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12. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of terms pertaining to pool water chemistry.
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.
Algae
Algae may form on your pool surfaces or it may bloom in suspension. Algae are
typically known to be green but 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.
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 "parts per million" (ppm) of Total
Alkalinity.
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.
Calcium hardness
The amount of calcium and magnesium in pool and spa water.
Calcium hypochlorite
A common type of chlorine used in pools and spas. A granular or tablet substance
typically dissolved in water prior to adding it to the pool and spa water.
Chlorine
A chemical that works as a sanitizer or disinfectant in pool and spa water to
kill bacteria and algae and oxidizes ammonia and nitrogen compounds such as
swimmer waste. The ideal range is from 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million (ppm) in
pools and 1.5 - 3.0 ppm in spas.
Copper/Silver Ion
Generator
Low voltage DC current is conducted into the water chamber and electrolysis
takes place. Positively charged ions of copper and silver are released. Copper is a
natural toxin to algae and bacteria, and silver to bacteria and virus.
Cyanuric acid
A stabilizer that works to keep a reserve of "free available" chlorine in pool and
spa water, protecting it from direct sunlight. It is present in some sanitizers such
as Trichlor and Dichlor.
Free available
chlorine
The killing, active form of chlorine.
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.
