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ALGAE: Tiny plants that grow in the
water. These plants discolor the pool water and stick to the floor and walls
of the pool. The sun triggers algae to grow rapidly. ALGAECIDE: Chemicals which kill algae and prevent new algae growth. ALKALINITY: (alkalinity, sodium bicarbonate, baking soda) Is a pH "stabilizer". It helps to keep the pH within the proper levels so that the chlorine can work effectively. It reduces pH "bounce". The level should be between 80 and 120. CHLORINE: The most commonly used disinfecting agent for swimming pools. It is used to kill algae and bacteria in the pool water. The level should be between 1.0 and 3.0 on your test kit. During hot weather, high readings are better. CYANURIC ACID: (See stabilizer. Also called conditioner) DRY ACID: (Sodium bisulfate) A granular material which is used to lower the pH or total alkalinity. FREE CHLORINE: The active chlorine that kills bacteria and algae and keeps your pool clear and clean. HARDNESS: The amount of calcium or magnesium dissolved in the water. High levels contribute to scale deposits. PH: Is the level of how acidic the pool water is. You must maintain a good pH level or your chlorine will not work effectively. The level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Readings above 7 are alkaline; readings below 7 are acidic. Ppm: (abbreviation) parts per million, the standard measure of chemical concentration in swimming pools. SHOCK TREATMENT: (See super-chlorination) SODA ASH: A chemical used to raise the pH balance. SODIUM BICARBONATE: A chemical used to raise the total alkalinity. STABILIZER: (Cyanuric acid or conditioner) a chemical which helps prolong the life of free chlorine in the water by slowing down chlorine decay caused by sunlight. SUPERCHLORINATION: (Shock treatment) The practice of adding 5-10 times the normal daily chlorine dose to destroy algae, or to prevent problems after heavy bather loads or severe rains. TOTAL ALKALINITY: This helps the water resist changes in pH. TOTAL CHLORINE: The sum of the amount of free chlorine and combined chlorine. |