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Spa Chemical Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ACID DEMAND - The amount of acid required by your pool water to achieve the proper pH level.

ACID - A chemical that lowers pH and total alkalinity when dissolved in water by providing hydrogen ions. Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Bisulfate are two commonly used acids.

ALGAE - A microscopic one-celled plant organism. These organisms are continually introduced into the pool by winds, dust storms, rain showers, and the like.

ALGAECIDE - A chemical used to kill algae.

ALGAE SPORES - Dormant algae residing in atmospheric conditions which are introduced into the pool water by rain showers, dust storms, etc.

ALKALINE - A condition when water is above 7.0 on the pH scale.

BACTERIA - An unseen, but dangerous organism that occurs in all water. Bacteria are controlled by the use of disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine.

BALANCED WATER - Pool water, which is maintained with a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 and contains the proper total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and temperature to yield a Langelier Saturation Index of plus or minus 0.5 is said to be chemically balanced.

BASE DEMAND - The required amount of soda ash to increase the pH level of pool water to the ideal range of 7.2-7.6.

BROMINE - A sanitizer and disinfectant that kills bacteria and prevents algae.

CALCIUM - Metal ion contained in water, which can form salts such as calcium carbonate thus causing cloudiness or scaling. It usually exists due to improper pH balance.

CARTRIDGE FILTER - A filter, which utilizes a replaceable element and does not require back washing.

CHLORAMINES - The chlorine in the water that has been weakened by the presence of contaminants such as urine, perspiration, etc. Eye irritation occurs when chloramines build up.

CHLORINE - A strong oxidizing agent available for use as a sanitizer and disinfectant to kill bacteria and prevent algae. May be obtained in granular or liquid form.

CHLORINE AVAILABLE - Residual chlorine or chlorine that is available to destroy bacteria on contact.

CHLORINE DEMAND - The amount of chlorine required to destroy bacteria or algae.

CONDITIONER - A sun-screening chemical that reduces the loss of chlorine due to evaporation by the sun.

CORROSION - A chemical reaction caused by unbalanced water, which causes metals or minerals to dissolve.

CORROSION RESISTANT - The ability of maintaining original surface characteristics under prolonged use.

CYANURIC ACID - A sun-screening chemical that reduces the loss of chlorine due to evaporation by the sun.

D.E. - "Diatomaceous Earth" is formed from skeletons of microscopic water plants called diatoms. Each skeleton is an extremely porous framework of almost all silica.

DPD - Technical name "Diethyl-P-Phenylene Diamine" is an indicator reagent for chlorine testing. D.P.D. #1 tests for free available chlorine. D.P.D. #3 tests for total chlorine.

DRY ACID - A granular material used to lower the total alkalinity and pH. Technical name Sodium Bisulfate.

EFFECTIVE FILTRATION AREA - The total surface area through which the design flow rate will be maintained during filtration.

ELECTROLYSIS - An electromagnetic reaction that can result in a black stain near any metal used in the pool, such as ladders and lights.

EPA - Abbreviation for the Environmental Protection Agency.

FILTER AID - A type of finely divided media usually diatomaceous earth, processed Perlite, or similar material used to coat a septum of diatomite type filter.

FREE CHLORINE RESIDUAL - The active chlorine level in pool water after the chlorine demand is satisfied.

G.P.M.- Gallons Per Minute.

HARDNESS - The amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, carbonates, sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, and silicates dissolved in the water. Scale deposits are formed when there are high levels of hardness in pool water.

HYPOCHLOROUS ACID - The free state of chlorine that actually destroys the bacteria and other organic wastes.

IMPURITIES - Any substance dissolved or suspended in water which alters chemical and/or physical properties of the pure substance.

IODINE - A disinfectant that kills bacteria and prevents algae growth.

LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX - A formula developed by Dr. W. F. Langelier to determine the scale forming or corrosive tendencies of water.

LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE - Quick dissolving, leaves no residue, 35% available chlorine.

MAGNESIUM - A dissolved mineral in pool water. Contributes to water hardness and turbidity.

MURIATIC ACID - Hydrochloric acid in liquid form used to lower total alkalinity of pH.

N.S.F - National Sanitation Foundation.

OTO - An indicator reagent used with a test kit to determine the amount of chlorine in the water.

PARTS PER MILLION (PPM) - A measurement used to calculate the "parts per million" or "pounds per million pounds" of the chlorine, hardness, and alkalinity in your pool water.

PH - The total of acid or alkaline particles in the water. The recommended ideal range is pH 7.2 to 7.6.

PHENOL RED - An indicator reagent used with your test kit to determine the pH of pool water.

SAND FILTER - Type of filter using silica sand media for filtration, requires back washing.

SCALE - A crusty substance usually gray, white, or brown that attaches itself to tile or plaster. Normally caused by a calcium carbonate (hard water) buildup.

SHOCK TREATMENT - Super-chlorination accomplished by adding 5-10 times the normal chlorine dose every 7-10 days to help free up the regular chlorine.

SKIMMER - An inlet at water level to catch large debris thus preventing damage to the filter.

SODA ASH - A chemical, Sodium Carbonate, which rises total alkalinity and has little effect on pH.

SOLIDS - Dissolved and suspended matter in water. Dissolved solids are those, which are in a solution and not removed by filtration; suspended solids are removed by filtration.

STABILIZER - A chemical when used properly is very effective control of chlorine. Inhibits the ultra violet rays of the sun from destroying the chlorine. Cyanuric acid is normally used as a stabilizer in swimming pool water.

T.D.S. - Total Dissolved Solids. High levels of T.D.S., which would build up in pools due to evaporation, interfere with chlorination.

TEST REAGENTS - Various chemicals that make a test kit work. In either liquid or dry form they change colors or indicate readings on the test kit's scale.

TOTAL ALKALINITY - The number of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides, measures in ppm that are present in pool water.

TURBIDITY - Cloudiness caused by fine visible and/or colloidal material in suspension that interferes with the normal passage of light through liquid.

TURNOVER - The period of time required to circulate a volume of water equal to the water volume of the pool.

VELOCITY - The rate of movement of water measured id feet per second or gallons per minute.

WORKING PRESSURE - A maximum operating pressure recommended by the manufacturer.