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L I M I N I O I P I Q I R I S I Sta I T I U I V I Vol I W I Z
RATE OF FLOW: The amount of water that flows past a certain point within a specific time period. This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
REAGENT: Chemical indicators that used to test water chemistry in a swimming pool. These are the small bottles or tablets that come in testing kits.
RE-BAR: This is a bar used to add strength to concrete. Once an in-ground pool has been excavated, a steel cage made out of re-bar and a gunite shell is shot over and surrounding it. Re-Bar is short for "Reinforcement bar".
RESIDUAL: Refers to available chlorine levels remaining in a swimming pool after an initial treatment or after being exposed to contaminants.
RESTRICTED FLOW: When something is preventing the full flow of water. This can happen for any number of reasons such as full skimmer or strainer baskets, obstructions in the plumbing, dirty filter, undersized plumbing or equipment. It can also occur when devices like heaters, cleaners or fountains are placed in the circulation system. When the suction side has restriction it creates higher vacuum (or suction), while the pressure side creates higher pressure.
SAND FILTER: A filter tank that is filled with sand and gravel. Usually made from fiberglass or ABS plastic. Water is diffused on top of the sand bed and forces it through the sand and into laterals on the bottom of the tank.
SANITIZER: Chemical which removes unwanted contaminants such as chlorine, bromine, special minerals, and ozone.
SCALE: When mineral salts are forced out of a solution it forms a white substance on pool surfaces and equipment. When calcium hardness, pH, or alkalinity levels have an imbalance it causes a scaling condition.
SEQUESTERING AGENT: A sequestering agent helps prevent and remove stains from metals in a pool. It is usually phosphorus based. Synonymous to chelators, these are commonly called stain & scale chemicals.
SKIMMER: A skimmer is a portion of the suction side of a swimming pool's circulation system. This is a plumbing fitting set at water level which contains a weir mechanism and debris basket.
SKIMMER
BASKET: This basket is found beneath the skimmer lid and is used to strain debris. This is the first portion of filtering pool water.
SKIMMER NET: Leaf rakes are attached to a telescopic pole and are a very handy tool for keeping swimming pools clean. There are flat versions of this known as "dip and flip" nets but they are not as common.
SHOCK: A pool shock is a product that brings pool sanitizer levels up so high that "break-point" chlorination is reached. Once this break-point is reached the pool experiences a "shock". This tears apart molecules and slashes through cell walls. This process is known as shocking the pool.
SHOTCRETE: In the pool construction trade shotcrete refers to wet-mix. It undergoes placement and compaction in unison due to the force with which it is projected from the nozzle. This can be impacted onto any type or shape of surface.
SNOWBELT: The northern portion of the United States where snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are common.
SODA ASH: A base which raises the pH level of a pool to counteract an acidic condition.
SODIUM BICARBONATE (baking soda): A base used to raise Alkalinity levels in a pool.
SODIUM BISULFATE: Used to counteract scaling conditions in a pool by lowering pH and/or alkalinity levels. This is a granular form of acid.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE: Liquid Chlorine. Very similar to Clorox bleach but stronger.
SODIUM
TETRABORATE: Helps prevent and remove algae by making them unable to process carbon dioxide.
SODIUM DICHLOR: Pool sanitizer that is used for shocking or super-chlorination. This is a granular form of chlorine.
SOFT WATER: Water with low calcium or magnesium content is known as soft water. Soap can easily lather in these conditions.
SOLAR SYSTEM: A pool heating method where black mats with miniature plastic tubes are placed on a roof with up/down plumbing. Water is pumped through these tubes and absorb the heat.
SOURCE: This is where the origin of electrical power for a piece of pool equipment is located. SPA: Usually a small tub filled with filtered, hot water. Hydrotherapy jets and air induction are used to massage and relax users. Can be portable but are generally installed permanently. Also known as a "Jacuzzi" but that is a specific brand of spa hot tub. |
