Push-pull valve

2 position valve. Filter and backwash.

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Reagent

Liquid used in test kits for testing chemical balance.

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Salt water pool

Salt in pool water in conjunction with a salt generator produces steady, low levels of chlorine to sanitize.

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Salt cell generator

In salt water pools, salt passes through the salt cell. Through a process called electrolysis, the salt is converted into chlorine.

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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.

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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.

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Sequestering agent

Binds mineral together, allowing them to be filtered or absorbed by the water.

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Skimmer

Intake that pulls water from the pool surface into the pump and filter of the circulating system.

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Skimmer basket

Component of the skimmer that traps large debris and prevents it from traveling to the pump.

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Shock

Product used to oxidize pool. The act of oxidizing entire pool which breaks down impurities in water.

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Soda ash

A base used to raise pH.

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Sodium bicarbonate

Used primarily to raise alkalinity. Will also raise pH, but not as drastically as soda ash.

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Sodium bisulfate

Used to battle scaling by lowering pH.

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Sodium hypochlorite

Liquid chlorine used as shock in pools. Like bleach, but stronger.

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Soft water

Water that is low in calcium.

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Solar cover

Increases water temperature by absorption of UV light. Also prevents evaporation. Resembles bubble wrap.

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Stabilizer

(cyanuric acid) used to extend the life of chlorine. Many chlorine tablets and some types of granular chlorine contain stabilizer.

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Standpipe

Runs from the multiport valve to the lateral assembly. Carries water in either direction.

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Strainer (pump) basket

Prevents large particles of debris from traveling into the impeller.

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Super chlorination

A method for shocking a pool where contaminants are broken down and water is oxidized. Combined chlorine is converted to free chlorine.

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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.

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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.

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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.