Pool Chemicals / Spa Chemicals Pool Parts / Spa Parts Pool Supplies Spa Supplies Winter Products
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Pool Chemicals / Spa Chemicals Pool Parts / Spa Parts Pool Supplies Spa Supplies Winter Products
Free Delivery &
*No Sales Tax - Just a Flat Rate $8.95 per order Charge - Click Here for
Details
(*except NY
residents)
Algae Microscopic plant life that thrive in sunshine. Their microscopic spores are continuously introduced into the pool by winds, dust storms, rain showers and so on. They grow rapidly in pool water when exposed to sunlight and temperature above 40 degree F. If not destroyed by chemical treatment, they form objectionable slime and odors and can interfere with proper filtration. Forms include green, black, yellow or mustard.
Algaecide A chemical agent used to kill algae.
Bacteria Invisible single-cell organisms of various forms, some of which can cause infections or disease. Chlorine is your pool's chief line of defense against these germs.
Broadcast A method of putting granular or powdered chemicals into a pool by adding them widely over the surface of the water at the deep end of the pool.
Calcium Hardness A measurement of calcium dissolved in the pool. The level should be maintained at 200 ppm or more, which helps protect pool surfaces and equipment.
Calcium Hypochlorite A chemical that releases chlorine (forming hypochlorous acid) when it comes into contact with water. It is a chlorinator for your pool.
Chloramines Compounds that form when hypochlorous acid oxidizes nitrogen-containing contaminants. When this happens the chlorine is no longer free to form hypochlorous acid. Chloramines cause a strong chlorine odor and can irritate the nose, throat and eyes of swimmers. Presence of chloramines calls for adding more chlorine to the water.
Chlorine The main agent used to sanitize pool water and burn up contaminants.
Clarifier A product that causes microscopic particles in the water to cluster so filtration can remove them, clearing dull or cloudy water and making it sparkle.
Cyanuric acid A chemical that stabilizes or conditions pool water and lengthens chlorine life by protecting it from sunlight degradation.
Diatomaceous Earth A filtering agent composed of the minute skeletons of diatoms (single-celled organisms).
Free Available Chlorine (FAC) The chlorine that remains active after bacteria, algae and contaminants in the pool are destroyed, and the water is sanitary. The leftover chlorine is ready to fight off new contaminants.
Hypochlorous Acid A small molecule formed when chlorine is added to pool water. The molecule penetrates the cell walls of bacteria and destroys them.
Muratic Acid A solution of hydrogen chloride used to lower pH and/or the total alkalinity of pool water.
pH A measurement of the acidity/basicity of a solution. A reading of 7 represents neutrality. Pool water should be kept at a reading of 7.2-7.8.
ppm (parts per million) A measurement indicating the parts of a substance (such as chlorine) by weight in relation to one million parts by weight of pool water.
Red/Pink Algae Not algae at all, but a form of bacteria. Shock treat to control.
Shock Treatment A large dose of chlorine administered to the pool (the experts recommend adding a dose of 5-10 ppm free available chlorine). This should be done at least once a week, more often if needed.
Stabilizer An agent—cyanuric acid—that combines with free chlorine to protect if from the sun.
Total Alkalinity (TA) A measurement of carbonates in water, which stabilize pH against rapid change. TA readings should be kept 80-120 ppm.
Winterizing The procedure for leaving the water in the pool over the winter, as opposed to draining. Includes chemical treatment of the water, plus physical protection of the pool and its equipment against freezing.
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Copyright © 2002 Northeast Pools & Sideline Services Inc. Last modified: March 09, 2008 |
