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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.
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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.
Chlorine
Demand
The amount of a free available chlorine residual
needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a
stable residual for effective sanitation.
Chlorine
Residual
The amount of total chlorine in pool water.
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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 way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water.
This is the most important part of chemical balance.
(Ideal range 7.4-7.6)
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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 windblown
dirt.
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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)
The amount of the alkaline components in water. TA
acts as a buffer against rapid pH fluctuation. (Ideal
range 125-150)
Undesirable Compounds
Substances introduced in the water by people or the
environment that interfere with ideal pool conditions.
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