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.