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Air Relief Valve:
A valve on a filter that allows air to be discharged.
Algae: Microscopic forms of plant life which enter the pool by
rain, wind, dust storms or other means. There are numerous varieties - some are
free floating, others grow on walls and surfaces. There are green, black and
yellow or mustard types among others. Some are more resistant to chemical
treatment than others.
Algaecides: Chemicals that prevent and control algae. Others are
designed to kill specific types of visible algae growth.
Algistat: A chemical that inhibits the growth of algae.
Available Chlorine: A term used in rating chlorine products as to
the strength of the chlorine available per equal units of measurement. It is
usually rated as percent. For example, 90% available chlorine means that 1.0
pound of that chlorine compound has 0.9 pounds of pure chlorine strength.
Backwash: The process of thoroughly cleaning the filter medium
and/or elements by the reverse flow of water.
Bacteria: The germs that can contaminate your pool. Introduced by
swimmers, dust, rain storms and other elements.
Balanced Water: The correct ratio of mineral content and pH that
prevents pool water from becoming corrosive or scale forming.
Calcium Hardness: The amount of dissolved calcium in pool water.
This should be approximately 200 ppm to 400 ppm, depending on pool finish.
Higher hardness levels can cause cloudy water and scale. Lower levels can harm
the pool and its equipment.
Cartridge: The element in a filter that can be removed and
cleaned.
Chlorinator: A device to apply or to deliver a chlorine
disinfectant to water at a controlled rate.
Chlorine: A chemical element that exists as a gas in its
elemental form or as part of a chemical compound which is an oxidant and biocide
agent used in disinfecting pool water.
Chlorine Demand: The chlorine needed to kill algae and bacteria
in a pool.
Chlorine Residual: The amount of chlorine remaining after the
chlorine demand has been met.
Combined Chlorine: The portion of the total chlorine existing in
water in chemical combination with ammonia, nitrogen, and/or organic compounds;
mostly comprised of chloramines.
Corrosion: The etching, pitting or eating away of a material by
chemical action.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Ground fossils used as a filter media in
DE filters.
Etching: Corrosion of pool's surface by water that is acidic or
low in total alkalinity and/or calcium hardness.
Filter: A device that removes undissolved particles from water by
recirculation of the water through a porous substance.
Free Available Chlorine: The chlorine which has not combined with
other things in the water like algae or bacteria. This chlorine is what is still
available for sanitizing and can also be considered the chlorine residual.
Hardness: The amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water;
measured by a test kit and expressed as parts per million (ppm).
Main Drain: The suction fitting located in the lowest portion of
an in-ground pool. It's the principal intake for an in-ground pool's circulation
system.
Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid): Use to lower pH and/or total
alkalinity in pool water.
Organic Matter: Perspiration, urine, saliva, suntan oil,
cosmetics, lotion, dead skin, leaves, and similar debris introduced to water by
swimmers and the environment.
pH: A value expressing the relative acidity or basicity of a
substance, such as water, as indicated by the hydrogen ion concentration.
PPM: The abbreviation for Parts Per Million. The unit of
measurement used in chemical testing which indicates the parts by weight in
relation to one million parts by weight of water.
Pump: A mechanical device, usually powered by a an electric
motor, which causes hydraulic flow and pressure for the purpose of filtration,
heating and circulation of pool water.
Reagent: Chemical used to test pool water.
Sanitizer: Any substance that kills germs and bacteria, providing
a sanitary water environment.
Shock Treatment: The practice of adding significant amounts of an
oxidizing chemical (chlorine) to water to destroy ammonia and nitrogenous and
organic contaminants in water.
Skimmer: A part of the circulation system that removes debris
from the surface of the water by drawing surface water through it.
Total Alkalinity: The ability or capacity of water to resist
change in pH. A quantitative measurement of the amount of alkaline in water.
Measured with a test kit and expressed as ppm.
Total Chlorine: The sum of both the free available and combined
chlorines.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): A measure of the total amount of
dissolved matter in water, such as calcium, magnesium, carbonates, bicarbonates,
metallic compounds, etc.
Vacuum: A device used to clean the underwater surface of a pool
or spa by creating suction in a hose line
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