Filtration rate

The amount of water passed through the pump in gallons per minute.

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Foamy water

Usually caused by high amount of Total Dissolved Solids. Some algaecides and sanitizers may cause foaming.

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Flocculant

Combines with tiny molecules in cloudy water, sinking to the bottom of the pool. Must vacuum to waste.

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Hard water

Water that is high in calcium.

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Impeller

Rotating part of pump that creates the flow of water.

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Ionizer

Introduces charged particles of copper and/or silver to water through the return line.

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Iron

Present in pool water can stain surfaces or give water a greenish tint.

 

Laterals

Component of sand filters located at the bottom of the tank. Once water has passed through the sand, it travels through the laterals, into the return line and back into the pool.

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Minerals

High concentrations in pool water can lead to stains and scale.

 

Multiport valve

Most common have 6 positions. Provides multiple functions into one valve. The positions include: filter(kept here most of the time), backwash(used to reverse the flow of the water, cleaning the filtering agent, exiting water through the waste line),rinse(used for a short time after backwashing), waste(water exits pool without passing through the filter. Used for draining excess water, removing algae or other tiny particles that cannot be picked up by the filter), recirculate(water goes back into the pool, but does not pass through the filter),  closed(usually used when working on equipment. Cuts off water flow from the pool. Do not operate pump with valve in closed position). Multiport valve should only be turned in the clockwise position. Turning counterclcokwise can damage the pressure spring inside the unit.

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Nitrogen

Combines with chlorine to produce chloramines(foul smelling and irritating to skin and eyes). Commonly introduced by perspiration, suntan oils, lotions, etc. Must shock pool to remove.

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Non-chlorine shock

Potassium permonosulfate. Used as an alternative to chlorine shock to oxidize contaminates in pool.

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Ozone

Powerful sanitizer produced by UV radiation or through an electrical (corona discharge) generator.

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pH

The measure of acidity or alkalinity in a pool on a scale of 0 – 14. 0 being acidic and 14 alkaline. 7.0 is neutral. Ideal pH is most pools is 7.6.

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Phosphates

Compounds of the element phosporous and are food for algae. Can be introduced in many ways: lawn fertilizer, rain water, leaves and twigs, dirt, makeup, lotions, hair products. There will always be some presence of phosphates in your pool, but you can control them with phosphate removong chemicals (bind to the phosphate to make it large enough to be filtered out), showering before swimming, and by routine cleanings. If you are having persistent or reoccurring algae, you may have high levels of phosphate. Since most test kits do not test for phosphate, ask for our Mobile Test Lab to come out and test your pool. 

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Polymer

Algaecide and algaestat used for green algae.

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PPM

Parts per million. Used for measuring concentrations of chemicals and dissolved solids in water.

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Pressure gauge

Indicates pressure in filter. Determines when cleaning or service is required.

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Pump

Powered by the motor to produce water flow.