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GLOSSARY
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ACID: A chemical substance containing
hydrogen with the ability to neutralise alkaline materials. Acid is used
to lower the pH or total alkalinity of swimming pool water. Most common
are hydrochloric acid (muriatic) and dry acid (sodium bisulfate).
ACID DEMAND: The amount of acid required to
bring high pH or total alkalinity down to their proper levels. Determined
by an 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 or total alkalinity.
ACID RAIN: Precipitation having a low pH
value caused by air polluted with sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide or
nitrous oxide.
AIR BLEEDER ASSEMBLY: See Air-Relief Valve
AIR-RELIEF VALVE: A manually operated valve
located on the top of a filter tank for relieving the pressure inside the
filter or for removing the air trapped inside the filter (bleeding the
filter). Sometimes called a Pressure-Relief Valve.
ALGAE: Microscopic plant-like organisms that
contain chlorophyll. Algae are nourished by carbon dioxide (CO2)
and use sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. They find their way into the
pool by rain or wind and grow in colonies, resulting in algae blooms.
Algae do not cause disease, but provide an ideal substrate for bacteria to
thrive in. There are over 21,000 known species of algae. The most common
pool types are black algae, blue-green algae, green algae and mustard
algae. Pink algae or red algae-like organisms can be found, but are in
fact bacteria. Maintaining proper sanitiser levels, shock treatments and
superchlorination will help to prevent or destroy algae.
ALGAECIDE:
Meaning 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,
quat compounds, chlorine enhancers and herbicides. Algaecides are often
formulated for a specific type of algae (green algae, mustard algae, black
algae) with black algae being the hardest to treat.
ALGAESTAT:
An algaecide kills algae, while an
algaestat retards and prevents its development and growth.
ALGEA: See Algae
ALGICIDE: See Algaecide
ALKALI: Also called a Base. An alkali is the
opposite of acid and is used to increase the pH or total alkalinity of
swimming pool water. Most common are sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide
to increase pH, and sodium bicarbonate to increase total alkalinity.
ALKALINITY:
Also called Total Alkalinity. A
measure of the pH-buffering capacity of water or the water's resistance to
change in pH. It is composed of the hydroxides, carbonates and
bicarbonates in the water. When we measure the total alkalinity, we
usually only measure the carbonate alkalinity level.
ALUMINUM SULFATE:
Also known as Alum. This
product is used as a flocculant which attracts suspended particles in the
water to each other. Alum sinks everything to the bottom, which can then
vacuumed to waste. A small amount of alum can also be used as a sand
filter additive.
AMMONIA: (NH3)
It is a
nitrogen-containing compound introduced into the water by swimmers as
waste (perspiration or urine) or by other means. It quickly combines with
chlorine to form bad-smelling chloramines, which are harmful to our
health.
ANTI-FOAM:
A chemical added to the water to
reduce the foam. These products do not remove the source of the foaming.
Shocking and superchlorination may help prevent foaming. Careful use of
cheaper algaecides/ algaestats can prevent foaming.
AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER:
A pool maintenance
system that will brush or vacuum dirt and debris from the interior of the
pool automatically. Some cleaners work on low-voltage electricity, others
on the pump's suction line. The pool cleaner may be programmable,
automatic or may move randomly around the pool. Some cleaners can climb
the walls of the pool, while others only clean the floor.
AVAILABLE CHLORINE CONTENT:
A term used to
compare the amount of oxidising power that chorine-containing products
have when compared to gas chlorine(Cl2). It permits easy
comparison of relative values of chlorine compounds.
AVAILABLE CHLORINE:
The amount of free
chlorine that is available to sanitise or disinfect the water. It is also
called Residual Chlorine and Free Available Chlorine.
B
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BACKFLOW: The back-pressure of water in a
pipe in the opposite direction to normal flow.
BACKWASH: Thoroughly cleaning a sand filter
by reversing the flow of water through it so that the dirt and rinse water
go to waste.
BACTERIA: Unicellular microorganisms of
various forms. Some are pathogens, which can cause infectious diseases.
Bacteria are controlled by chlorine, bromine or other sanitisers or
disinfectants.
BACTERICIDE: Meaning to kill bacteria. It is
a chemical (e.g. chlorine) or an element (e.g. silver) that kills
bacteria.
BAKING SODA: Chemically, Sodium Bicarbonate.
It is white powder used to raise the total alkalinity of pool water
without having much affect on pH. It will only increase pH up to 8.5,
regardless of the quantity used. Care should be taken, however, to avoid
adding large quantities at one time.
BALANCED WATER: Balanced water is the result
when all of your chemical parameters are within the tolerance limits. The
most important parameters of water balance are pH, Total Alkalinity,
Calcium Hardness and Temperature, as measured using the Langelier
Saturation Index .
BASE: Chemicals of alkaline nature which will
counteract the pH of an acid. Common bases used around the pool include
Soda Ash, Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Carbonate. A base is the opposite
of an acid. See Alkali
BASE DEMAND: A titration test used to
determine the amount of a base (alkali) required to increase the pH to the
correct level.
BCDMH: Chemically, "bromochlorodimethylhydantoin",
it is a bromine sanitiser. When BCDMH dissolves in water it produces
Hypobromous Acid and Hypochlorous Acid.
BICARB: See Sodium Bicarbonate..
BLEACH: This term usually refers to liquid
chlorine. It is the same chemical used in the home, but pool chlorine
(sodium hypochlorite) has 12% - 15% available chlorine while laundry
bleach only has about 5% available chlorine.
BLEACHING OUT: At above 10ppm free available
chlorine in a pool, a DPD test kit often indicates zero chlorine because
the reagent is being destroyed. If you observe an initial pink colour
which then rapidly fades, you probably have far too much residual chlorine
in the water.
BIGUANIDES: The name for a certain class of
sanitizers using the polymer PHMB, the only non-halogen sanitiser
available for pool use. Soft Swim and Baquacil are manufacturers of this
sanitiser. Biguanides are NOT compatible with the Pool Wizard.
BLUE FINGERNAILS: A condition caused by too
much free copper in the pool water. Can result from cheaper copper-based
algaecides, overuse of these algaecides or corrosive water. See also Green
Hair.
BOOSTER PUMP: In addition to the filter pump,
a booster pump may be necessary to power some automatic pool cleaners.
BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION: When you shock treat
your pool, the goal is to reach a high enough level of free chlorine to
break apart all molecular bonds; specifically the combined chlorine
molecules, ammonia or nitrogen compounds and to completely oxidise all
organic matter. Adding enough chlorine to achieve this is breakpoint
chlorination. Chlorine added after that point will be free available
chlorine.
BROMAMINES: By-products formed when bromine
reacts with swimmer waste (perspiration or urine), ammonia or nitrogen.
Unlike chloramines, which are strong smelling and have very low sanitising
properties, bromamines are active disinfectants and do not smell, although
high levels are harmful to your health.
BROMIDE: A common term for a bromide salt
which, when added to water becomes hypobromous acid, the active form of
bromine. It is used as a disinfectant in swimming pools.
BROMINATOR: A mechanical or electrical device
for dispensing bromine at a controlled rate. It is most commonly a
cannister or floater filled with bromine tablets.
BROMINE: A member of the halogen family
commonly used as a sanitizer or disinfectant to destroy bacteria and algae
in swimming pools. It is resistant to heat and rapid pH fluctuations.
Available as a tablet or as sodium bromide, a granular salt.
BUFFER: A chemical which results in
resistance to changes in pH. A base such as Sodium Bicarbonate, when added
to your pool will increase total alkalinity. This in turn increases the
buffering capacity of the pool; i.e. your pool's resistance to pH change.
BUFFERING CAPACITY: The ability of the pool
to resist changes in pH. The buffering capacity is determined by the total
alkalinity. If your pH bounces, or resumes previous levels soon after
adjustment, the buffering capacity is too low. If your pH rises rapidly,
even after the addition of large amounts of acid, the buffering capacity
is too high. If the pool has an unstable pH, the total alkalinity should
be tested and adjusted.
BYPASS: An arrangement of pipes, gates and
valves by which the flow of water may be passed around the filter rather
than through it, and usually refers to circulating the water without
filtration.
C
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CALCIUM
CARBONATE: Crystalline compounds formed on swimming pool surfaces when
the calcium hardness, pH or total alkalinity levels are too high. Once formed,
the crystals adhere to the plumbing and pool surfaces. These crystals are also
known as scale.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE: A soluble white salt used to raise the calcium hardness
or total hardness level of pool water.
CALCIUM HARDNESS: The calcium content of the water. If the calcium
hardness level is too low, the water may be corrosive. If the calcium hardness
level is too high, the water may have a tendency to form scale.
CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE: A compound of chlorine and calcium used as a
disinfectant, sanitiser, bactericide, algaecide and oxidizer in swimming pool
water. It is available as a white granular powder which usually contains 65% -
70% available chlorine and has a pH of 11.8 . It is also used as a disinfectant
in drinking water.
CARBON DIOXIDE: A gas, which when present in the water, provides
necessary nutrients for the algae to photosynthesise and reproduce in the
presence of sunlight. Also used to lower pH in large pools.
CARTRIDGE: A disposable porous element made of paper or polyester which
is used as the filter medium in cartridge filters.
CARTRIDGE FILTER: A water filter that uses a replaceable porous element
made of paper or polyester.
CHECK VALVE: A mechanical device in a pipe that permits the flow of water
in one direction only. Also called a one-way valve or a non-return valve.
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.
CHELATED COPPER: Copper algaecides that contain a special ingredient to
prevent the copper from staining the pool surfaces or producing coloured water.
CHEMICAL FEEDER: A device that dispenses chemicals into the pool water at
a predetermined rate. Some provide chlorine or bromine while others add
pH-adjusting chemicals.
CHLORAMINES: Undesirable smelly compounds formed when insufficient levels
of free available chlorine react with ammonia and other nitrogen containing
compounds (swimmer waste, sweat, urine, ...). Chloramines are a threat to human
health and are very poor sanitisers. Chloramines can be destroyed by shock
treatment or superchlorination.
CHLORINATOR: A mechanical or electrical device for adding chlorine to a
pool at a controlled rate. Most often a floater filled with tablets of chlorine
or an in-line feeder.
CHLORINE: A member of the halogen family of sanitisers. Its use in
swimming pools is in the form of a gas, as a liquid, in granular or tablet
forms. When added to water it acts as an oxidiser, sanitiser, disinfectant and
biocidal agent.
CHLORINE, combined: The measure of chlorine which has attached itself to
other molecules or organisms, typically ammonia or nitrogen compounds. Most of
these compounds are present as unwanted chloramines.
CHLORINE, free available: Free available chlorine is active chlorine and
is not combined with any other molecule. A portion of the free available
chlorine is present as hypochlorous acid, which reacts to destroy organic
material in the pool water.
CHLORINE, total: The sum of combined and free available chlorine levels.
With a DPD test kit, DPD1 determines free available chlorine and DPD3 shows
total chlorine. The difference, if any, is the level of combined chlorine.
CHLORINE DEMAND: The amount of chlorine necessary to oxidise all organic
matter (bacteria, algae, chloramines, ammonia and nitrogen compounds, . . .) in
the pool water.
CHLORINE ENHANCER: A chemical compound used in conjunction with chlorine,
that makes the chlorine perform better as an algaecide.
CHLORINE GENERATOR: An electrical device that generates chlorine from a
salt solution. The salt solution may be in a separate tank or may be in the pool
itself.
CHLORINE LOCK: If the level of cyanuric acid (stabliser) in the water is
much over 80ppm, the chlorine becomes trapped and is unable to oxidise
effectively. Despite being able to measure normal chlorine levels, the Redox
potential is very low, indicating a lack of oxidiser. The only way to fix this
is to drain some of the water and refill the pool. Care should be taken when
using stabilised chlorine products (dichlor or trichlor) to avoid the level of
cyanuric acid increasing too much.
CHLORINE NEUTRALISER: A chemical used to deactivate or destroy chlorine.
It is used in better test kits to prevent the bleaching effect of the chlorine
and consequently to increase the accuracy of the tests.
CHLORINE RESIDUAL: Also called Free Available Chlorine. The amount of
chlorine left in the pool water after the chlorine demand has been satisfied.
CLARIFIER: Also called a coagulant or flocculant. A chemical compound
used to coagulate, clump or precipitate suspended microparticles so they can be
removed by vacuuming or filtration. There are two main types; inorganic salts of
aluminum (alum), or organic polyelectrolytes.
CLARITY: The degree or measure of the transparency of water.
CLINOPTILOLITE: The zeolite that is used as an alternative to quartz as
the filter medium in sand filters.
COAGULANT: An organic polyelectrolyte that helps the filter by clumping
minute particles together so they can be trapped by the filter.
COMBINED CHLORINE: See Chlorine, combined.
COMPENSATION TANK: The tank into which the water from the gutters or
skimmer gutters flows. The tank serves to ensure that the pool has enough water
to overflow regardless of the number of swimmers and independent of evaporation
and splash-out losses.
CONDITIONER: Chemically known as cyanuric acid and also called stabiliser.
It protects chlorine in the water against the effects of the sun's UV rays.
CONTAMINANTS: The general name for any microparticle or organism which
reduces water clarity, quality or presents health hazards. Filtering, oxidising
and sanitising are necessary to destroy the contaminants.
COPPER: An effective algaestat and algaecide and is one of nature's
natural elements. It may also be used in the equipment and plumbing in swimming
pools. High levels of copper may stain hair, fingernails or pool surfaces and
can also result in green, brown or blue water.
COPPER ALGAECIDE: A chemical compound that contains the element copper.
Most copper algaecides contain ingredients that prevent the copper from staining
but do not affect copper's ability to kill algae. These are known as chelated
copper algaecides.
COPPER SULFATE: Copper sulfate was one of the original copper algaecides.
It is similar to aluminium sulfate in that it provides a flocculant function in
water. It can be used in ponds but may harm some aquatic creatures in high
concentrations. The amount of copper required to be effective would stain
swimming pools.
CORROSION: The effects of an acidic pool environment; one in which the pH
and/or alkalinity are very low. Corrosion in the form of etching, pitting or
erosion of pool equipment and surfaces is the result. May also be caused by
misuse of acid or by soft water.
COVER, hard-top: A cover used on pools that rests on the edge of the pool
deck and does not come into contact with the water.
COVER, solar: A floating cover that increases the water temperature by
absorption and transmission of solar radiation and reduces evaporation and
pollution from the environment.
COVER, winter: A cover that is secured around the edges of a pool when
the pool is closed for the season.
CYANURIC ACID: Also called conditioner and stabiliser. A granular
chemical added to the pool water which provides a shield to chlorine for
protection from the sun's UV radiation. It is also found in dichlor/ trichlor
products.
D
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D.E.
FILTER: See Diatomaceous Earth Filter
DEFOAMER: Also called anti-foam. A chemical added to the water to destroy
the foam. These products do not remove the source of the foaming. Shocking and
superchlorination may help prevent foaming. Controlled use of certain of the
cheaper algaecides can prevent their resulting in foaming.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: Also called D.E. A white powder composed of
fossilized skeletons of unicellular organisms called diatoms. The skeletons are
porous and have microscopic spaces. The powder is added through the skimmer with
the pump on and deposits itself on a grid. The powder then becomes the filter
medium.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTER: A filter designed to use diatomaceous earth (D.E.)
as the filter medium. The D.E. is added through the skimmer with the pump on,
which deposits the D.E. on a grid. The D.E. becomes the filter medium.
DICHLOR: The common name for Sodium Dichloro Isocyanuric Acid. A quick
dissolving chlorine compound made up of chlorine and cyanuric acid (stabiliser)
and has a pH of 6.9 . Shock treatment with dichlor is not recommended as it may
result in overstabilisation and chlorine lock. If dichlor is used, a monthly
check of the cyanuric acid level is recommended, to prevent overstabilisation
and chlorine lock.
DISINFECT: To kill all pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms.
DISINFECTANT: Chemicals, elements or processes which destroy vegetative
forms of microorganisms and other contaminants. Examples are chlorine, bromine,
ionisers, ozonators and copper & silver algaecides.
DISSOLVED SOLIDS: See Total Dissolved Solids
DPD:
Chemically, NN Diethyl-p-Phenylene
Diamine Sulfate. An indicator reagent used to measure
free available chlorine (DPD1) and total chlorine (DPD3), bromine, ozone and
other oxidizers in water. Far superior to OTO.
DRAIN: A plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in
pools. Also called the main drain, it is located in the deepest part of the
pool. Main drains are connected to the pump for circulation, filtration and
emptying of the pool.
DRY
ACID: Chemically, sodium bisulfate. A dry white crystal that produces
acid when added to water. It is used to lower pH and total alkalinity and is
safer to handle than liquid acid (hydrochloric acid/ muriatic acid).
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E
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EPA:
Abbreviation for the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
EFFICACY: The power to produce an effect. Chlorine's efficacy is affected
by many factors, including the sun, temperature, water balance and the water's
chlorine demand.
ENZYMES: Used in commercial swimming pool formulations to break down and
destroy oils in the swimming pool.
F
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FIBREGLASS: Fine threads of glass which are available in the form of a
rope or a mat. When polyester resins, catalysts and hardeners are applied to
fibreglass, it can be formed or molded into pools, water tanks, boats and many
other items.
FILL
WATER: The water used in filling or topping up the swimming pool.
FILTER: A device that removes undissolved or suspended particles from
water by the flow of the water through a porous substance (a filter medium or
element). The three main types of filters used in pools are sand filters,
cartridge filters and D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters.
FILTER AID: A chemical compound added to the water, filter or skimmer
that allows the existing filter to become more efficient. They are generally
flocculants, coagulants and diatomaceous earth.
FILTER AREA: The toal surface area of the filter medium that is exposed
to the flow of water from the pump, expressed in square metres.
FILTER CARTRIDGE: A disposable porous element made of paper or polyester
and is used as the filter medium in cartridge-type filters.
FILTER CYCLE: The amount of time the filter has water flowing through it
each day, expressed in hours.
FILTER ELEMENT: A device inside the filter which is designed to trap
suspended solids as water flows through it from the pool.
FILTER MEDIUM: The material used in the filter to trap suspended dirt
particles as the water flows through it. It is the polyester or paper in a
cartridge filter element, the sand in a sand filter and the diatomaceous earth
in a D.E. filter.
FILTER POWDER: A common name for diatomaceous earth (D.E.), the filter
medium in a diatomaceous earth filter.
FILTER ROCK: Graded, rounded rock and/or gravel which is used to support
the sand in sand filters.
FILTER SAND: Sand made up of hard and sharp silica or quartz (or
similar), which have been graded for size and uniformity, and is used as the
filter medium in sand filters. Nowadays it can also refer to clinoptilolite, the
zeolite that is used as an alternative to quartz as the filter medium in sand
filters.
FILTRATION RATE: The speed at which the water is travelling through the
filter. It is expressed in litres per minute per square metre of filter area or
in kilolitres per hour per square metre.
FLOC:
See Flocculation.
FLOCCULANT: Also called a Flocculating Agent. Virtually the same as a
coagulant, it is a chemical substance (such as alum) that is used to clump
suspended particles or algae into a heavy mass, which can be caught by the
filter or sinks to the bottom of the pool for vacuuming.
FLOCCULATION: The combination, clumping or coagulation of suspended
particles so that they form small clumps or "lumps" (called floc).
FLOW
RATE: The quantity of water flowing past a specific point in a specified
time (e.g. the number of litres flowing through the filter in 1 hour).
FOAM: A froth of bubbles on the surface of the water. Usually comes from
overuse of algaecide but may also be caused by soaps, oils or other contaminants
carried into the water by swimmers. Enzymes may be used for foam control.
FREE
AVAILABLE CHLORINE: The amount of free chlorine in the pool water that is
available to oxidise, sanitise or disinfect the water. The level can be measured
using a DPD1 test kit. It is also called residual chlorine or available
chlorine.
G
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GREEN
HAIR: A condition caused by too much copper in the pool water or very
high levels of chlorine.
GUNITE: A mixture of cement and sand which is sprayed onto the iron
reinforced walls and floor of a hole to build a pool. The gunite surfaces are
generally plastered.
GUTTER: Also called a Skimmer Gutter. An overflow channel at the edge of
the pool through which floating debris, oil and other things flow and empty into
the balance tank. Pools with gutters generally do not have skimmers.
H
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HALOGENS: The chemical elements in Group VIIB of the Periodic Table of
Elements: fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Only chlorine and bromine are
used as oxidisers, disinfectants and sanitisers in swimming pools.
HAND
SKIMMER: A net attached to a frame which is then attached to a pole and
is used to remove large floating pollutants such as leaves and insects from the
water's surface.
HARD
WATER: Water that is high in calcium, magnesium or other salts, which
makes it difficult for soap to lather. Hard water also has a tendency to form
scale.
HARDNESS, calcium: The amount of calcium dissolved in the water. It is
usually measured as calcium carbonate.
HARDNESS, total: The amount of calcium, magnesium and other salts
dissolved in the water.
HERBICIDE: A chemical compound used to kill or control plant or algae
growth.
HYDROCHLORIC ACID: Also called muriatic acid. A very strong acid used in
pools to lower the pH or total alkalinity. It can also be used for cleaning an
empty pool (acid washing).
HYDROGEN: The lightest chemical element. It is a component of water and a
product of many chemical reactions. pH is a measure of positive
Hydrogen ions in water.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: An unstable, colourless liquid which is used as an
antiseptic in the home. It can used as an oxidising agent in pools. It is NOT
compatible with the Pool Wizard.
HYPOBROMOUS ACID: The active form of bromine in water.
HYPOCHLORITE: The name given to a family of chlorine compounds including:
calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and lithium hypochlorite. They are
used as oxidisers, disinfectants and sanitisers in pool water.
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID: The active form of chlorine in water.
I
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IMPELLER: The rotating part of a pump that is responsible for the
movement of water through the pump.
INLET: A fitting in the pool on the water return line. Water is pumped
back into the pool through the inlet after filtration .
IONISER: A water sanitiser that uses electricity to generate metal ions,
usually copper and silver. It works by passing a current through a set of
electrodes. The copper is an algaecide and algaestat, while the silver is a
bactericide. Ionisers can significantly reduce chlorine consumption. If the ion
levels get too high, problems with staining or discolouration of the water
occur.
IRON: Iron is a natural element that can cause the water to become clear
brown or green in colour. It can also result in staining of the pool surfaces.
Iron can be controlled by the addition of a suitable sequestering or chelating
agent.
ISOCYANURATES: Also called stabilised chlorine. A group of chlorine pool
sanitisers that contain stabiliser (cyanuric acid or isocyanuric acid) to
protect the chlorine from the UV rays of the sun. The most common types are
dichlor and trichlor. The granular form is dichlor, while the tablet or stick
form is trichlor (usually used in a chlorine feeder). Stabilised chlorine should
be used with care, to avoid problems such as chlorine lock that may be caused by
overstabilisation.
J
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K
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L
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LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX: Also called Langelier Index or Saturation
Index. This index can be used to determine water balance according to the levels
of pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and water Temperature. When all the
parameters are in balance, the water will neither be corrosive or scaling.
LEAF
NET: Also called a Hand Skimmer. A net attached to a frame which is then
attached to a pole and is used to remove large floating pollutants such as
leaves and insects from the water's surface.
LINER: Also called a vinyl liner. The vinyl membrane that acts as the
container to hold the water in one type of pool construction.
LIQUID ACID: Also called hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid. It is used
for lowering pH, total alkalinity and for acid washing.
LIQUID CHLORINE: Chemically, sodium hypochlorite. It usually has 12% to
15% available chlorine and has a pH of 13. It is generally cheap, but difficult
and dangerous to handle. It also loses its potency rapidly and is usually only
used in large commercial pools.
LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE: A dry granular chlorine compound with 35% available
chlorine and has a pH of 10.7 . It dissolves quickly and can be used to
superchlorinate vinyl-liner pools, painted pools and fiberglass pools.
M
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MAGNESIUM HARDNESS: A measure of the amount of magnesium dissolved in the
water. It is part of total hardness.
MAIN
DRAIN: This usually refers to the drain that is located in the deepest
part of the pool.
MAKE-UP WATER: Also called top up or refill water. It is the water used
to replace water lost to evaporation, splash-out, leaks and backwashing.
MARBELITE: Also referred to as Plaster. It is a mixture of white cement
and white marble dust used as an interior finish over the gunite or shotcrete of
a pool. It can be given a colour or it may be left white.
MARCITE: See Marbelite
MICRON: A unit of length equal to 1 millionth of a metre. 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 16 microns; and D.E.
(diatomaceous earth) filters have openings of 1 to 5 microns. Zeolite used in
sand filters have openings of 3 to 6 microns. A grain of salt is between 90 and
110 microns.
MICROORGANISM: An extremely small, living breathing creature. The purpose
of disinfectants, sanitisers or oxidisers is to destroy these creatures in the
pool water.
MINERAL: Substances such as Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Nickel,
Copper, Silver, Zinc, Iron, Cobalt or Aluminum. Their presence in high non-chelated
concentrations can lead to stains or scale formation. The measure of water
hardness is dependent on these minerals.
MULTIPORT VALVE: Also called a 6-way or 6-port valve. Water from the pump
can be diverted for various functions by turning the valve handle. The water
may: 1. be sent to waste, 2. be used for backwashing, 3. bypass the filter for
maximum circulation, 4. filter normally, 5. be used to rinse the filter, or 6.
the valve may have all its ports closed. The pump must be off before changing a
valve setting.
MURIATIC ACID: Also called liquid acid or hydrochloric acid. A very
strong acid used in pools to lower the pH and total alkalinity. It can also be
used for cleaning an empty pool (acid washing).
N
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NEUTRALISER: A chemical used to deactivate or destroy chlorine or
bromine. It is used in better test kits in order to increase the accuracy of the
pool water tests.
NITROGEN: A gas that causes algae to bloom and disables chlorine. It is
introduced into the water by rain and by swimmers. Maintaining proper chlorine
levels will prevent nitrogen from becoming a problem. Superchlorination can
destroy nitrogen and nitrogenous compounds.
NON-CHLORINE SHOCK: A granular form of potassium peroxymonosulfate
(potassium monopersulfate, potassium permonosulfate), used to oxidize materials
such as microorganisms, contaminants (ammonia, nitrogen, swimmer waste, ...) or
chloramines.
O
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ORGANIC: Refers to chemical compounds containing carbon atoms bonded
together with other elements. The main groups of organic substances found in
water are proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils.
ORGANIC WASTE: Also called swimmer or bather waste. Refers to the soap,
deodorant, suntan lotion, body oils, sweat, spit, urine . . . , that is
introduced into the water by swimmers, as well as the leaves, dust and insects
that end up in the pool. The organic waste may form undesirable chloramines,
which require large amounts of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to be destroyed.
ORP:
The abbreviation for Oxidation-Reduction
Potential. It is a measurement of the oxidiser's (e.g.
chlorine) ability to oxidise contaminants versus the contaminants' (e.g. algae)
ability to reduce the oxidiser. It is an indication of the level of free
available oxidiser in the water. ORP is generally used with automated dosage
systems and can give a fair idea of the sanitation of the water. It is not a
measure of the total or available chlorine. Sometimes called Redox Potential.
OTO:
The abbreviation for Ortho Tolidine.
A chemical reagent used to test the total chlorine level in water at normal
temperatures. It can measure free available chlorine if the water is first
cooled to 1°C. Its results depend on pH, time and concentration of chlorine. Due
to its toxicity, the use of OTO is restricted or prohibited in many western
countries.
OXIDATION: The burning up or destruction of organic waste and organic
compounds in the pool water.
OXIDISER: Any compound that removes or destroys organic waste and organic
compounds in the water.
OZONATOR: An electrical device that produces ozone that is introduced
into the water as a sanitiser.
OZONE: A molecule containing three atoms of oxygen. It is known to be a
very powerful sanitiser. Ozone producing equipment create this molecule by UV
radiation or corona discharge generators.
P
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PATHOGEN: Also called a pathogenic organism. An organism that can cause
illness, disease or death.
pH:
A term used to indicate the level of acidity or alkalinity of water. A pH of 7.0
is neutral; below 7 is acidic; above 7 is alkaline or basic. pH is a logarithmic
expression of the measure of positive
Hydrogen ions in water. The ideal range for pH in
swimming pools is 7.0 to 7.6. The pH of our tears is 7.2 to 7.4 .
PHENOL RED: A chemical reagent dye used to test pH. It can measure pH
from 6.8 to 8.4 . The tablet form usually incorporates a chlorine neutraliser
for more accurate results.
PHOTOMETER: An electrical instrument for testing pool water conditions,
which measures the colours electronically rather than visually, giving more
accurate results.
PLASTER: Also referred to as Marbelite. It is a mixture of white cement
and white marble dust used as a finish over the gunite or shotcrete of a pool.
It can be coloured or it may be left white.
POLYMER: A large substance comprising of small repeating molecules. Many
coagulants are made from organic polymers as are algaecides and algaestats.
POTASSIUM PEROXYMONOSULFATE: See Non-chlorine Shock.
ppm:
The abbreviation for parts per
million. It is a method of assigning value to
concentrations of chemicals in the water. Many of the common pool water tests,
as well as acceptable ranges, are stated as ppm. 1ppm = 1 mg/L
PRECIPITATION: To precipitate is to come out of solution or to become
insoluble as a result of a chemical reaction. Material forced out of solution
will settle, stain, scale or remain suspended in the water.
PRESSURE GAUGE: A gauge with an dial indicating the pressure in a closed
container such as a sand filter.
PUMP: A mechanical device which causes water to flow under pressure for
the purpose of filtration or circulation.
PUMP
CAPACITY: The volume of water a pump is capable of moving during a
specified period of time. This is usually given in litres per minute or
kilolitres per hour (m3/h).
PUMP
CURVE: Also called a Pump Performance Curve. It is a graph that shows a
pump's water flow capacity at any given resistance.
PUMP
STRAINER BASKET: A device placed on the suction side of the pump, which
contains a removable strainer basket designed to trap large debris in the water
flow without causing restriction. Sometimes called a Pump Leaf Trap.
Q
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QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS: Also called Quats or QAC. A type of
algaecide composed of ammonia compounds. They are also effective algaestats for
certain types of algae.
R
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RATE OF
FLOW: The volume of water flowing past a point within a specified time.
Usually expressed as litres per minute or kilolitres per hour (m3/h).
REAGENTS: The chemical indicators used in testing various aspects of
water quality.
REDOX POTENTIAL: The abbreviation for Reduction-Oxidation
Potential. It is a measurement of the oxidiser's (e.g. chlorine) ability to
oxidise contaminants versus the contaminants' (e.g. algae) ability to reduce the
oxidiser. It is an indication of the level of free available oxidiser in the
water. ORP is generally used with automated dosage systems and can give a fair
idea of the sanitation of the water. It is not a measure of the total or
available chlorine. Sometimes called ORP.
RESIDUAL BROMINE: The amount of free available bromine remaining in the
water after the bromine demand has been satisfied.
RESIDUAL CHLORINE: The amount of free available chlorine remaining in the
water after the chlorine demand has been satisfied.
S
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SAND:
The filter medium used by a sand filter. It usually refers to quartz or
silica, but may also refer to zeolites.
SAND
FILTER: A filter using sand, or sand and gravel as the filter medium.
SANITISE: To kill all microorganisms, including bacteria and algae, and
to remove unwanted contaminants.
SCALE: The precipitate that forms on surfaces in contact with water when
the calcium hardness, pH or total alkalinity levels are too high. Scale may
appear as grey, white or dark streaks on the plaster, fiberglass or vinyl. It
may also appear as a hard crust at the waterline.
SCUM: The foreign matter which floats to the surface of the water and
forms a layer or a film. It can also refer to a residue deposited on the tiles
or walls of the pool.
SEDIMENT: The solid material that precipitates out of the water and
settles to the floor of the pool.
SEQUESTERING AGENT: Also called Chelating Agent. A chemical or compound
that combines with dissolved metals or minerals in the water to prevent them
from coming out of solution, thus colouring the water or causing stains.
SEQUESTRANT: A chemical which holds metals in solution and helps prevent
scaling. See Sequestering Agent.
SHOCK TREAT: Adding large amounts of an oxidiser such as chlorine,
hydrogen peroxide or potassium peroxymonosulfate to the water to destroy ammonia
and nitrogen compounds, chloramines and other contaminants.
SHOTCRETE: Similar to Gunite, but premixed.
SKIMMER: A device installed in the wall of a pool that is connected to
the suction line of the pump. The suction pulls in water and floating
contaminants.
SKIMMER BASKET: A removable basket or strainer placed in the skimmer,
which is designed to trap large solids from the water before they get to the
pump or filter.
SKIMMER GUTTER: Also called a Gutter. An overflow channel at the edge of
the pool through which floating debris, oil and other things flow and empty into
the compensation tank. Pools with gutters generally do not have skimmers.
SKIMMER NET: A net attached to a frame which is then attached to a pole
and is used to remove large floating pollutants such as leaves and insects from
the water's surface.
SKIMMER WEIR: The small floating door on the side of the skimmer over
which water flows on its way to the skimmer. The weir prevents debris from
floating back into the pool when the pump is off.
SLURRY: Water containing a high concentration of suspended solids. D.E.
is usually added to the filter as a slurry by mixing the D.E. in some water.
SODA
ASH: Chemically, Sodium Carbonate. A base that is used to raise the pH of
acidic (below pH 7.0) water.
SODIUM BICARBONATE: Also called Baking Soda or Bicarb. A base that is
used to raise Total Alkalinity in pool water with only a slight effect on the
pH. Sodium bicarbonate can only raise the pH of the water to 8.5, regardless of
the amount used. Care should be taken, however, to avoid adding large quantities
at one time.
SODIUM BISULFATE: Also called Dry Acid. A granular form of acid used to
lower the pH or Total Alkalinity of pool water.
SODIUM BROMIDE: A salt of bromine which is used to raise the bromine
levels in a pool before using bromine tablets.
SODIUM CARBONATE: Also called Soda Ash. A base that is used to raise the
pH of acidic (below pH 7.0) water.
SODIUM DICHLOR: A granular, stabilised organic chlorine compound
providing 56% or 62% available chlorine that has a pH of 6.9. Used for regular
chlorination. Should be used with caution for superchlorination as it can cause
the stabiliser level to rise too high, resulting in chlorine lock.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE: Liquid chlorine for use in pools. It usually
provides 12% to 15% available chlorine and has a pH of 13. It is generally
cheap, but difficult and dangerous to handle. It also loses its potency rapidly
and is usually only used in large commercial pools.
SODIUM MONOPERSULFATE: Active ingredient and chemical name of a
non-chlorine shock treatment or non-chlorine oxidiser. See Non-Chlorine Shock.
SODIUM PERSULFATE: Active ingredient and chemical name of a non-chlorine
shock treatment or non-chlorine oxidiser. See Non-Chlorine Shock.
SODIUM SULFITE: A chemical that can be used to neutralise chlorine or
dechlorinate pool water.
SODIUM THIOSULFATE: A chemical that can be used to neutralise chlorine or
dechlorinate pool water.
SOFT
WATER: Water that has a low calcium and/or magnesium content. Soft water
can result in the etching of the pool's surfaces, and should be increased with
calcium chloride.
SOLAR COVER: A floating pool cover that increases the water temperature
by absorption and transmission of solar radiation. It also reduces evaporation
and pollution from the environment.
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM: A system that consists of panels through which the
pool water passes to increase its temperature by using the sun's heat.
STABILISED CHLORINE: A family of organic chlorine compounds that contain
stabiliser (cyanuric acid or iso-cyanuric acid) to protect the chlorine from the
degrading UV rays in sunlight. Most common types are dichlor and trichlor. The
granular form is dichlor and the tablet or stick form is trichlor.
STABILISER: Also called Cyanuric Acid or Conditioner. A granular chemical
added to the pool water which provides a shield to chlorine for protection from
UV radiation. Too much can result in chlorine lock.
STAIN: A discolouration or a coloured deposit on the walls or bottom of a
swimming pool. Stains are usually the result of metals such as iron, copper or
manganese in the water. The stains may be green, gray, brown or black. They may
discolour the water without affecting the clarity. Sometimes a sequestering
agent, chelating agent or commercial stain-remover may remove them. If that
doesn't work, the easiest way to remove the stains is to drain and acid wash the
pool.
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 and so avoiding dicolouration of the water or
stains.
SUPERCHLORINATION: Adding 7 - 10 times the normal dose of chlorine to the
water to destroy ammonia, nitrogen, chloramines and other contaminants.
SUSPENDED SOLIDS: Insoluble solid particles that either float on the
surface or are in suspension in the water causing cloudiness. They may be
removed by filtration, but if the particles are too small a flocculant or
coagulant is necessary to enable the filter to trap them.
T
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TDS:
See Total Dissolved Solids
TEST
KIT: A manual or electrical device used to measure specific chemical
residuals, levels or demands in pool water. Kits usually contain reagents,
vials, titrants and colour comparators for the tests. The most common tests are:
pH, free available chlorine, combined chlorine, total alkalinity, calcium
hardness, cyanuric acid and metals.
TEST
STRIPS: Small plastic strips with pads attached that have been
impregnated with reagents to test pool water. The strips are dipped into the
water and the resulting colours are compared to a colour scale to determine the
values.
TIME
CLOCK: Also called a Timer. An electrical device that automatically turns
the pump or pool cleaner on or off at predetermined intervals or times.
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 total amount of alkaline materials present in the
water, usually measured as carbonate alkalinity. It indicates the water's
resistance to change in pH. Low total alkalinity causes pH bounce. High total
alkalinity causes the pH to constantly rise.
TOTAL CHLORINE: The total amount of chlorine in the water. It is the sum
of free available chlorine and combined chlorine.
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS: Also called TDS. A measure of everything that has
ever dissolved in the water and all the matter that is in solution. The only way
to lower TDS is to drain part of the water and replace it.
TRICHLOR: A slow-dissolving, tablet or granular stabilised organic
chlorine compound which provides 90% available chlorine and has a pH of 2.9. It
must be dispensed using a floating feeder or an in-line chlorinator. Trichlor
contains cyanuric acid that prevents the chlorine from being destroyed by the
ultraviolet rays of the sun. When using trichlor, the cyanuric acid level needs
to be checked regularly to avoid chlorine lock.
TURBIDITY: The cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of
extremely fine particles in suspension that are able to pass through the filter.
Adding a flocculant or coagulant will clump the particles together so they can
be trapped in the filter.
TURNOVER: Also called Turnover Rate. The period of time, in hours,
required by the pump to circulate the volume of water in the pool. Pool capacity
in kilolitres divided by pump flow rate in kilolitres per hour (m3/h)
will give the turnover rate in hours.
U
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ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT: Using UV wavelength radiation to destroy
contaminants in water. UV light is also used to create ozone molecules for the
same purpose.
UNDERWATER LIGHT: A light fixture designed to illuminate a pool from
below the water's surface.
V
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VACUUM:
A device that uses suction to collect dirt from the bottom and sides of a pool.
Most common is a vacuum head with wheels that attaches to a pole and is
connected to the suction line. Some automatic pool cleaners fall into this
category.
VINYL LINER: Also called a Liner. The vinyl membrane that acts as the
container to hold the water in one type of pool construction.
VIRUS: A pathogen capable of causing disease.
W
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WASTE
GUTTER: The outer channel in a pool with 2 gutters. The inner channel
(skimmer gutter) returns the water for filtration, while the outer one collects
rain or wash water and diverts it to waste before it can enter the pool.
WATER CLARIFIER: See Coagulant/ Flocculant.
WEIR: Also called a Skimmer Weir. The small floating door on the side of
the skimmer over which water flows on its way to the skimmer. The weir prevents
debris from floating back into the pool when the pump is off.
X
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Y
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Z
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ZEOLITE:
An alternative to quartz or silica for use in sand filters. It is typically
clinoptilolite, the specific zeolite suitable for pool water conditions. Zeolite
can provide filtration down to 3 microns, is able to absorb heavy metals such as
iron or manganese, and absorbs ammonia and nitrogen compounds. Zeolite can also
absorb chloramines and is regenerated by washing in salt. Being less dense than
quartz, 60% - 70% of the weight of quartz is used. Zeolite is also claimed to
reduce backwashing by 50%.
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