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Spa Chemical and Water Terminology Glossary
ACID: Liquid
(muriatic acid) or dry granular (sodium
bisulfate) substance used to lower the pool's pH
(toward a more acidic condition) or to lower
total alkalinity levels.
ACID DEMAND:
A titration test used to determine proper
amounts of acid (or pH decreaser) to reach
correct levels. For example, to lower pH from
8.0 to 7.6, your pool may "demand" 2 qts of
acid.
ALGAE: Over
20,000 species known! Algae may form on your
pool surfaces or it may bloom in suspension. We
typically know algae to be green, but it may
also be yellow (mustard algae), black,
blue-green or any shade in between. It may form
separate spots, or seem to grow in sheets. Pink
algae, is not algae at all, but a form of
bacteria. Algae are living, breathing organisms
that need warmth, sunlight and CO2 to thrive.
ALGAE SPORES:
Dormant algae residing in atmospheric conditions
which are introduced into the pool water by rain
showers, dust storms, etc.
ALGAECIDE:
Meaning: to kill algae. Algaecides perform best
as a backup to a routine sanitation program.
They also help to kill airborne spores as they
blow into the pool. A variety of algae treatment
products are available including copper and
silver compounds, poly-quat compounds, chlorine
enhancers , and herbicides.
ALGAESTAT:
An algaecide kills algae, while an algaestat
retards and prevents its genesis and growth.
ALKALINE: A
condition when water is above 7.0 on the pH
scale.
ALKALINITY:
Alkaline refers to the condition where the
water's pH is above 7.0 (neutral) on the pH
scale. It is the opposite of acidic. Alkalinity
is the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in
the water, measured in ppm of Total Alkalinity.
ALUMINUM SULFATE:
Also known as alum, this product is used as a
flocculant which attracts suspended particles in
the water together (green or cloudy pools). Alum
sinks everything to the bottom, which is then
vacuumed to waste. A small amount of alum can
also be used as a sand filter additive.
BACTERIA:
From a health perspective, the most dangerous
micro-organisms which may be living in the pool
water. Some are pathogens, which can cause
infectious diseases.
BACTERICIDE:
Kills bacteria. Chlorine is a bactericide
and germicide. Silver "algaecides" are actually
more bactericide, and are useful on pink
"algae".
BALANCED WATER:
Balanced water is the result when all of your
chemical parameters are where they should be,
and thus "balance" each other. The key
components of water balance are pH, Total
Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Temperature, as
measured using the Langelier Index of water
balance.
BASE: Those
chemicals of alkaline nature which will
counteract the pH of an acid, eventually
neutralizing at 7.0. Common bases used around
the pool would include Soda Ash, Sodium
Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate and Sodium
Sesquicarbonate.
BASE DEMAND:
A titration test used to determine proper
amounts of base (pH increaser) to reach correct
levels. For example, to raise pH from 7.2 - 7.6,
your water may "demand" 2 cups of soda ash.
BREAKPOINT
CHLORINATION: When you shock your
pool, the goal is to reach a high enough level
of free chlorine, measured in ppm, to break
apart molecular bonds, specifically the combined
chlorine molecules. When breakpoint is reached
with sufficient additions of chlorine,
everything in the pool is oxidized.
BROMAMINES:
A combined bromine - ammonia molecule. Unlike
chloramines, which are strong smelling and offer
no sanitizing properties, bromamine compounds
continue to sanitize.
BROMINE: A
member of the halogen family, commonly used as a
sanitizer in spas, because of its resistance to
hot water with rapid pH fluctuations.
BUFFER: A
base such as Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda),
added to your pool will increase alkalinity
which increases the buffering capacity of the
pool; or, your pool's resistance to pH change.
BUFFERING CAPACITY:
The ability of the pool to resist changes in pH,
which prevents water balance. The buffering
capacity is given by the alkalinity, a close
cousin to pH. If your pH bounces, or resumes
previous levels soon after adjustment, your
buffering capacity is too low. Check your total
alkalinity.
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CALCIUM CARBONATE:
Known as scale, crystalline deposits of calcium
may form on your pool surfaces, equipment, or
even line your pipes like cholesterol in your
arteries. Properly balanced water can prevent
this.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE:
The flaked calcium salt used to raise levels of
Calcium Hardness in your pool water. Also good
for snow melting.
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.
CALCIUM HARDNESS:
A titration test is used to determine levels of
the mineral calcium dissolved in the pool water.
CARBON DIOXIDE:
A gas, which when present in the water, provides
necessary food for the growth of algae.
CARBONATE:
Primary in the make up of total alkalinity and
TDS.
CARTRIDGE FILTER:
A filter, which utilizes a
replaceable element and does not require back
washing.
CHITIN: A
naturally occurring polymer found in the shells
of crabs and lobsters. Contained in the product
Sea-Klear, chitin acts as a coagulant and
flocculent for oils, metals and organic
materials.
CHELATOR: A
chelating agent is a water soluble molecule that
can bond tightly with metal ions, keeping them
from coming out of suspension and depositing
their stains and scale onto pool surfaces and
equipment. Similar to sequestering agents,
chelators are found in such products as Resist
and Sea-Klear.
CHLORAMINES:
The chlorine molecule is strongly attracted to
nitrogen and ammonia. When these two hook up,
they form a chloramine, which are undesirable,
foul smelling, space taking, compounds that
require shocking the pool water to get rid of.
CHLORINE: A
member of the halogen family of sanitizers, it's
use in swimming pools is in the elemental form
of a gas, or as a liquid, granular or tablet
compound. When added to water it acts as an
oxidizer, sanitizer, disinfectant and all around
biocidal agent.
CHLORINE, free
available: Free, available chlorine
is that which is active, not combined with an
ammonia or a nitrogen molecule, and ready to
react to destroy organic material.
CHLORINE, combined:
That portion of total available
chlorine left over when free available is
subtracted. The measure of chlorine which has
already attached itself to other molecules or
organisms. Most of this is made up of
chloramines.
CHLORINE, total
available: The sum of combined and
free chlorine levels. With a DPD test kit, one
determines free available level, then total
available. The difference, if any, is the level
of combined chlorine.
CHLORINE DEMAND:
The quantity of free available chlorine removed
during the process of sanitizing. The amount of
organic and non organic material contained in
the water will "demand" a certain level of
oxidizer to be destroyed.
CLARIFIER: A
clarifier is a chemical used as a coagulant of
suspended microparticles. Helps the filter by
clumping smaller particles into filterable
sizes.
COAGULANT:
The properties of a chemical used in the
assemblage and precipitation of suspended
material which may make the pool appear cloudy.
CARTRIDGE FILTER:
A filter, which utilizes a replaceable element
and does not require back washing.
CONTAMINANTS:
Any microparticle or organism which reduces
water clarity or quality or presents health
hazards. All of our filtering, circulating and
sanitizing is directed here.
COPPER: An
effective algaestat and algaecide, copper as
elemental is used in many pools in products like
pooltrine.
COPPER SULFATE:
Similar to aluminum sulfate, this
chemical provides a coagulating and flocculent
function in water. Used in ponds. This amount of
copper would stain swimming pools.
CONDITIONER:
Also called Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or stabilizer,
this chemical provides a shield from the sun
around the chlorine molecule, extending the
efficacy and saving you money.
CORROSION:
The effects of a acidic pool environment, one in
which the pH and/or alkalinity are very low.
Corrosion in the form of etching, pitting or
erosion of pool equipment and surfaces is the
result.
CORROSION RESISTANT:
The ability of maintaining original surface
characteristics under prolonged use.
CYANURIC ACID:
A granular chemical added to the pool water
which provides a shield to chlorine for
protection from UV radiation, which disrupts the
molecule, destroying its sanitizing ability.
DISINFECTANT:
Chemicals or processes which work to destroy
vegetative forms of microorganisms and other
contaminants. Examples are chlorine, bromine,
Soft-Swim, ionizers and copper and silver
algaecides.
DIRECTIONS:
What you should read before using any chemicals.
DIRT DEMAND:
The demand that your pool has for dirt.
This level is invertedly proportional to
available time for cleaning. If you remove the
dirt from the pool, you have created a dirt
deficit, and the pool will actually suck dirt
out of the air to maintain its dirt demand.
DPD: A
method of testing for chlorine levels in the
pool water. Unlike OTO, DPD testing allows
determination of total and free available
chlorine levels, which, through subtraction,
gives us combined levels.
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.
DRY ACID:
Sodium bisulfate, a granular form of acid , used
to lower pH and alkalinity in the water. Safer
and less caustic than muriatic acid. Usually
available as a "pH decreaser."
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EFFECTIVE FILTRATION
AREA: The total surface area through
which the design flow rate will be maintained
during filtration.
EFFICACY:
The power to produce an effect. Chlorine's
efficacy is affected by many factors, including
the sun, water balance and the water's chlorine
demand.
ELECTROLYSIS:
An electromagnetic reaction that can
result in a black stain near any metal used in
the pool, such as ladders and lights.
ENZYMES:
Used in swimming pool formulations designed to
break down and digest oils in a pool or spa
similar to the way enzymes are used in oil spill
clean-up efforts.
EPA: Abbreviation
for the Environmental Protection Agency.
FILL WATER:
Used in filling or adding to the water level.
Whether from the hose or from a well, your fill
water brings its own chemical make up and water
balance (or lack thereof).
FILM-X: A
compound of citric acid used in cleaning plaster
and other pool areas. Safe replacement for
muriatic acid.
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.
FOAMING: A
term used to describe surface foam on your
water, especially in spas/hot tubs. Foaming is
caused by high TDS levels working in combination
with soft water and oils. Certain low grade
algaecides can foam when added to pool or spa.
Use enzymes for foam control.
FLOCCULANT:
Essentially the same as a coagulant, this
chemical (such as alum) is used to combined
suspended alkaline material and/or algae into a
heavy gel, which sinks to the bottom for
vacuuming.
G.P.M.:
Gallons Per Minute.
HALOGEN: A
member of the family of elements fluorine,
bromine, chlorine and iodine.
HARD WATER:
That water which is high in calcium hardness and
other salts which, as such, resists soap being
lathered.
HYPOCHLORITE:
A family of chlorine compounds such as
Calcium Hypochlorite and Lithium Hypochlorite,
both granular, and the liquid Sodium
Hypochlorite. When these compounds contact
water, they release Hypochlorous Acid, the
active sanitizing agent.
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID:
The free state of chlorine that
actually destroys the bacteria and other organic
wastes.
IODINE: A
disinfectant that kills bacteria and prevents
algae growth.
IONIZER: An
ionizer is a device mounted on your return line,
and through which water flowing will receive
charged metal ions. Manufacturers may use a
copper anode and/or silver. Copper is an
algaecide and algaestat, while silver is known
for its properties as a bactericide. This
electric, limited technology has been replaced
by the Vision System.
IRON:
Usually introduced into the water from iron
plumbing or from well water, Ferric Iron can
stain surfaces, while Ferrous Iron will turn
your water a clear green color
LANGELIER INDEX:
Also called the Saturation Index, Mr. Langelier
devised a system to determine water balance by
assigning values to levels of pH, Total
Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and water
Temperature. When all parameters are in balance,
the water will neither be corrosive or scaling.
LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE:
Quick dissolving, leaves no residue,
35% available chlorine.
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MAGNESIUM: A
dissolved mineral in pool water. Contributes to
water hardness and turbidity.
MINERALS:
Such as Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Nickel,
Copper, Silver, Iron, Cobalt or Aluminum. Their
presence in high non-chelated concentrations can
lead to stains & scale when conditions are
right.
MICROORGANISM:
A living, breathing creature in your
pool. The purpose of disinfectants are to remove
such "infectants".
MURIATIC ACID:
The liquid dilution of Hydrochloric Acid used to
lower pH and alkalinity, and to remove mineral
stains and scale. Extremely caustic and
corrosive.
NASCENT OXYGEN:
A single oxygen atom, not yet bonded to
anything. Extremely powerful oxidizer when
harnessed.
NITROGEN:
When combined with chlorine, nitrogen creates
chloramines, which do not belong in our pool.
Nitrogen can be found in many swimmer wastes
(perspiration, suntan oil, hair tonics, etc.) or
be introduced by other means.
NON-CHLORINE SHOCK:
A granular form of potassium
permonosulfate, used to oxidize materials such
as microorganisms, contaminants or chloramines.
N.S.F.: National Sanitation Foundation.
OTO: Another
method of testing for free available chlorine
levels in your pool, as in an OTO test kit.
OXIDATION:
The "burning up" of organic waste and compounds
in the pool water. It also refers to what you
may see on your metal pool surfaces if your
water is corrosive. Rust is a form of this kind
of oxidation.
OZONE: The
molecule containing three atoms of oxygen; known
to be a very powerful sanitizer. Ozone producing
equipment creates this molecule by UV radiation
or corona discharge generators.
pH: The
scale of relative acidity or alkalinity,
expressed in logarithmic numbers from 0 - 14,
with 7.0 being neutral. What's really being
measured is the hydrogen ion concentration. Some
would say pH stands for Power of Hydrogen.
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.
PHENOL RED:
An indicator reagent used with your test kit to
determine the pH of pool water.
POTASSIUM
PERMONOSULFATE: See non-chlorine
shock.
POLYMER: An
algaecide/algaestat made up of repeating polymer
molecules. Used for green algae and available in
varying strengths.
PPM: Parts
per million. A method of assigning value to
certain concentrations of chemicals in the
water. For example, alkalinity should be kept at
80-120 parts per million, by weight and in
relation to the water it's dissolved in.
PRECIPITATION:
To precipitate is to come out of solution;
become insoluble by result of chemical action.
Material forced out of solution, purposefully or
accidentally, will then settle, stain or scale,
or remain suspended in the water.
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM
COMPOUND: A type of algaecide
composed of ammonia compounds. Effective
algaestat for green and blue/green algae.
REAGENT: The
chemical indicators used in testing water
balance. (All the little bottles or tablets in
your test kit).
RESIDUAL:
Usually refers to free available chlorine levels
remaining in the pool after initial treatment or
activity with contaminants.
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SANITIZER: A
chemical agent used to remove unwanted
contaminants.
SCALE:
Usually whitish in color, scale forms on pool
surfaces and equipment when mineral salts are
forced out of solution. A scaling condition is
one in which calcium hardness, pH and/or
alkalinity levels are out of balance.
SEQUESTERING AGENT:
A sequestering agent ties-up minerals
tightly in solution, preventing their
precipitation, which colors the water and/or
stains the pool. Synonymous to chelators, these
are commonly called stain & scale chemicals.
SHOCK: As a
noun it loosely describes the products used in
shocking, such as hypochlorites, potassium
permonysulfate or hydrogen peroxide. As a verb
it describes the act of bringing the sanitizer
level up so high that breakpoint chlorination is
reached. When breakpoint is reached, a "shock"
or perhaps a "lightning bolt" is a better
analogy, is sent through the water, tearing
apart molecules and slashing through cell walls.
Ultimate purification, man.
SKIMMER: An
inlet at water level to catch large debris thus
preventing damage to the filter.
SODA ASH: A
base, used to counteract an acidic condition by
raising pH.
SODIUM BICARBONATE:
Another base, however its properties will
increase alkalinity more than pH. Used to raise
Total Alkalinity levels.
SODIUM BISULFATE:
An granular form of acid, used to counteract a
scaling condition by lowering pH and/or
alkalinity.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE:
Liquid chlorine used in pools.
SODIUM TETRABORATE:
New technology that renders algae incapable of
processing carbon dioxide, which they need to
live.
SODIUM DICHLOR:
A granular form of chlorine that is stabilized
with cyanuric acid. Used for shocking and
superchlorination.
SOFT WATER:
Water that has low calcium and/or magnesium
content. Soap lathers easily in soft water.
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:
See Cyanuric Acid. Stabilizers, also called
conditioners, can be added directly to your pool
to extend your chlorine efficacy. Cyanuric acid
is already added to certain "stabilized"
products such as Trichlor tablets and Sodium
Dichlor.
SUPERCHLORINATION:
Applying 7 - 10 times the normal
amounts of chlorine to the pool as an added
"boost" for contaminant removal. Some refer to
superchlorinating as being less than shocking,
in that breakpoint thresholds are not reached,
or the terms may be used synonomously.
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.
TITRATION: A
method of testing for total alkalinity, calcium
hardness and acid/base demand by adding a
titrant, drop by drop until a color change is
observed.
TOTAL ALKALINITY:
The ability of the pool water to resist changes
in pH. The "buffering" capacity of the water.
Additions of Sodium Bicarbonate will increase
the levels, expressed in ppm.
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS
(TDS): A measure of everything that
has ever dissolved in the water; all the matter
that is in solution. High TDS levels can
oversaturate your water, causing all sorts of
reactions.
TURBIDITY:
Cloudy, dull, hazy water, due to microparticle
suspension.
TURNOVER:
The period of time required to circulate a
volume of water equal to the water volume of the
pool.
ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT
TREATMENT: Using UV wavelength
radiation to destroy contaminants in water. UV
light is also used to create ozone molecules for
the same purpose.
VELOCITY:
The rate of movement of water measured in feet
per second or gallons per minute.
VISION SYSTEM:
The technology which isolates nascent oxygen
into a powerful sanitizing tool.
WORKING PRESSURE:
A maximum operating pressure recommended by the
manufacturer.
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