Acid

Added to a pool to decrease the pH. As a liquid is muriatic. As a granular is sodium bisulfate.

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Acid Demand

A test used to determine the amount of acid needed to bring the pH of pool water into an acceptable range.

 

Algae

A common problem in pools, especially in the warm summer months. Algae is a living organism that thrives in warm water in sunny areas. Typically algae is green, but mustard(yellowish) and black algae are sometimes found as well. Pink growth is often called algae, but is actually a bacteria.

 

Algaecide

Aids in the treatment and prevention of algae blooms. Primarily used in conjunction with sanitizer, proper filtration, and oxidization as an added boost to hinder algae growth.

 

Alkalinity

The ability of water to resist changes in pH. If total alkalinity is too low, water is prone to dramatic swings in pH. If it is too high, it can cause cloudy water and scale.

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Backwash

Runs water in reverse direction through the filter, removing debris. A filter severely saturated with debris and contaminants cannot function efficiently and will dramatically decrease water flow and cleanliness of pool water.

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Bacteria

Dangerous element found in poorly sanitized water. Chlorine and metal based algaecides are most effective on bacteria such as “pink algae.”

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Balanced Water

When all of the key components of water chemistry (sanitizer, pH, alkalinity, hardness) are within appropriate range.

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Base

Chemicals used to raise alkalinity or pH (soda ash, sodium bicarbonate).

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Base Demand

A test used to determine how much pH increaser is needed to reach correct levels (7.2 – 7.6).

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Biguanide

Non-halogen (chlorine and bromine are halogens) sanitzer. NOT COMPATABLE with chlorine or bromine. Even a small amount of either will cause serious problems for a biguanide pool. 

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Booster Pump

Used to power an automatic pool cleaner.

 

Breakpoint Chlorination

When super chlorinating (shocking) a pool, it is the point at which all of the pool water becomes oxidized (turning combined chlorine which is bonded with bacteria and other microscopic particles into free chlorine that can actively work to other particles). The general rule is 1 lb of chlorine shock super chlorinates 10,000 gallons.

 

Bromine

Typically used as sanitizer in spas and indoor heated pools due to its ability to work in a wide range of pH. Chlorine loses its effectives in a high pH, while bromine will continue to sanitize.

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Buffer

Increases alkalinity which improves water’s ability to resist changes in pH. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a buffer.

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Calcium Carbonate

Scale. Deposits of calcium on pool surfaces and in plumbing. A result of improperly balanced water (hardness of water too high).

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Calcium Chloride

Used to raise the hardness of water. Low hardness can result in aggressive water, resulting in etching of hard surfaces and rust.

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Calcium Hardness

Test used to determine the amount of calcium in water.