Pool Terms

Below is a glossary of all the common pool terms with their definitions.

Acid Demand- A measurement of the amount of acid that is needed to lower the pH and Total Alkalinity of your pool.

Acidic- Water that has a pH reading of less than 7.

Algae- Chlorophyll containing plants that grow in your pool in the absence of chlorine.

Algaecide- A chemical that is capable of killing and controlling algae.

Alkaline- Water that has a pH reading greater than 7.

Alkalinity Total- A measure of alkaline minerals in the water. The correct alkalinity level prevents fluctuations in pH.

Bactericide- A chemical capable of destroying bacteria and other micro-organisms such as viruses and amoebae.

Bromine- A sanitiser, mainly used in spa pools in warm water environment.

Buffer- A chemical which is added to water to increase Total Alkalinity and pH.

Calcium Hardness- The total amount of dissolved calcium in your pool. The correct level of Calcium Hardness will prevent corrosion and scaling of your pool surface in concrete and fibreglass pools.

Chloramines- Chlorine that has combined with ammonium compounds and organic matter containing nitrogen to form chloramines.

Chlorine- A sanitising agent that prevents algae growth and kills bacteria.

Chlorine Demand- The amount of free chlorine required to add to your pool to kill algae and bacteria.

Dry Acid- A product used to lower pH and total alkalinity but in a dry form.

Free Chlorine- Chlorine that is able to destroy algae and bacteria.

pH- A measure of 0-14 that indicates the amount of acid or alkali in the water. Water with a pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic and greater than 7 is alkaline.

PPM- Parts per million.

Oxidiser: Chemical used to shock treat pool. (Krystal Chem KCO)

Sanitiser- A compound or system capable of killing algae and bacteria and to maintain effective level of disinfection in pool water rendering it safe for swimming.

Scale- coarse calcium deposits found on swimming pool walls and floors.

Shock Treatment- The addition of a large amount of chlorine into your pool water to break down accumulated organic wastes. Also may be referred to as a super dose.

Stabiliser- A compound, mainly isocyanuric acid, when added to pool water will reduce the rate of loss of chlorine due to sunlight.

Total Alkalinity- A measure of alkaline minerals in the pool water. The correct level prevents pH fluctuations.

Total Dissolved Solids- A measure of the total amount of dissolved compounds in the pool water.

Water Balance- Balanced water is the term used to describe an ideal condition of pool water. When the pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and TDS are all at their correct levels, then this is referred to as Balanced Water.