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Push-pull valve
2 position valve. Filter and backwash.
Reagent
Liquid used in test kits for testing chemical balance.
Salt water pool
Salt in pool water in conjunction with a salt generator produces steady, low levels of chlorine to sanitize.
Salt cell generator
In salt water pools, salt passes through the salt cell. Through a process called electrolysis, the salt is converted into chlorine.
Sand filter
Filter tank filled with sand. Water is forced through the sand, into the laterals at bottom of filter, and back into the pool.
Scale
Forms on pool surfaces when minerals are out of solution. Usually when hardness, pH, and/or alkalinity are not in balance. Typically a white color.
Sequestering agent
Binds mineral together, allowing them to be filtered or absorbed by the water.
Skimmer
Intake that pulls water from the pool surface into the pump and filter of the circulating system.
Skimmer basket
Component of the skimmer that traps large debris and prevents it from traveling to the pump.
Shock
Product used to oxidize pool. The act of oxidizing entire pool which breaks down impurities in water.
Soda ash
A base used to raise pH.
Sodium bicarbonate
Used primarily to raise alkalinity. Will also raise pH, but not as drastically as soda ash.
Sodium bisulfate
Used to battle scaling by lowering pH.
Sodium hypochlorite
Liquid chlorine used as shock in pools. Like bleach, but stronger.
Soft water
Water that is low in calcium.
Solar cover
Increases water temperature by absorption of UV light. Also prevents evaporation. Resembles bubble wrap.
Stabilizer
(cyanuric acid) used to extend the life of chlorine. Many chlorine tablets and some types of granular chlorine contain stabilizer.
Standpipe
Runs from the multiport valve to the lateral assembly. Carries water in either direction.
Strainer (pump) basket
Prevents large particles of debris from traveling into the impeller.
Super chlorination
A method for shocking a pool where contaminants are broken down and water is oxidized. Combined chlorine is converted to free chlorine.
TDS
Total dissolved solids. The amount of material in solution in water. Can come from chemicals added, dust, etc. Maximum allowable TDS is 1,500 ppm. Above that, staining may occur, chemicals will not work efficiently, and cloudy water may develop.
Timer (pump timer)
Allows you to easily set your pump to run at certain intervals. It is not necessary to run your pump 24/7 under normal curcumstances. Pool owners with automatic cleaners generaly have a seperate timer for their booster pump.
Total alkalinity
The ability of water to resist changes in pH.
Turbidity
Cloudy water due to micro-particles suspended in water. Can be caused by improperly balanced water, not filtering water enough, having a dirty filter, alkalinity or calcium too high, and other biological factors.