Algae
Microscopic plants capable of rapid reproduction.

Algicides
Products that prevent or control algae growth.

Bacteria
Microscopic organisms, some of which are harmful to bathers.

Balanced Water
The proper ratio of mineral content and pH that prevents pool water from being corrosive or scale-forming.

Bromine
A halogen element; alternative sanitizer for pools, widely used in spas and indoor pools.

Calcium Hardness
(CH) The amount of dissolved calcium in water, (Ideal range 175 - 275 ppm.

Chlorine
A halogen element; compounds of which are widely used in pool water sanitation.

Chloramines
Irritating compounds formed by the combination of nitrogen and free chlorine. Nitrogen is introduced into the water by urine, perspiration, cosmetics, suntan oils, etc.

Chlorine Demand
The amount of chlorine needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a stable residual for effective sanitation.

Chlorine Residual
The amount of chlorine (total chlorine) in pool water.

Combined Chlorine (Chloramine)
Chlorine which is bonded to other compounds.

Dry Acid
Product used to lower pH and total alkalinity; preferred over muriatic acid (HC1) for handling, storage and safety issues. BioGuard Lo’ N Slo®

Free (Available) Chlorine
Chlorine in a form capable of bacteria and algae destruction. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.

Oxidize
(see Shock Treatment)

pH
A way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water. This is the most important part of chemical balance. (Ideal range 7.4-7.6)

ppm
Parts Per Million, a measurement for chemical concentration.

Reagent
Tablets, powder or liquid material for use in water testing.

Scale
Coarse calcium or silicate deposits on swimming pool wall, floors and circulation plumbing, especially in heat exchangers.

Saturation Index
A value based on water temperature, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and pH. The value predicts the tendency of pool water to be corrosive, neutral, or scale-forming.

Shock Treatment
Adding an oxidizing compound to the pool water to chemically break up (oxidize) contaminants such as suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration, metal ions and windblown dirt.

Stabilized Chlorine
Form of chlorine used to sanitize pool water. Favored for its economy and ability to remain active in strong sunlight.

Stabilizer
Cyanuric acid; a compound that prevents the dissipation of chlorine residuals by sunlight. BioGuard Stabilizer 1OO™.

Superchlorination
Adding enough chlorinating compound (3 to 5 times usual dose) to destroy chlorine demand compounds and combined chlorine.

Total Alkalinity
(TA) The amount of the alkaline components in water. TA acts as a buffer against rapid pH fluctuation. (Ideal range 125-150)

Undesirable Compounds
Substances introduced in the water by people or the environment that interfere with ideal pool conditions.

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