ACID: A chemical substance containing hydrogen with the ability to neutralize alkaline materials. Acid is used to lower the pH or total alkalinity of swimming pool water. Most common are hydrochloric acid (muriatic) and dry acid (sodium bisulfate).
ACID WASH: The process of stripping away a small layer of the walls and floor of a plaster swimming pool. This may become necessary if an unusual amount of algae is allowed to grow in a pool. This technique can be dangerous for the inexperienced and should be performed by a pool professional.
ALARMS: Several types of emergency alerts currently available for swimming pools. There are alarms that activiate upon getting wet, or to movement of the water. Some alarms are made to be worn on the wrists of children. There are also alarms that can be placed on the gate or door to the pool, which will sound remotely (such as in the house).
ALGAE: Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll and may find their way into the pool by rain or wind. They grow in colonies and provide an ideal substrate for bacteria. If not kept in check, they can stain the walls of the pool and affect water quality. The most common pool types are black algae, blue-green algae, green algae and mustard algae.
ALGAECIDE: A treatment used to kill algae. Algaecides are often formulated for a specific type of algae however proper sanitizing of the pool water will help to keep the algae levels in check.
ALKALINITY: A measure of the pH-buffering capacity of water or the water's resistance to change in pH.
BACK OR SPINEBOARD: A straight, rigid, floating board, (normally used by lifeguards) that can be placed under an injured swimmer when there is suspicion of a head, neck or back injury. The board is used to help keep the swimmer imobilized on the surace of the water until an emergency responder arrives.
BACTERIA: Unicellular microorganisms of various forms that have the potential to cause illness and can cause infectious diseases. In a swimming pool, bacteria are controlled by chlorine, bromine or other sanitizers.
BASE: Chemicals of alkaline nature which will counteract the pH of an acid. Common bases used around the pool include Soda Ash, Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Carbonate. A base is the opposite of an acid. See Alkali
BARRIER: The fence, wall, or other structure used to enclose the pool or pool area to help restrict unauthorized access. The walls of some above-ground pools also is considered a barrier to entry.
BROMINE: A member of the halogen family commonly used as a sanitizer to destroy bacteria and algae in swimming pools. It is resistant to heat and rapid pH fluctuations. Available as a tablet or as sodium bromide, a granular salt.
BUFFER: A chemical when added to pool water assists in its resistance to changes in pH.
CALCIUM HARDNESS: The calcium content of the water. If the calcium hardness level is too low, the water may become corrosive. If the calcium hardness level is too high, the water may have a tendency to form scale.
CARTRIDGE: A disposable porous element made of paper or polyester which is used as the filter medium in cartridge filters.
CARTRIDGE FILTER: A filter used for swimming pools that incorporates a replaceable porous element made of paper or polyester.
CHLORINE: A member of the halogen family of sanitizers, used in swimming pools as an oxidizer, sanitizer, disinfectant and biocidal agent.
CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to a victim thought to be in cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored. - American Heart Association
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM ENTERITIS: (Cryptosporidiosis) is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. It is often spread through the ingestion of contaminated water. The main symptom is diarrhea.