Capacity

Total amount in gallons of water your pool can contain.

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Capacitor

Provides energy for the pump motor to reach desired RPMs quickly.

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Carbon dioxide

When present in pool, provides food for the growth of algae. Remedied by oxidizing (super chlorinating or other shock treatment) pool water.

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Cartridge

A type of filtration. A pleated element water passes through.

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Channeled Sand

In a sand filter, when the sand develops holes which water passes straight through and is not filtered. Indication that it is time for a sand change.

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Chelator

Bonds with metals in water, keeping them in suspension and preventing them from staining pool surfaces.

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Chitin

Naturally occuring polymer found in crab and lobster shells. Arguably can do the job of clarifier, filter aids, stain and scale removers and enzymes. 

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Chloramines

Chlorine particle combined with nitrogen or ammonia. Creates bad smell and irritates skin and eyes. Must shock pool to remove chloramines.

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Chlorine

Most common sanitizer used in pools. Oxidizer, sanitizer, and disinfectant.

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Chlorine(free)

Chlorine that is active in the pool water, not combined with nitrogen or ammonia, and is available to attack organic matter.

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Chlorine (combined)

Chlorine that is attached to ammonia, nitrogen, or other molecules. Not available to sanitize. It is measured by subtracting free chlorine from total chlorine. Must shock pool to convert combined chlorine into free chlorine.

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Chlorine(total)

Combined chlorine plus free chlorine.

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Chlorine neutralizer

Primarily used in test kits to counteract false pH and alkalinity readings caused by chlorine. Can also be used to bring down excessively high levels of chlorine or bromine in pools.

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Chlorinator

Allows user to control the amount of chlorine introduced into water.

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Clarifier

Aids in the removal of tiny particles suspended in water by clumping them together, allowing the filter to capture them more easily.

 

Coping

Is mounted on the bond beam and conceals the steel emerging from the walls of the pool. Prevents water from going behind the shell of the pool and gives a finished look.

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Copper

A very effective algaecide. Overuse can result in metal stains on pool surfaces.

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Cyanuric acid

Added to water to provide a shield for chlorine against UV rays from the sun that destroy the chlorine molecule.

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Diatomaceous earth

The filtering agent in DE filters. Is made up of fossilized remains of plankton (diatoms).

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DE filter

Contains grids that are covered with diatomaceous earth and filters water as it flows through the grids.

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Enzymes

Used in pools to break down oils and other organic matter. Can help remove foam from water. May decrease the need for sanitizer and frequency of shock treatment. Good to add before winterizing a pool and prior to opening for swim season.