- definitions of pool terms and suchlike
Acid: - A chemical used to lower pH and TA of pool water. Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid, also known as pH-minus, is the liquid acid used for this purpose (Sodium Bisulphate is the dry powder form of pH-minus)
Air Bleeder: - Used to release trapped air from the filter. Usually located on the top of the filter, sometimes as a part of a larger assembly that includes the pressure gauge
Air Blower: - A device that forces air through air-jets in the floor, bubbler ring or hydrotherapy jets in a pool. The air is frequently heated
AKA: - Abbreviation for 'Also Known As'
Algae: - Microscopic plant-like organisms that are unwelcome visitors in a pool. Maintaining proper pH value of 7.4 and sanitizer level of 1-3ppm, coupled with fortnightly superchlorination, should prevent its occurrence
Algaecide: - A natural or synthetic chemical compound designed to kill algae
Algaestat: - A natural or synthetic chemical compound designed to prevent the growth of algae
Alkali: - AKA 'base' - a class of compounds which react with an acid to make a salt
Alkalinity: - More commonly referred to as Total Alkalinity or TA. A measure of the pH-buffering capacity of the pool-water. The water's 'resistance' to changes in pH
Alum: - An aluminum compound used to form a gelatinous floc on sand-filters or to coagulate and precipitate suspended particles
Ammonia: - Chemical formula NH3 - introduced into the water in perspiration or urine, reacts with Chlorine to form chloramines
Ascorbic Acid: - Chemical formula C6H8O6 - A chemical compound used to remove iron stains from fibre-glass, PVC and vinyl-liner pools
Automatic Pool Cleaner: - A device which automatically vacuums dirt and debris from the walls and floor of the pool. types: - Pressure-side, Suction-side and Robotic
Available Chlorine: - Also known as Residual Chlorine. The amount of Chlorine, both free and combined, in the pool water that is available to sanitize or disinfect the water
Backwash: - The process of cleaning the medium within a sand-filter or the grids of a DE by reversing the flow of water through the filter and sending it to the drain/sewer
Bacteria: - Single-celled micro-organisms, some of which are potentially disease-causing. Bacteria are controlled by sanitizing and disinfecting agents such as Chlorine, Bromine, UV, etc.
Bactericide: -A substance or compound that kills bacteria
Bacteristat: -A substance or compound that prevents the proliferation of bacteria
Bag Net: - AKA 'Leaf Rake' and 'Skimmer Net' - an essential tool for keeping the pool clean. Bag nets are good for removing debris from the bottom of the pool as well as the surface
Baking Soda: - AKA 'Bicarbonate of Soda' - Chemical formula NaHCO3, baking soda is cheaper at a grocery store tha at a pool-shop. It's used to increase the Total Alkalinity (TA) of pool water and has no effect on pH
Balanced water: - The correct water/mineral content and pH level that prevents the water from becoming either scale-forming or corrosive
Bleach: - AKA 'Liquid Chlorine' - Sodium Hypochlorite, chemical formula NaClO, delivers 10% available chlorine, used for Superchlorination or for regular chlorination
Blue fingernails: - caused by excess Copper in the pool water from use of Copper Sulphate as an algaestat, copper-based algaecides or multi-function chlorine tablets
Booster Pump: - Installed to power a Pressure-side or Suction-side Automatic pool cleaner
Breakpoint chlorination: -The addition of sufficient free available chlorine to completely oxidize organic matter, ammonia or nitrogen compounds and chloramines
Bromamines: - By-products formed when Bromine reacts with swimmer waste e.g. urine or perspiration
Bromine: - An elemental substance used as a disinfectant to destroy bacteria and algae in swimming pools and spas
BTU: - Acronym for British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
Bypass: - An arrangement of pipe-work and valves by which the flow of water may be directed around or passed through a piece of equipment such as a heater or chlorinator
Calcium Carbonate: - AKA 'Lime-scale' - Crystalline compounds that form in pool water when the Calcium, pH and total alkalinity levels are too high. The crystals adhere to the plumbing, equipment, pool surfaces and the filter media
Calcium Chloride: - A soluble white salt used to increase the Calcium Hardness level in the pool
Calcium Hardness: - The Calcium content of the water. Sometimes confused with water hardness and total hardness. Too little Calcium hardness makes the water is corrosive; too much makes the water scale-forming. Minimum recommended level is 150 ppm and the ideal range is between 200 and 400 ppm
Calcium Hypochlorite: - AKA 'Cal-Hypo' and, confusingly, 'Hypocal' - Chemical formula Ca(ClO)2. A compound used as a disinfectant, sanitizer, bactericide, algaecide and oxidizer in pools. It is used for superchlorination or regular chlorination. It contains 65% available chlorine
Capacity: - The amount of water the pool, measured in cubic meters (m³) or gallons
Cartridge: - A pleated, porous element used in a Cartridge Filter
Cartridge: - The replaceable paper or polyester element that is the filter medium in cartridge filters
Cartridge Filter: - A pool filter that uses a porous paper or polyester element to remove suspended particles from the water
Centrifugal Pump: - the commonest type of pool-pump consisting of a rotating impeller driven by an electrical motor
Check Valve: - A one-way flow device, also called a non-return valve
Check Valve: - AKA 'Non-return Valve' - A device in a plumbing line that allows flow in one direction only
Chelating Agent: - AKA 'Sequestering Agent' - a chemical that prevents metals in the water from combining with other components in water
Chelated Copper Algaecide: - A copper-based algaecide that does not cause green staining of pool surfaces, hair or nails
Chemical Feeder: - A device that dispenses chemicals into the pool at a predetermined rate
Chloramines: - AKA 'Combined Chlorine' - Chemical compounds formed when there are insufficient levels of free available Chlorine to react out ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds caused by the action of Chlorine sanitizer on organic waste. Chloramines are the irritants that are responsible for red-eye, skin irritation and the strong 'Chlorine' smell associated with poorly-maintained pools. Superchlorination destroys Chloramines by completing the Chlorine Cycle and reaching Break-point
Chlorinator: - A device for dispensing chlorine at a controlled rate, or for producing Chlorine gas in a saltwater pool
Chlorine: - An elemental substance. A term that describes any compound used as a sanitizer in pool water or to kill, destroy or pathogens, organic matter and chloramines
Chlorine Demand: - The quantity of chlorine required to oxidize all pathogens, organic and chloramines in the water
Chlorine Generator: - A device that produces the Chlorine gas used as a sanitizer in a saltwater pool
Chlorine Lock: - A term that to describe an over-abundance of Cyanuric Acid (CYA - stabilizer) in the water causing the Chlorine to be over-stabilized and so making it less effective as a sanitizer. Recommended CYA level is 30-80ppm; reduce levels by partial replacement of pool water
Chlorine Neutralizer: - Sodium Thiosulphate, chemical formula Na²S²O³ - used to reduce chlorine levels. Apply with care as an overdose could leave you with a Chlorine deficiency for some time
Circulation System: - The plumbing of a pool. Draws water from the pool with the pump, passes it through the filter and other ancillary equipment and then returns it to the pool
Clarity: - The degree of transparency or limpidity of the water
COAGULANT: - An organic polyelectrolyte that gathers or coagulates suspended particles in the water
Combined Chlorine: - AKA 'Chloramines' - Chemical compounds formed when there are insufficient levels of free available Chlorine to react out ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds caused by the action of Chlorine sanitizer on organic waste. Chloramines are the irritants that are responsible for red-eye, skin irritation and the strong 'Chlorine' smell associated with poorly-maintained pools. Superchlorination destroys Chloramines by completing the Chlorine cycle and reaching Break-point
Conditioner: - AKA 'CYA', 'Stabilizer' and ' Cyanuric Acid ' - A chemical that retards the destruction of Chlorine by UV light. CYA has does not protect Bromine from UV in the same way
Coping: - The lip on the pool wall that provides a finished edge. This may be pre-formed, cast in place or precast-concrete, rigid vinyl, timber or extruded aluminium
Coping: - The capstone on top of the bond beam which finishes the edge around a pool
Copper: - A metallic element used in Copper Ionizers to produce copper ions for sanitizing the pool. Once used in pool plumbing fittings but rarely seen in modern times. A base for some algaecides. Maximum acceptable level in pools is 0.2ppm
Copper Algaecide: - A chemical compound that contains the element copper
Corrosion: - The etching or pitting of pool surfaces and equipment, due to incorrect water balance or soft water
Coupling: - A plumbing fitting designed to join two pieces of pipe
CPR: - Abbreviation of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation; a life saving technique - well worth learning
Cyanuric Acid: - AKA 'CYA', 'Stabilizer' and 'Conditioner' - A chemical that retards the destruction of Chlorine by UV light. CYA has does not protect Bromine in the same way
D. E. Filter: - A filter that uses diatomaceous earth (D.E. powder) as the filter medium
DPD: - The reagent used in a tablet test-kit for the measurement of free and total Chlorine, Bromine, Ozone and other oxidizers in the pool
Deck: - The area immediately adjacent to a pool
Deck Box: - A sealed unit, which mounts into the deck side, for housing the pool-light transformer or other electrical connections
Diatomaceous Earth: - The filtering medium of the DE filter A dry powder which is the fossilized remains of diatoms
Dichloro: - AKA 'Sodium Dichlor' - A quick-dissolving Chlorine compound with Cyanuric Acid (CYA) added as a stabilizer. Dichloro is pH neutral and is used for regular chlorination
Diffuser: - A device fitted to the top of the influent pipe in a sand-filter, designed to spread the flow of influent over the whole surface area of the filter
Disinfect: - same as 'Sanitize - To kill or destroy pathogens
Dissolved Solids: - AKA Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) - This is the measure of the total amount of dissolved material in the water and is measured in parts-per-million (ppm). The maximum figure for pools is 1500 ppm
Diverter Valve: - A device that allows the operator to manipulate the amount of flow from the main drain and skimmer to the pump
Drain: - Also called the main drain, is a plumbing fitting at the start of one suction line. Usually situated at or near the deepest point of the pool
Dry Acid - Sodium Bisulphate, chemical formula NaHSO4, AKA 'pH-minus'. Used for lowering pH and total alkalinity. Dry acid is safer to handle than muriatic acid but is much more costly
Effluent: - The water that flows back to the pool after filtration and treatment. Also known as the pressure side
Elbow: - A 90 or 45 degree plumbing fitting installed to change the angle of pipe-work
Filter: - 1. A device used to remove suspended particles from the water by pumping 2. A Multi-port Valve position used when the circulation system is filtering the water
Filter Area: - The surface area of the filter medium exposed to the flow of water from the pump, expressed in ft² or m²
Filter Cycle: - How long water is passed through the filter each day expressed in hours
Filter Element: - A corrugated paper, polyester or other material device inside a Cartridge Filter, designed to remove suspended particles from the water
Filter Medium: - A material such as Zeolite, Silex, Diatomaceous Earth, polyester fabric or anthracite coal that is installed in a filter and removes suspended particles from the water passing through it
Filter Powder: - another name for Diatomous earth; the filter media in DE filters
Filter Pump: - The device that draws water from the pool and forces it through the filter and ancillary equipment such as heater or UV Sterilizer before it is returned to the pool
Filtration Rate: - The rate of water pumped through a filter, measured in gallons per minute (gpm) or m³ per hour
Flocculant: - AKA 'Flocculent' and 'Flocculating Agent' - A chemical compound encourages suspended particles in the water to collect/coagulate together into larger particles called 'floc'
Flocculation: - The application of a flocculant to water for the purpose of clarifying it
Free Chlorine: - AKA 'Free Available Chlorine' and 'Residual Chlorine' - The amount of sanitizing Chlorine left in the pool after the Chlorine Demand has been met
Fungicide: -A substance or compound that kills Fungi
Fungistat: -A substance or compound that prevents the proliferation of Fungi
GFCI: - AKA - RCD (Residual Current Device) in Europe and most of the world outside of North America - Abbreviation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - a device which cuts the electricity to a circuit very quickly when it senses current loss to prevent electrocution accidents
gpd: - An abbreviation for 'gallons per day'
gph: - An abbreviation for 'gallons per hour'
gpm: - An abbreviation for 'gallons per minute'
Gate Valve: - Manual or automatic valve to control water flow through a pipe. Most models are designed so that when the handle is in line with the pipe the valve is open and when the handle is across the pipe the valve is closed. Also know as a "lefty-loosey; righty-tighty" valve
Green Hair: - caused by an excess of copper in the pool; not chlorine as is commonly believed. Excess copper usually comes from over-use of copper-based algaecides or from acidic water corroding copper fittings in older pools
Gunite: - A projected concrete used in the construction of a pool shell. A dry mixture of cement and sand which is mixed with water at the "gun"; hence the name
Halogen Light: - Underwater light units that have a life of around 3000 hours
Hand Rail: - A steel or PVC device for the purpose assisting a swimmer to enter or exit the pool
Hard Cover: - A cover which rests on the edge or coping of a small pool
Hardness - Measure of metals dissolved in the water. Ideal range is 200 to 400 ppm
Heat Exchanger: - A device designed to transfer heat from a heater to the pool water
Heat Pump: - An electrically operated device which takes heat from the air and puts it into the pool water. The most economic form of pool heater
Heater: - A device used to heat the pool water. It may be electric, it may burn oil, gas, solid fuel or be solar powered
Hemming: - A finished edge which is an option on floating pool-covers. Stitched around the perimeter of the cover, it extends pool-cover life as it protects from wear and tear
Horsepower: - A unit of work - 1 horsepower equals 746 watts. Pump motors are rated in horsepower
Hydrochloric Acid: - AKA Muriatic Acid - A strong acid used in pools to reduce pH and total alkalinity, for removal of lime-scale, etc. Will discolour Stainless Steel pool fittings, ladders and handrails. Use caution when handling
Hydrogen Peroxide: - An ineffective sanitizer sometimes used as an oxidizing agent in pools and spas. Can be used to reduce chlorine levels
Hypobromous Acid: - A powerful disinfectant, formed instantly when Bromine is dissolved in water
Hypochlorous Acid: - powerful disinfectant, formed instantly when Bromine is dissolved in water
Hydrostatic Pressure: - A force involving built up ground water; which creates upward pressure beneath the pool shell
Hydrostatic Relief Valve: - A Fitting installed in the floor of the pool which automatically releases hydrostatic pressure by allowing ground water into the pool
Impeller: - The rotating part of a centrifugal pump; its action creates the flow of water
Influent: - The water coming into the pump from the suction lines
Infrared Alarm: - A pool alarm that is triggered by means of infrared beams of light
Inlet: - Also called 'Return Jets' or simply 'Jets', these fittings are where water from the filtration system is returned to the swimming pool
Ionic Purifier: - AKA 'Ionizer' - produces copper and/or silver ions to sterilize the pool water passing through it
LED Underwater Light: - Energy-efficient lights with an average life expectancy of 50,000 hours with low power consumption
Ladder: - used for entering and exiting of the pool. An in-pool ladder is located in the pool and should be firmly anchored on the pool surround/coping. In the interests of safety, choose an asymmetric-handrail ladder with a double-width top step. A double-access ladder straddles the pool wall of an above-ground pool and should also be anchored to the ground on the outside of the pool
Laterals: - plastic fittings in the lateral array of a sand filter. They have slots to allow for water passage but prevent the filter media from leaving the filter
Light Guts: - the assembly that holds the lamp in a niche light
Light Niche: - A fitting that is built into the walls of the pool during construction. It is the housing for the light 'guts'
Lime-scale: - AKA Scale - Calcium Carbonate in crystalline form that deposits on surfaces in contact with the pool water when the CH, pH or TA levels are too high
Liquid Acid: - AKA 'Hydrochloric' or 'Muriatic' Acid - It is used for lowering pH, TA and for many cleaning tasks around the pool
Liquid Chlorine: - AKA Sodium Hypochlorite - Provides 10% available Chlorine; has a pH of between 11.6 and 13. Used for superchlorination and regular chlorination
Liner: - A very popular and cost effective way of pool finishing, liners are available in several thicknesses, colours and prints
Lithium Hypochlorite: - a free-flowing, dust-free powder providing 35% available Chlorine, used as a sanitizing chemical in pools
Magnesium Hardness: - A measure of Magnesium dissolved in the water, a part of Total Hardness, expressed in ppm
Make-up Water: - The water used to fill a pool, or to replace water lost to evaporation, backwashing and/or splash-out
Main Drain: - AKA 'Drain' or 'Bottom Drain', this plumbing fitting is the open end of one suction line and is usually situated at or near the deepest part of the pool. Pools should have 2 of these fittings to prevent entrapment accidents
Manifold: - The plumbing fitting or series arrangement of fittings that connects the input or output pipes into one
Micron: - 1 millionth of a meter or 0 .000394 of an inch (quite small, then!). Most people cannot see anything smaller than 35 microns without a magnifying glass or microscope
Mineral: - A substance that is neither animal or vegetable. Dissolved minerals contribute to TA and TDS in pools
Multiport Valve: - AKA 'Rotary Valve' - A 4 or 6 position valve, a part of a filter, allowing the water to be directed in several different ways
Non-chlorine Shock: - A class of chemical compounds used to oxidize or 'shock the water'
ORP: - Abbreviation Oxidation Reduction Potential - a measurement of a body of water's ability to oxidize contaminants and measured in mV. Minimum ORP level is 650 mV for pools
OTO: - Abbreviation of Orthotolidine, the reagent used in 'dropper' test-kits to measure the total Chlorine level in pool water
Organic Waste: - AKA 'Bather pollution' and 'Bather Waste' - some examples of which are; skin flakes, suntan lotion, body oils, sweat, saliva, urine, faecal matter, shampoo, soap, makeup, deodorant, etc., brought into the water. This waste is responsible for much of the Chloramines in a pool
Overflow Grating: - installed to an 'Overflow Pool' where the water is at the same level as the terrace. The over-flowed water drains into the grating and is returned to the pool via an overflow tank and the circulation system
Oxidation: - The process of clearing ammonia, nitrogen compounds and swimmer waste from the water
Oxidizer: - Any chemical compound that removes or destroys built-up contaminants in pool water
Ozone: - Chemical formula O³ - A molecule of Oxygen with of 3 atoms instead of the usual 2. Produced in an Ozone Chamber or UV Chamber, it is a very strong oxidizer
pH: - Scale that measures the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Derived from the power (of a solution) to deliver Hydrogen ions. The ideal range for pH in pools is 7.2 to 7.6
ppm: - An abbreviation for parts per million
psi: - An abbreviation for pounds per square inch
PVC: - Polyvinyl chloride, is used to manufacture flexible and rigid PVC pipe, plumbing fittings, etc.
Phenol Red: - A reagent used when testing pH level
Plaster: - AKA 'Screed' - An interior finish applied to the concrete shell of an in-ground pool. The top-coat or render of a concrete pool, made from of white cement and white marble dust (Marbelite), and used as an interior finish
Pool Fence: - A security barrier that surrounds the pool to keep children and animals away from the water
Pool Logbook: - A written record of the results of water-testing, the remedial actions taken, pool maintenance, servicing or new-install of equipment and accessories
Pool Net: - A pool safety device consisting of a strong mesh tightly stretched across the pool when the pool is closed to prevent drowning
Potassium Peroxymon: - AKA Potassium Peroxymonosulfate - A non-chlorine shock treatment or oxidizer. It has a low pH, and it does not increase Chlorine or Bromine hence swimmers can return to the pool after just 15-20 minutes
Precipitate: - The action of a substance separating from , or coming out of solution of, a liquid. The solid particles formed by this action
Pre-coat: - Depositing diatomaceous earth on to the D.E. filter grids or elements by applying DE powder, as a slurry, via the skimmer with the pump on
Pressure Gauge: - A device installed to a filter to measure the internal pressure of the filter, which gives an indication of how full the filter is
Pressure Side: - The return side of the pool circulation system, from the pump impeller to the pool
Pressure Test: - 1 - A test for the rate of water flow 2 - A test for leaks in plumbing
Pressure Switch: - A switch used in pool-heaters which opens when the flow rate is too low for safe heater operation
Pump: - A mechanical device, powered by an electric motor, which moves the water around the circulation system of the pool
Pump Curve: - AKA 'Pump performance curve" - A graph showing a pump's flow capacity at any given resistance
Pump Strainer Basket: - AKA 'Strainer Basket' - A basket located within the pump chamber which is designed to trap any debris that would be large enough to become caught in the pump impeller
Push-Pull Valve: - A 2-position valve for backwashing sand or DE filters
Pump Capacity: - The volume of water a pump is can move in a specified period of time, measured in gallons per minute (gpm), cubic meters per hour (m³/H) or litres per second (l/sec)
Quats: - Abbreviation of 'Quaternary Ammonium Compounds' Chemical compounds of ammonia for use as an algaecide or algaestat
Rate of Flow: - AKA 'Flow Rate' - The volume of water passing a point in the circulation system within a specified amount of time, expressed as gallons per minute (gpm) or cubic metres per hour (M³H)
Reagent: - Any of several chemicals used in test-kits, examples: - Oto, Phenol Red
Re-bar: - Reinforcement bar, used to add strength to a concrete structure
Recirculate: - A Multi-port valve setting which bypasses the filter
Residual Bromine: - AKA 'Free Available Bromine' and 'Free Bromine' - The amount of sanitizing Bromine left in the pool after the Bromine Demand has been met
Residual Chlorine: - AKA 'Free Available Chlorine ' and 'Free Chlorine ' - The amount of sanitizing Bromine left in the pool after the Chlorine Demand has been met
Rinse: - A Multi-port valve setting used after backwashing
Roller: - AKA as 'Reel' - A device which rolls the swimming pool cover on and off the pool
Roman End: - A shape of pool-steps either of concrete or of fibreglass, usually installed at the shallow end of the pool
Rotary Valve: - AKA 'Multiport Valve' - A 4 or 6 position valve, a part of a filter, allowing the water to be directed in several different ways
Rust-coloured water: - Caused by iron (from corroded ferric metals) getting into the water when pH is too low or from iron in the water used to fill or top-up the pool. Controlled by the addition of a sequestering or chelating agent
Safety Cover: - A pool cover that is fixed to the pool surround or coping when the pool is closed to prevent drowning
Salt Chlorinator: - A device that produces Chlorine Gas by electrolysis in salt-water
Sand Filter: - The least expensive type of filter for pools, filled with a filter media such as Silex, Zeolite or crushed glass
Sanitize: - AKA 'Sterilize' - to render sanitary by the destruction/death of pathogens in the waste
Scale: - AKA Lime-scale - Calcium Carbonate in crystalline form that deposits on surfaces in contact with the pool water when the CH, pH or TA levels are too high
Shotcrete: - A concrete mix which is used to "shoot the shell". Shotcrete is pumped wet, whereas Gunite is pumped dry and mixed with water at the gun
Sediment: - The solid material precipitated from the water, which settles on the bottom
Sequestering Agent: - AKA Chelating Agent - A chemical that combines with dissolved metals to prevent them from coming out of solution, precipitating or causing stains
Shock or Shocking: - AKA Superchlorination - The practice of adding an oxidizing chemical to the water to destroy ammonia and nitrogen compounds or swimmer
Side Mount Sand Filter: - A sand filter that has the multiport valve connected via the side
Skimmer: - AKA 'Surface Skimmer' - a plumbing fitting at the water level, designed to 'skim' floating debris and containing a weir mechanism and debris basket
Skimmer Basket: - situated under the lid of a skimmer, this strains the water before it goes to the pump and is the first stage of filtration. Replace the basket if it becomes cracked or broken to avoid clogged impellers
Skimmer Lid: - The top cover of a skimmer. Check for cracks, wear and tear often and renew it at the first sign of damage. Cracked/damaged skimmer lids are responsible for THOUSANDS of broken ankles and other injuries each year. They are inexpensive so don't skimp on replacing them when it's time to do so
Skimmer Net: - AKA 'Leaf Rake' and 'Bag Net'- an essential tool for keeping the pool clean
Slurry: - Water containing a high concentration of suspended solids; 'thin mud'
Soda Ash: - AKA Sodium Carbonate - Chemical formula Na²CO³ - used to raise pH in pool water
Sodium Bicarbonate: - AKA 'Baking Soda - Chemical formula NaHCO³ - A chemical used to raise TA in pools without affecting pH
Sodium Bisulphate: - AKA 'Dry Acid' - Chemical formula NaHSO³ - used to reduce pH and TA. 2.5 lbs. of Sodium Bisulphate is approximately equal to 1 quart of Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid. 1 Kilo is approximately equal to 1 litre of the same acid
Sodium Bromide: - Chemical formula NaBr - A Bromine salt used to establish a bromide "bank" in pool water prior to beginning the use of Bromine tablets as the principal sanitizer
Sodium Chloride: - AKA 'salt' - the salt that is used in a saltwater pool, common table salt
Sodium Carbonate: - AKA 'Soda Ash' - Chemical formula Na²CO³ - used to raise the pH in pool water
Sodium Hypochlorite: - AKA Liquid Chlorine - Chemical formula HCl - Provides 10% available Chlorine; has a pH of between 11.6 and 13. Used for superchlorination and regular chlorination
Sodium Persulphate: - Chemical formula Na²S²O8 - A non-chlorine shock treatment or oxidizer
Sodium Sesquicarbonate: - A mixture of soda ash and sodium bicarbonate in the ratio 1:1, used to raise TA and pH in pool water
Sodium Sulphite: - Chemical formula Na²SO³- used to neutralize Chlorine or to de-chlorinate a pool
Sodium Thiosulphate: - Chemical formula Na²S²O² - used to neutralize Chlorine or to de-chlorinate a pool
Soft Water: - When referring to pools; water that has Water Hardness below 150 ppm
Solar Cover: - AKA 'Bubble Cover' and 'Thermal Blanket' - a type of cover that floats on the surface and provides a barrier between the pool and the atmosphere, restricting evaporation Buy the best quality you can afford because it's cheaper in the long run
Solar Heater: - A device which utilises solar energy to heat the pool
Solar Heating: - A pool heater that takes free heat from the sun and passes it into the pool
Source Water": - AKA 'Fill Water' the water used to fill or refill the pool
Stabilized Chlorine: - A Chlorine sanitizer that has added stabilizer (CYA or isocyanuric acid) to protect the Chlorine from UV
Stain Inhibitor: - AKA 'Sequestering or Chelating Agent- Any chemical combines with dissolved metals to prevent them from coming out of solution
Strainer Basket: - AKA 'Pump Strainer' - the second stage of filtration. Strainer baskets have holes that are sized to catch any debris that is big enough to become trapped in the impeller. Replace the basket if it becomes damaged in any way
Suction inlet: - The open end of any pipework that draws water from the pool in the direction of the pump and filter
Suction Side: - The plumbing between the pool and the pump
Superchlorination: - AKA Shock or Shocking - The practice of adding an oxidizing chemical to the water to destroy ammonia and nitrogen compounds or swimmer
Surfactant: - A soluble chemical compound that reduces the surface tension
Suspended Solids: - Insoluble solid particles that are in suspension in the water, causing cloudiness or 'turbidity'
Tee: - A plumbing fitting that looks like the letter 'T'
Telepole: - abbreviation of Telescopic Pole; a pole to which pool-cleaning tools are attached
Test-kit: - Any of several equipments to measure various pool chemistry in a pool. Commonly used to test for TA, pH, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Water Hardness, metals, CYA, etc.
Test-Strips: - Plastic strips with attached pads, which are impregnated with reagents. Used to test pool chemistry levels
Thermostat: - A device that enables you to control a temperature
Time Clock: - AKA 'Timer' - a mechanical or electronic device that controls the operation of a pump or other equipment
Top Mount Sand Filter: - A sand filter that has the multiport valve connected the top of the filter
Total Alkalinity (TA): - AKA 'Buffering Capacity' - A measure of the total amount of alkaline materials present in the water and measured in ppm. It reflects the water's resistance to changes in pH
Total Chlorine: - The total amount of Chlorine in the water - includes both Free Chlorine and Combined Chlorine
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): - AKA Dissolved Solids - This is the measure of the total amount of dissolved material in the water and is measured in parts-per-million (ppm). The maximum figure for pools is 1500ppm
Trichloro: - A slow-dissolving, stabilized Chlorine donor, pH 2.8, available in tablet, granular and powder forms and providing 90% available Chlorine. Used for regular chlorination and dispensed using a floating feeder, an in-line feeder (chlorinator) or placed directly in the skimmer basket. Trichlor contains Cyanuric Acid (CYA) as stabilizer which retards the rate at which Chlorine is destroyed by UV. Trichloro has a pH of between 2.6 and 2.8
Turbidity: - An alternative word for 'cloudiness'
Turnover: - The time it takes a pump to move all the water in your pool through the filter and back to the pool. Most pools are designed for a 4 -8 hour turnover
Vacuum: - The cleaning of sucking leaves, dirt and debris from the pool walls and floor
Vacuum Point: - The connection point for the hose of a vacuum cleaner
Valve: - A manual or automatic device in a plumbing line controls water flow
Weir: - AKA 'Skimmer Flap' - a device incorporated into a skimmer that retains debris
Winter Cover: - a pool-cover that is applied in the closed season to exclude dirt and leaves, etc.
Wristband Alarm: - An alarm system consisting of a base-unit that is triggered when a wristband (which is worn by a child or pet) comes into contact with water
Note: - Please contact our recommended pool professionals for supply and installation of all pool-related services: -
Andalusia and the Costa del Sol - Pool Safety Spain
Nerja area - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.