DRAIN: A plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools. Water is drawn through the drain and directed to the filter for dirt and debris removal.
DROWN: Death from suffocation resulting from aspiration of water or other substance or fluid. Drowning occurs because the liquid fills the lungs and prevents breathing.
FILTER: A device that removes undissolved or suspended particles from water by the flow of the water through a porous substance (a filter medium or element). The three main types of filters used in pools are sand filters, cartridge filters and D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters.
FIRST RESPONDER: The first local agency that would normally respond to a medical emergency at your residence.
FREE CHLORINE: The amount of free chlorine in the pool water that is available to oxidize or sanitize the water. The level can be measured using a DPD test kit. It is also called residual chlorine or free available chlorine.
GRADE LEVEL: For the purposes of this site, "grade level" is ground level. (A fence or barrier enclosing a pool should extend 4ft. from the ground).
HYPERTHERMIA: Overheating of the body. Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This condition can sometimes lead to collapse or death.
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID: The active form of chlorine in water.
HOT TUB: A hot tub is a large tub made of ceramic, acrylic, wood, or another material and filled with hot water in which one or more bathers may soak. For purposes of this site, a hot tub and a spa are the same.
MAIN DRAIN: The main drain is usually located at the lowest point in a pool. Its job is to remove pool water from the pool to be filtered and cleaned. Most of the dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom exits the pool through this drain.
OOCYST: The infectious stage of coccidian sporozoites–such as Cryptosporidium parvum and others, which has a protective wall that facilitates survival in water and other environments.
ORGANIC LOADING: Also known as "swimmer or bather waste", refers to the soap, deodorant, suntan lotion, body oils, perspiration, spit, urine, etc., that is introduced into the water by swimmers, as well as the leaves, dust and insects that also end up in the pool.
PATHOGEN: Also called a pathogenic organism, is an organism that can cause illness, disease or death.
pH: A term used to indicate the level of acidity or alkalinity of water. A pH of 7.0 is neutral; below 7 is acidic; above 7 is alkaline or basic. The ideal range for pH in swimming pools is 7.2 to 7.8.
POISON CONTROL CENTER: Poison control centers provide 24-hour poison expertise and treatment advice by phone. Poison centers are staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses and poison information providers who are toxicology specialists. Each center is part of a nationally organized effort. All poison centers can be reached by calling the same telephone number: 1-800-222-1222.
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA FOLLICULITIS: Also known as "hot tub rash", is an infection of hair follicles due to the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. If left alone, the rash will normally go away by itself, but can worsen and spread if aggravated.
PUMP: A mechanical device which causes water to flow under pressure for the purpose of circulation, filtration and sanitization.