Pool Terminology Glossary

• ACID DEMAND: The amount of acid required to adjust the pH.
  
  
• ALGAE: A microscopic one-celled plant that discolors water.
  
  
• ALKALINITY (Total): The amount of alkaline material in the pool water.
  
  
• ALKALINE: A condition when water is above 7.0 on the pH scale.
  
  
• BACTERIA: Invisible living germs that may be harmful to swimmers.
  
  
• CALCIUM: Metal ions in water that form salts as calcium carbonate.
  
  
• CHLORINE: A strong oxidizing agent used to sanitize water.
  
  
• CHLORINE, AVAILABLE: Amount of chlorine available to kill bacteria.
  
  
• CHLOROMINES: The combined chlorine that has already oxidized impurities.
  These cause eye and skin irritations.
  
  
• HARDNESS: The amount of calcium or magnesium dissolved in water.
  
  
• MURIATIC ACID: A liquid acid used to lower pH and total alkalinity.
  
  
• pH: A measure of acidity or alkalinity.
  
  
• ppm: An acronym for parts-per-million.
  
• SUPER CHLORINATE: Shock treatment of up to 10 ppm.
  
  
• SCALE: Minerals precipitating and adhering to plaster and tile.
  
  
• STABILIZER: Cyanuric acid used to protect chlorine from UV rays.