This glossary is a tool for getting acquainted with a variety
of pool-related terms. You will be better able to maintain your pool with a basic understanding of the words below. Either
browse around or search for a particular word:
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 alternatively used as
a sanitizer for pools.
Calcium
Hardness (CH)
The amount of dissolved calcium in water. Ideal range 175 - 275 ppm depending on surface type.
Chlorine
A halogen element, compounds of which
are widely used in pool water sanitation.
Chloramines
Irritating
compounds formed by the combination of nitrogenous compounds and free chlorine. Nitrogenous compounds are introduced into
the water by urine, perspiration, cosmetics, suntan oils, etc.
Chlorinator
A device that dispenses chlorine tablets into pool water in a controlled, gradual
manner.
Chlorine Demand
The
amount of a free available chlorine residual needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a stable residual for effective
sanitation.
Chlorine
Generator
On site device that converts salt (sodium chloride) into free chlorine (hypochlorous acid) through the process
of electrolysis.
Chlorine
Residual
The amount of total chlorine in pool water.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramine)
Chlorine which is bonded to other compounds.
Dry Acid
Product used to lower pH and total alkalinity;
preferred over muriatic acid (HCl) for handling, storage and safety issues. BioGuard Lo' N Slo®.
Free (Available) Chlorine
Chlorine
in a form capable of bacteria and algae destruction. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.
Oxidize
(see Shock Treatment)
pH
A measurement that indicates the acidity or alkalinity
of pool water. On a scale of 0 to 14, 7.0 is neutral. Values below 7.0 are acidic, while values above 7.0 are
basic. The recommended range for pool water is 7.4 to 7.6.
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 and
chloramines.
Stabilized
Chlorinating Products
Form of chlorine 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 chlorine residuals by sunlight. BioGuard®
Stabilizer 100™.
Superchlorination
Adding
enough chlorine (3 to 5 times usual dose) to destroy chlorine demand compounds and combined chlorine.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
A measure
of the ability of water to resist changes in pH (Ideal range 125 – 150 ppm).
Undesirable Compounds
Substances introduced in the
water by people or the environment that interfere with ideal pool conditions.
