low pH indicates and acid condition which
causes swimmer discomfort and corrodes pool surfaces and equipment.
A high pH indicates a basic condition which promotes scale formation
and causes cloudy water. |
| pH Minus |
Sodium Bisulfate, also called dry acid. used to reduce pH and/or Total
Alkalinity. Also called pH Down or pH Decreaser. |
| pH Plus |
Sodium Carbonate or soda ash. Used to raise pH. Also called pH Up
or pH Increaser. |
| Parts Per Million (ppm) |
A unit of concentration often used when measuring levels of substances
in air, water, body fluids, etc. One ppm is 1 part in 1,000,000. Four
drops of ink in a 55-gallon barrel of water would produce an ink concentration
of 1 ppm. |
| Phenol Red |
A reagent (dye) for measuring the pH of water in a range from 6.8
to 8.2. It changes color from yellow to purple as the pH goes from
6.7 to 8.2. |
| Plaster |
A mixture of white cement and white marble dust used as an interior
finish, which can be tinted, colored or left white; applied to the
gunite or shotcrete of a pool or spa. |
| Polymer |
A substance made of giant molecules formed by the union of simpler
molecules. Many water clarifiers are made from organic polymers.
An example would be polymerized ethylene, called polyethylene. |
| Pool Base |
The material that is used to form the bottom dimensions of the pool.
It is usually a combination of sand and cement or vermiculite and
cement. |
| Pool Surfaces |
Not to be confused with water surfaces. Refers to the walls and floor
of the pool. Common surface types are fiberglass, plaster, painted concrete,
vinyl, tile. |
| Potassium Peroxymon |
Potassium Peroxymonosulfate. The active ingredient and chemical name
of a non-chlorine shock treatment or non-chlorine oxidizer. Does
not kill bacteria or algae but it will oxidize or destroy ammonia,
nitrogen and swimmer waste. It has a low pH, and it does not increase
chlorine or bromine levels the way that superchlorination does, so
water may be entered 15 minutes after addition. It will also reactivate
bromine to its killing form, hypobromous acid. |
| Precipitate |
Solid particles forced out of solution by a chemical reaction. They
may settle to the bottom of the spa or pool or remain suspended in
the water giving the water a cloudy look. |
| Precoat |
The coating of diatomaceous earth on the grids of a DE filter at the
beginning of each filter cycle. |
| Pressure Gauge |
A round dial located on the backwash valve or on top of the filter.
Indicates in pounds per square inch (psi) the pressure inside the
filter or other closed container. When the pressure reads 10 psi
or more above the reading when the filter
was last cleaned, that would indicate it is time to clean the filter
again. |
| Priming |
Filling the strainer or vacuum hose with water to help the pump push
air out of the lines. If the pump won’t prime, a full flow of
water to the pump is being impeded by an air leak or restricted by clogged
lines or baskets. |
| Pump |
A motor powered mechanical device that creates pressure and water
flow by spinning an impeller to provide circulation through the filter
and heater. |
| Reagents |
Chemical testing compounds that are used to test for chlorine,
bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, etc.
|
| Residual Bromine |
The amount of measurable bromine remaining after treating the water
with bromine. The amount of bromine left in the pool or spa water
after the bromine demand has been satisfied. |
| Residual Chlorine |
See Free Available Chlorine (FAC). |
| Returns |
The point at which the water returns to the pool after having traveled
through the filter. |
| Sand Filter |
Type of filter that uses sand to clean the water. |
| Sanitizer |
A general terms for a substance used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria
and algae and oxidize organic contaminants. Generic names include
Bromine, Biguanide and Chlorine. |
| Scale |
Mineral deposits that form on pool or spa surfaces and equipment due
to excessive calcium in the water when the pH level is high. Scale
may appear as gray, white or dark streaks on the plaster, fiberglass
or vinyl. It may also appear as a hard crust around the tile. |
| Scum |
The extraneous or foreign matter which rises to the surface of the
water and forms a layer or a film there. It can also be residue deposited
on the tile or walls of the pool or spa. Sources of scum include
soap, oil, deodorant, hair spray, suntan lotions and others. |
| Sediment |
The solid material settled out from the water. |
| Sequestering Agent |
A chemical that bonds with metals so that they can't cause staining
or discoloration. See also Chelating Agent. |
| Shock |
An oxidizer that burns off the organic wastes that causes cloudiness
and algae. It's a generic term for a chemical used to oxidize organic
wastes. |
| Shock Treat |
The practice of adding significant amount of an oxidizing chemical
(usually non-chlorine oxidizers, such as sodium persulfate or potassium
peroxymonosulfate) to the water to destroy ammonia, nitrogen compounds
or swimmer waste. |
| Shotcrete |
A mixture of sand and cement sprayed onto contoured and supported
surfaces to build a pool or spa. Plaster is applied over the shotcrete.
Shotcrete is premixed and pumped wet to the construction site. |
| Silt |
Soil particles having diameters between 0.004 and 0.062 millimeters.
Sometimes they may be too small to be trapped by the circulation
system. In those cases, a clarifier or an alum product may be needed. |
| Silver Ion Purifier |
A system that uses silver ions to kill water bacteria. |
| Simazine |
A chemical substance used in swimming pools and spas as and herbicide
or algaecide. Mainly used for killing black algae. |
| Skimmer |
The white, box-like compartment on the side of the pool that automatically
skims the top few inches of water, removing debris and oily films. Contains
a removable basket that needs to be periodically cleared of debris. |
| Skimmer Weir |
Part of a skimmer that adjusts automatically to small changes in water
level to assure a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. The small
floating "door" on the side of the skimmer that faces the water over
which the water flows on its way to the skimmer. The weir also prevents
debris from floating back into the pool when the pump shuts off. |
| Slide Valve |
A manually controlled valve with two settings used to direct pool
water flow. |
| Slugging |
A method of lowering total alkalinity by pouring pH decreaser in one
concentrated spot and turning off the filter. |
| Slurry |
Water or a liquid containing a high concentration of suspended solids.
D.E. is usually added to the filter as a slurry by mixing a small
amount of D.E. in a bucket of water and then pouring the slurry into
the skimmer with the filter on. |
| Soda Ash |
See Sodium Carbonate. |
| Sodium Bicarbonate |
Baking Soda or Bicarb. The alkaline salt compound used to raise Total
Alkalinity. Not to be used for increasing pH. Also called Bicarb
or Bicarbonate
of Soda. |
| Sodium Bisulfate |
Dry acid - also called pH Down. Used to decrease the pH and/or Total
Alkalinity of water. |
| Sodium Bromide |
A salt of bromine. It is used to establish a bromine "bank" in pool
and spa water prior to beginning the use of bromine tablets. |
| Sodium Carbonate |
Soda Ash. Used to increase the pH of water. Also called ph Up. |
| Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate |
Also called Alkalinity Up or pH Stabilizer. Used to raise total alkalinity. |
| Sodium Hypochlorite |
Otherwise known as common household bleach. |
| Sodium Persulfate |
Active ingredient and chemical name of a non-chlorine shock treatment
or non-chlorine oxidizer. Does not kill bacteria or algae but it
will oxidize or destroy ammonia, nitrogen and swimmer waste. Does
not increase chlorine or bromine levels the way the superchlorination
does, so water may be entered 15 minutes after addition. It will
not reactivate bromine. |
| Sodium Sesquicarbonate |
A chemical mixture of equal parts soda ash and sodium bicarbonate
used to increase pH and total alkalinity in pool and spa water. It
was a pH of 10.1. |
| Sodium Sulfite |
A chemical used to neutralize or de-chlorinate pool and spa water. |
| Sodium Thiosulfate |
A chemical used to neutralize or de-chlorinate pool and spa water. |
| Soft Water |
Water low in calcium and magnesium mineral content (water hardness)
- usually less than 100 ppm. Also, water that has gone through
a water softener. Pools and spas should not
be filled
with soft water from a softener. Water with less than 100 ppm of
hardness should be increased to a minimum of 150 to 200 ppm using
calcium chloride. |
| Solar Cover |
A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool or spa,
increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission of
solar radiation; reduces evaporation and prevents wind-born debris
from entering the water. |
| Solar Heating Coils |
Accessory tubes through which water is warmed by the sun and returned
to the pool. |
| Source Water |
Also called "tap" water. It is the water used to fill or refill the
pool or spa. |
| Stabilized Chlorine |
Chlorine that contains Cyanuric Acid to protect the chlorine from
the degrading UV rays in sunlight. Most common types are sodium dichlor
and trichlor. |
| Stain |
A discoloration or a colored deposit on the walls or bottom of a swimming
pool or spa. Most often, stains are metals such as iron, copper and
manganese. They may appear as green, gray, brown or black and may
even discolor the water. Sometimes a sequestering or chelating agent
will remove them. If not, usually an acid wash is necessary to remove
them from the walls and bottom. The metals get into the water because
the pH was too low or someone has added a low-pH chemical directly
into the circulation system. Stains are sometimes confused with scale. |
| Stain Inhibitor |
Also called a sequestering or chelating agent. A chemical that will
combine with dissolved metals in the water to prevent the metals
from coming out of solution (precipitating or causing stains). May
also be a chemical that removes dissolved metals from water. |
| Strainer |
A basket in front of the pump that keeps fine debris from reaching
the pump's impeller area. Must be cleaned periodically. Sometimes
called a "hair and lint trap". |
| Superchlorinate |
The addition of sanitizers in larger amounts than normal (5-10X dosage)
to burn out organics, chloramines, etc. See Shock |
| Surface Skimmer |
A plastic, flat mesh net skimmer used to scoop up and remove floating
debris. |
| Surfactant |
A soluble chemical compound that reduces the surface tension between
two liquids. It is used in many detergents and soapy cleaning compounds. |
| Suspended Solids |
Insoluble solid particles that either float on the surface or are
in suspension in the water, causing turbidity, or a cloudy condition.
They may be held in suspension by agitation or flow. They may be
removed by filtration, but if the particles are too small, they may
not be trapped by the filter. In these cases, a clarifier or alum
may be needed to remove them. |
| Telepole |
A long-handled aluminum pole, which extends in length. Various pool-cleaning
tools, such as brushes or vacuums, may then be attached. |
| Test Kits |
Various kinds, used to measure water factors. A good one will measure
pH, total alkalinity, chlorine level, free chlorine, calcium hardness
and cyanuric acid. |
| Test Strips |
Chemically treated strips that have the appropriate amounts of reagents
on them. Simply dip them into the water and read the reactions. These
strips can test free available and total chlorine, bromine, pH, calcium
hardness, total alkalinity and cyanuric acid. these strips are not
to be used to replace more accurate DPD test kits. They can be used
in conjunction with more accurate kits. |
| Tetraborate Compound |
A generic term for a chemical commonly used to treat and prevent pink
slime, water mold and algae. |
| Titration Test |
A test used for acid and base demands, total alkalinity and calcium
hardness. It creates and end-point reaction by adding drops of the
reagent to elicit a change in the sample's color. The number of drops
required correlates with the measurement. Sanitizer tests are available
using this method. |
| Total Alkalinity (TA) |
A measure of total alkaline substances dissolved in the water and
of the water's ability to resist pH change (stability). If too low,
the pH tends to bounce very erratically. if too high, pH resists
adjustment and the water more
susceptible to scale and
high pH. Recommended range = 80-150 ppm. See Alkalinity. |
| Total Chlorine |
A measure of both "free chlorine" and "combined chlorine" in
pool water. |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
A measure of the amount of dissolved matter in the water. A high level
of solids (1500 ppm and higher) interferes with sanitizer effectiveness.
Maximum amount is pools is 2500 ppm. Maximum for spas is 1500 ppm
over starting TDS. The only way to effectively lower TDS is to drain
part or all of the water and replace it. |
| Trichlor |
A slow-dissolving, tableted or granular, stabilized organic chlorine
compound providing 90% available chlorine. Used for regular chlorination,
but must be dispensed using a floating feeder or an in-line feeder
(chlorinator). Trichlor contains an ingredient that prevents the
chlorine from being destroyed by the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the
sun. Trichlor has a pH of 2.8, and regular trichlor tablets should
not be placed in the skimmer. |
| Turbidity |
The cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of extremely
fine particles in suspension that cannot be trapped by the filter
because they are too small. Adding a clarifier, such as alum, will
coagulate the particles and make the filter more efficient. |
| Turbidity Tests |
Used to test the amount of cyanuric acid in the water. The reagent
causes a cloudiness in the test water. Measurement is obtained by
comparing the test water's visibility (the degree of clarity of a
dot in the test vial) to the test manufacturer's chart. |
| Turnover Rate |
The period of time (usually in hours) required to circulate a volume
of water equal to the volume of water contained in the pool or spa.
For example, pool capacity in gallons, divided by pump flow rate
in gallons per minute (gpm), divided by 60 minutes in 1 hour, will
give hours for 1 turnover. |
| Unstabilized Chlorine |
Chlorine that does not contain Cyanuric Acid. Unstabilized chlorine
is susceptible to degradation by the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the
sun. |
| Vacuum |
Any number of devices that use suction to collect dirt and debris
from the bottom and sides of a pool or spa. Most commonly, it is
a vacuum head with wheels that attaches to a telepole and is connected
to the suction line usually via the opening in the skimmer. It must
be moved about by a person, and debris is collected in the filter.
See also Automatic Pool Cleaner. |
| Vacuum Hose |
Used to vacuum debris from the floor and slopes of the pool. It attaches
to the vacuum head on one end and to the vacuum plate on the other. |
| Vacuum Plate |
Provides a vacuum-sealed connection for the vacuum hose, allowing
debris to be caught in the skimmer basket rather than the pump strainer
basket. |
| Venturi |
A fitting that consists of a tube constricted in the middle and flared
on both ends. While passing through the constriction, a fluid's velocity
will increase while its pressure will decrease. Placing a tube or
pipe at the constriction point creates a vacuum. Fluid or air can
then be drawn in through the tube. A hydro-therapy jet draws air
in and mixes it with the water using this principle. |
| Vinyl LIner |
The vinyl liner is the product that covers the walls and base of the
pool and holds in the water. the liner has a beaded edge that locks
into the coping. The heavy ml vinyl liner is durable, easy to clean,
and generally maintenance free through all kinds of weather. It can
be specially treated to resist bacteria, typical chemical levels
and ultraviolet rays. |
| Water Balance |
This balance is reached when all elements (pH, total alkalinity, calcium
hardness, total dissolved solids and temperature) are within their
proper ranges. |
| Water Mold |
A type of bacteria found in nasty looking pool water. White-gray or
pink in color, Very slimy and difficult to eliminate. |
| Winterizing |
The procedure for leaving the water in the pool over the winter, as
opposed to draining. Includes chemical treatment of the standing
water, plus physical protection of the pool and its equipment against
freezing. |
