Pool Service Information

Terms

ACID DEMAND- The amount of acid required by your pool water to achieve the proper pH level.

ACID- A chemical that lowers pH and total alkalinity when dissolved in water by providing hydrogen ions. Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Bisulfate are two commonly used acids.

ALGAE- Over 20,000 species known to man! A microscopic one-celled plant organism. These organisms are continually introduced into the pool by winds, dust storms, rain showers, and the like.

ALGAECIDE- A chemical used to kill algae. Algaecides perform best as a backup to a routine sanitation program. They also help to kill airborne spores as they blow into the pool. A variety of algae treatment products are available including copper and silver compounds, poly-quat compounds, chlorine enhancers , and herbicides.

ALGAE SPORES- Dormant algae residing in atmospheric conditions which are introduced into the pool water by rain showers, winds, dust storms, etc.

ALGAESTAT- An algaecide kills algae, while an algaestat retards and prevents its genesis and growth.

ALKALINITY- Alkaline refers to the condition where the water’s pH is above 7.0 (neutral) on the pH scale. It is the opposite of acidic. Alkalinity is the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in the water, measured in ppm of Total Alkalinity.

ALUMINUM SULFATE- Also known as alum, this product is used as a flocculate which attracts suspended particles in the water together (green or cloudy pools). Alum sinks everything to the bottom, which is then vacuumed to waste. A small amount of alum can also be used as a sand filter additive.

BACTERIA- An unseen, but dangerous organism that occurs in all water. Bacteria is controlled by the use of disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine.

BALANCED WATER- Pool water which is maintained with a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 and contains the proper total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and temperature to yield a Langelier Saturation index of plus or minus 0.5 is said to be chemically balanced.

BASE- Those chemicals of alkaline nature which will counteract the pH of an acid, eventually neutralizing at 7.0. Common bases used around the pool would include Soda Ash, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Sesquicarbonate.

BASE DEMAND- The required amount of soda ash to increase the pH level of pool water to the ideal range of 7.2 -7.6.

BIGUANIDES- The name for a certain class of sanitizers using the polymer PHMB, the only non-halogen sanitizer available for pool and spa use. Soft Swim and Baquacil are manufacturers of this technology

BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION- When you shock your pool, the goal is to reach a high enough level of free chlorine, measured in ppm, to break apart molecular bonds, specifically the combined chlorine molecules. When breakpoint is reached with sufficient additions of chlorine, everything in the pool is oxidized.

BROMAMINES- A combined bromine - ammonia molecule. Unlike chloramines, which are strong smelling and offer no sanitizing properties, bromamine compounds continue to sanitize.

BROMINE- A sanitizer and disinfectant that kills bacteria and prevents algae.

BUFFER- A base such as Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), added to your pool will increase alkalinity which increases the buffering capacity of the pool; or, your pool’s resistance to pH change.

BUFFERING CAPACITY- The ability of the pool to resist changes in pH, which prevents water balance. The buffering capacity is given by the alkalinity, a close cousin to pH. If your pH bounces, or resumes previous levels soon after adjustment, your buffering capacity is too low. Check your total alkalinity.

CALCIUM- Metal ion contained in water which can form salts such as calcium carbonate thus causing cloudiness or scaling. It usually exists due to improper balance of pH.

CALCIUM CARBONATE- Known as scale, crystalline deposits of calcium may form on your pool surfaces, equipment, or even line your pipes like cholesterol in your arteries. Properly balanced water can prevent this.

CALCIUM CHLORIDE- The flaked calcium salt used to raise levels of Calcium Hardness in your pool water. Also good for snow melting.

CALCIUM HARDNESS- A titration test is used to determine levels of the mineral calcium dissolved in the pool water.

CARBON DIOXIDE- A gas, which when present in the water, provides necessary food for the growth of algae.

CARBONATE- Primary in the make up of total alkalinity and TDS.

CHITIN- A naturally occurring polymer found in the shells of crabs and lobsters. Contained in the product Sea-Klear, chitin acts as a coagulant and flocculent for oils, metals and organic materials.

CHELATOR- A chelating agent is a water soluble molecule that can bond tightly with metal ions, keeping them from coming out of suspension and depositing their stains and scale onto pool surfaces and equipment. Similar to sequestering agents, chelators are found in such products as Resist and Sea-Klear.

CARTRIDGE FILTER- A filter which utilizes a replaceable element and does not require backwashing.

CHLORAMINES- The chlorine in the water that has been weakened by the presence of contaminants such as urine, perspiration, etc. Eye irritation occurs when chloramines build up.

CHLORINE- A strong oxidizing agent available for use as a sanitizer and disinfectant to kill bacteria and prevent algae. May be obtained in granular or liquid form.

CHLORINE, AVAILABLE- Residual chlorine or chlorine that is available to destroy bacteria on contact.

CHLORINE DEMAND- The amount of chlorine required to destroy bacteria or algae.

CLARIFIER- A clarifier is a chemical used as a coagulant of suspended microparticles. Helps the filter by clumping smaller particles into filterable sizes.

COAGULANT- The properties of a chemical used in the assemblage and precipitation of suspended material which may make the pool appear cloudy.

CONTAMINANTS- Any microparticle or organism which reduces water clarity or quality or presents health hazards. All of our filtering, circulating and sanitizing is directed here.

COPPER- An effective algaestat and algaecide, copper as elemental is used in many pools in products like pooltrine.

COPPER SULFATE- Similar to aluminum sulfate, this chemical provides a coagulating and flocculent function in water. Used in ponds. This amount of copper would stain swimming pools.

CONDITIONER- A sun-screening chemical that reduces the loss of chlorine due to evaporation by the sun.

CORROSION- A chemical reaction caused by unbalanced water which causes metals or minerals to dissolve.

CORROSION RESISTANT- The ability of maintaining original surface characteristics under prolonged use.

CYANURIC ACID- A sun-screening chemical that reduces the loss of chlorine due to evaporation by the sun.

D.E.- “Diatomaceous Earth” is formed from the skeletons of microscopic water plant called diatoms. Each skeleton is an extremely porous framework of almost pure silica.

DISINFECTANT- Chemicals or processes which work to destroy vegetative forms of microorganisms and other contaminants. Examples are chlorine, bromine, Soft-Swim, ionizers and copper and silver algaecides.

DIRECTIONS- What you should read before using any chemicals.

DIRT DEMAND- The demand that your pool has for dirt. This level is converted proportional to available time for cleaning. If you remove the dirt from the pool, you have created a dirt deficit, and the pool will actually suck dirt out of the air to maintain its dirt demand.

DPD- Technical name “Diethyl-P-Phenylene Diamine is an indicator reagent for chlorine testing. D.P.D #1 tests for free available chlorine, D.P.D. #3 tests for total chlorine.

DRY ACID- A granular material used to lower the total alkalinity and pH. Technical name Sodium Bisulfate.

EFFECTIVE FILTRATION AREA- The total surface area through which the design flow rate will be maintained during filtration.

ELECTROLYSIS- an electrochemical reaction that can result in black stain near any metal used in the pool, such as ladders and pool lights.

ENZYMES- Used in swimming pool formulations designed to break down and digest oils in a pool or spa similar to the way enzymes are used in oil spill clean-up efforts.

EPA- Abbreviation for the Environmental Protection Agency.

FILL WATER- Used in filling or adding to the water level. Whether from the hose or from a well, your fill water brings its own chemical make up and water balance (or lack thereof).

FILM-X- A compound of citric acid used in cleaning plaster and other pool areas. Safe replacement for muriatic acid.

FILTER AID- A type of finely divided media usually diatomaceous earth, processed perlite, or similar material used to coat a septum of diatomite type filter.

FOAMING- A term used to describe surface foam on your water, esp in spas/hot tubs. Foaming is caused by high TDS levels working in combination with soft water and oils. Certain low grade algaecides can foam when added to pool or spa. Use enzymes for foam control.

FLOCCULANT- Essentially the same as a coagulant, this chemical (such as alum) is used to combined suspended alkaline material and/or algae into a heavy gel, which sinks to the bottom for vacumning.

FREE CHLORINE RESIDUAL- The active chlorine level in pool water after the chlorine demand is satisfied.

G.P.M- Gallons per minute.

HALOGEN- A member of the family of elements fluorine, bromine, chlorine and iodine.

HARDNESS- The amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, carbonates, sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, and silicates dissolved in the water. Scale deposits are formed when there are high levels of hardness present in pool water.

HARD WATER- That water which is high in calcium hardness and other salts which, as such, resists soap being lathered.

HYPOCHLORITE- A family of chlorine compounds such as Calcium Hypochlorite and Lithium Hypochlorite, both granular, and the liquid Sodium Hypochlorite. When these compounds contact water, they release Hypochlorous Acid, the active sanitizing agent.

HYPOCHLOROUS ACID- The free state of chlorine which actually destroys the bacteria and other organic wastes.

IMPURITIES- Any substance dissolved or suspended in water which alters the chemical and/or physical properties of the pure substance.

IODINE- A disinfectant and sanitizer that kills bacteria and prevents algae growth.

IONIZER- An ionizer is a device mounted on your return line, and through which water flowing will receive charged metal ions. Manufacturers may use a copper anode and/or silver. Copper is an algaecide and algaestat, while silver is known for its properties as a bactericide. This electric, limited technology has been replaced by the Vision System.

IRON- Usually introduced into the water from iron plumbing or from well water, Ferric Iron can stain surfaces, while Ferrous Iron will turn your water a clear green color.

LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX- A formula developed by Dr, W.F. Langelier to determine the scale forming or corrosive tendencies of water.

LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE- Quick dissolving, leaves no residue, 25% available chlorine.

MAGNESIUM- A dissolved mineral in swimming pool water. Contributes to water hardness and turbidity.

MINERALS- Such as Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Nickel, Copper, Silver, Iron, Cobalt or Aluminum. Their presence in high non-chelated concentrations can lead to stains & scale when conditions are right.

MICROORGANISM- A living, breathing creature in your pool. The purpose of disinfectants are to remove such “infectants”.

MURIATIC ACID- Hydrochloric acid in liquid form used for lowering total alkalinity of pH.

NASCENT OXYGEN- A single oxygen atom, not yet bonded to anything. Extremely powerful oxidizer when harnessed.

NITROGEN- When combined with chlorine, nitrogen creates chloramines, which do not belong in our pool. Nitrogen can be found in many swimmer wastes (perspiration, suntan oil, hair tonics, etc.) or be introduced by other means.

NON-CHLORINE SHOCK- A granular form of potassium permonosulfate, used to oxidize materials such as microorganisms, contaminants or chloramines.

N.S.F.- National Sanitation Foundation.

OTO- An indicator reagent used with a test kit to determine the amount of chlorine in the water.

OXIDATION- The “burning up” of organic waste and compounds in the pool water. It also refers to what you may see on your metal pool surfaces if your water is corrosive. Rust is a form of this kind of oxidation.

OZONE- The molecule containing three atoms of oxygen; known to be a very powerful sanitizer. Ozone producing equipment creates this molecule by UV radiation or corona discharge generators.

pH- The scale of relative acidity or alkalinity, expressed in logarithmic numbers from 0 - 14, with 7.0 being neutral. What’s really being measured is the hydrogen ion concentration. Some would say pH stands for Power of Hydrogen. The total of the acidic or alkalinity particles in the water. The recommended range is pH 7.2 to 7.6.

POTASSIUM PERMONOSULFATE- See non-chlorine shock.

POLYMER- An algaecide / algaestat made up of repeating polymer molecules. Used for green algae and available in varying strengths.

PHENOL RED- An indicator reagent used with your test kit to determine the pH of your pool.

QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND- A type of algaecide composed of ammonia compounds. Effective algaestat for green and blue/green algae.

REAGENT- The chemical indicators used in testing water balance. (All the little bottles or tablets in your test kit).

RESIDUAL- Usually refers to free available chlorine levels remaining in the pool after initial treatment or activity with contaminants.

SANITIZER- A chemical agent used to remove unwanted contaminants.

SAND FILTER- Type of filter using silica sand media for filtration, requires backwashing.

SCALE- A crusty substance usually gray, white, or brown that attaches itself to tile or plaster. Normally caused by a calcium carbonate (hard water) buildup.

SHOCK TREATMENT- Super-chlorination accomplished by adding 5-10 times the normal chlorine dose every seven to ten days to help free up the regular chlorine.

SKIMMER- An inlet at water level to catch large debris thus preventing damage to the filter.

SODA ASH- A chemical, Sodium Carbonate, that raises pH.

SODIUM BICARBONATE- A chemical, Baking Soda, that raises total alkalinity and has little effect on pH.

SODIUM BISULFATE- An granular form of acid, used to counteract a scaling condition by lowering pH and/or alkalinity.

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE- Liquid chlorine used in pools, identical yet stronger than Clorox bleach.

SODIUM TETRABORATE- New technology that renders algae incapable of processing carbon dioxide, which they need to live.

SODIUM DICHLOR- A granular form of chlorine that is stabilized with cyanuric acid. Used for shocking and superchlorination.

SOFT WATER- Water that has low calcium and/or magnesium content. Soap lathers easily in soft water.

SOLIDS- Dissolved and suspended matter in water. Dissolved solids are those which are in solution and not removed by filtration; suspended solids are removed by filtration.

STABILIZER- A chemical when used properly is a very effective control of chlorine. Inhibits the ultra violet rays of the sun from destroying the chlorine. Cyanuric acid is normally used as a stabilizer in swimming pool water.

SUPERCHLORINATION- Applying 7 - 10 times the normal amounts of chlorine to the pool as an added “boost” for contaminant removal. Some refer to superchlorinating as being less than shocking, in that breakpoint thresholds are not reached, or the terms may be used synonomously.

T.D.S.- Total dissolved solids. High levels of T.D.S. which build up in pools due to evaporation interfere with chlorination.

TEST REAGENTS- Various chemicals that make a test kit work. In either liquid or dry form they change colors or indicate readings on the test kit’s scale.

TITRATION- A method of testing for total alkalinity, calcium hardness and acid/base demand by adding a titrant, drop by drop until a color change is observed.

TOTAL ALKALINITY- The number of carbonates, biarbonates, and hydroxides, measured in ppm that are present in pool water.

TURBIDITY- Cloudiness caused by fine visible and/or colloidal material in suspension which interferes with the normal passage of light through liquid.

TURNOVER- The period of time required to circulate a volume of water equal to the water volume of the pool.

ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT- Using UV wavelength radiation to destroy contaminants in water. UV light is also used to create ozone molecules for the same purpose.

VELOCITY- The rate of movement of water measure in feet per second or gallons per minute.

VISION SYSTEM- The technology which isolates nascent oxygen into a powerful sanitizing tool. See Cationic Sanitation.

WORKING PRESSURE- The maximum operating pressure recommended by the manufacturer.