Algae
Microscopic
plants capable that grow in or around
water.
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 - 275ppm 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 chlorinating compounds
into pool water in a controlled, gradual
manner.
Chlorine Demand
The amount
of chlorine addition required before a
free chlorine residual can be
maintained.
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 chlorine left to kill new bacteria
entering the pool. Also, the amount of
chlorine left after chlorine demand has
been satisfied.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramine)
Chlorine-ammonia compounds that can
cause chlorine odor and eye irritation.
This compound is a poor sanitizer for
pool water applications.
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 basicity of
water. Ideal range 7.4 - 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 deposits on swimming pool wall,
floors and circulation plumbing.
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 to reach 10ppm free
chlorine residual.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
The amount
of the alkaline components in water. TA
acts as a buffer against rapid pH
fluctuation. Ideal range 125-150ppm.
Undesirable Compounds
Substances
introduced in the water by people or the
environment that interfere with ideal
pool conditions.
