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Glossary
of Terms
Algae
Microscopic plants capable of
rapid reproduction.
Algicides
Products that prevent or control
algae growth.
Bacteria
Microscopic organisms, some of which are harmful to bathers.
Balanced Water
The proper ratio of mineral content and pH that prevents pool
water from being corrosive or scale-forming.
Bromine
A halogen element; alternative sanitizer for pools, widely used
in spas and indoor pools.
Calcium Hardness
(CH) The amount of dissolved calcium in water.
Chlorine
A halogen element; compounds of which are widely used in pool
water sanitation.
Chloramines
Imitating compounds formed by the combination of nitrogen compounds
and free chlorine. Nitrogen compounds are introduced into the
water by urine, perspiration, cosmetics and suntan oils, among
other things.
Chlorine Demand
The amount of chlorine needed to destroy organic contaminants
and establish a stable residual for effective sanitation.
Chlorine Residual
The amount of chlorine (total chlorine) in pool water.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramine)
Chlorine which is bonded to nitrogen compounds.
Dry Acid
Product used to lower pH and total alkalinity; preferred over
muriatic acid (HCI) for handling, storage and safety issues.
Free (Available) Chlorine
Chlorine in a form capable of bacteria and algae destruction.
Oxidize
(see Shock Treatment)
pH
A way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water. This is
the most important part of chemical balance.
ppm
Parts Per Million, a measurement for chemical concentration.
Reagent
Tablets, powder or liquid material for use in water testing.
Scale
Coarse calcium or silicate deposits on swimming pool wall, floors
and circulation plumbing, especially in heat exchangers.
Saturation
Index
A
value based on water temperature, total alkalinity, calcium
hardness and pH. The value predicts the tendency of pool water
to be corrosive, neutral or scale-forming.
Shock
Treatment
Adding an oxidizing compound to the pool water
to chemically break up (oxidize) contaminants such as suntan
oils, cosmetics, perspiration, metal ions and windblown dirt.
Stabilized
Chlorinating Product
Form of chlorinating compound used to sanitize
pool water. Favored for its economy and ability to remain active
in strong sunlight.
Stabilizer
Cyanuric acid; a compound that prevents the dissipation
of chlorinating compound residuals by sunlight.
Superchlorination
Adding enough chlorinating compound (3 to 5 times
usual dose) to destroy chlorine demand compounds and combined
chlorine.
Total
Alkalinity (TA)
The amount of the alkaline components in water. TA acts as a
buffer against rapid pH fluctuation.
Undesirable
Compounds
Substances introduced in the water by people
or the environment that interfere with ideal pool conditions.
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