Glossary
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Glossary of Pool Terms
There are 67 entries in this glossary.All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Acid |
A chemical compound which releases hydrogen ions into water, decreasing pH. Products like muriatic acid or Sodium Bisulfate are used to lower pH and Total Alkalinity in pool water. |
| Acid Demand |
The amount of acid needed to lower pH to the proper level for pool water |
| Aeration |
The process of mixing air and water. In a spa this can happen two ways: 1) Using an Air Blower to force air into an air channel or through the spa jets. 2) With Venturi Air Controls that allow air to be pulled into and mixed with the water in the spa jet. |
| Algae |
Microscopic plants deposited in pool or spa water by wind, rain, and dust. They thrive in sunlight and warm water, clogging filters, increasing the need for sanitizers and oxidizers, and causing slippery surfaces. There are 21,000 known species of algae. |
| Algaecide |
A chemical added to water to prevent or control algae growth. |
| Algistat |
Any substance that retards algae growth. |
| Alkali |
A basic solution that neutralizes acids by releasing carbonates and/or hydroxides. |
| Alkali Demand |
The amount of alkali (base) needed in the water to raise pH and/or Total Alkalinity to the proper level. |
| Alkaline |
When the pH of a solution measures above 7.0 on the pH scale. Alkaline (often referred to as “basic”) is the opposite of acid. |
| Alkalinity |
The amount of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide compounds present in the water. Total Alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to resist pH change due to the presence of these compounds in the water. |
| Ammonia |
A Nitrogen containing compounds that combine with free chlorine to form chloramines. |
| Backwash |
Reversing the flow of water through the filter to clean the elements and filter medium. Typical part of maintenance for sand filters and some DE filters. |
| Backwash cycle |
The time needed to backwash (clean) the filter and its components. |
| Bacteria |
Single-celled microscopic organisms. Pathogenic bacteria can cause infections, disease and bather irritation. Chlorine, Bromine, and Biguanide are used to kill bacteria in pool and spa water. |
| Bactericides |
Chemical compounds that kill bacteria. |
| Base |
See Alkali. |
| Bather |
In a Spa, a bather is anyone using a spa for a duration of 20 minutes at 102° F. |
| Bather Load |
The number of people in a pool or spa at a particular time or during a specific period of time. |
| Biguanide |
Polyhexmethylene biguanide hydrochloride. A long chain of polymeric molecules with both bactericidal and algicidal characteristics. Must be used in pool maintenance with a supporting oxidizer. (Hydrogen Peroxide) |
| Borate |
An elemental mineral used for conditioning water to provide clearer, more comfortable water |
| Breakpoint |
During chlorination, this is the point at which all combined chlorine is oxidized (removed) and only Free Available Chlorine remains in the water to kill bacteria. This point is achieved when Free Available Chlorine is 10 times higher than Combined Chlorine. |
| Bromine |
A halogen element; alternative sanitizer for pools. Most effective in spas and indoor pools. |
| Buffer |
Chemicals that serve to prevent fluctuations in pH. (See Alkalinity) Spa Sentry provides a buffer for your spa water. |
| Calcium Carbonate |
Scale that forms from calcium compounds when pool water is too alkaline, calcium hardness is too high or total alkalinity is too high. These hard deposits accumulate on pool surfaces and equipment. |
| Calcium Chloride |
A soluble salt added to pool water to raise the calcium hardness level. |