Glossary
Acid A chemical used to lower pH of pool or spa water. Available in liquid (muriatic acid) and gradual (dry acid) forms.
Algae Microscopic forms of plant life that can enter water by rain, wind, etc. and can discolor water and pool surfaces.
Algicide/Algaecide A chemical used to kill or prevent algae growth.
Alkalinity (See Total Alkalinity)
Anti-Foam or Defoamer A product added to water to reduce or eliminate excessive foaming.
Backwashing Reversing the water flow through a sand filter to clean it. D.E. filters require reapplication of D.E. after backwashing.
Bacteria Microscopic organisms which can contaminate your pool or spa and cause cloudy water. Can enter the water by bathers or from the environment.
Bacteria Suppressant A product added to the water which keeps bacteria from growing.
Balanced Water Water that has the proper ratio of mineral content and pH to prevent corrosion and scaling.
Bather Load The volume of people in a pool or spa compared to the amount of water.
Biguanide The active ingredient used in many chlorine alternatives, including Baquacil and SoftSwim.
Bromine A halogen sanitizer commonly used as an alternative to chlorine; most common in spas.
Calcium Hardness The amount of dissolved calcium in water (ideal range for PristineBlue® is 300 ppm or lower).
Cartridge Filter A pool or spa water filter that uses paper or fabric-like pleats as a filtering agent.
Chelating Agents Chemicals that hold dissolved metal ions in solution to prevent staining.
Chloramines Compounds formed after chlorine oxidizes impurities. Causes odors and eye and skin irritation.
Chlorine The most commonly used sanitizing agent for swimming pools.
Clarifier A product added to the water that coagulates particles and enables the filter to more easily capture them.
Corrosive Water Water that tends to corrode metals, concrete, etc.
D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter A water filter which uses diatomaceous earth (tiny prehistoric diatom skeletons) as a filter media. These skeletons are very porous and provide an excellent filter media.
Dry Acid Sodium bisulfate. A granular chemical used to lower pH and Total Alkalinity. Safer to handle and store than liquid acid.
Filter A device that removes particles as water passes through the medium. Most pool and spa filter media are sand, diatomaceous earth (D.E.) and cartridge.
Filter Cycle The period of time between filter backwashings or cleanings.
Make-Up Water Fresh water used to top off the pool or spa to the normal level.
Muriatic Acid A liquid chemical used to lower the pH of water.
Organic Matter Contaminants usually derived from living organisms. Leaves and grass, urine, perspiration and other swimmer wastes as well as cosmetics and environmental debris fall under this description.
Oxidizing Adding an oxidizing compound (like PristinePower) to the water to chemically break up contaminants like organic matter, metal ions, or dirt. Regular oxidizing is mandatory to prevent cloudy water. Also called Shocking.
PPM Parts per million, a unit of measurement for chemical concentration.
pH A measurement that indicates the acidity or alkalinity of water. Ideal range for pool and spa water is 7.2 to 7.6.
Reagents Tablets, powder or liquid solutions used to test water for various conditions.
Sand Filter A water filter which uses fine silica sand as a filter media.
Scale Mineral deposits, usually calcium or magnesium, that form on pool surfaces, plumbing and equipment when water is out of balance.
Sequestering Agent Chemicals that prevent metals from causing staining and discoloration.
Shocking See Oxidizing.
Total Alkalinity The amount of certain alkaline minerals in the water. Buffers to prevent pH fluctuations in pool or spa water. Ideal range for PristineBlue® (30 to 90 ppm)
Winterizing The process of closing down a pool for the inactive off-season and protection from freezing. Includes chemical treatments of the water and physical protection of equipment.