HAZMAT: A hazardous material, a term used almost exclusively in the United States, is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. Hazmats may be radioactive, flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive, biohazardous, an oxidizer, a pathogen, an allergen, or may have other characteristics that render it hazardous in specific circumstances.
     |
Swimming Pool
Dangers By Hector Santana Submitted to: Catherine Flynn ENG135 Summer A 2004 The history
of swimming in pools
It is unclear what, if any treatments
were used to purify the water in the early swimming pool days. It is well known
that plagues are responsible for many deaths in history, and that these plagues
were sometimes spread through tainted water supplies. Today chlorine is the
most prevalent method of water disinfection. Chlorine was first discovered by
accident in 1774 by Swedish pharmacist Carl Wilhem Scheele in his laboratory (The Chlorine Story). It was
later discovered that chlorine had disinfectant qualities. Its first use as a
germicide took place in a children’s hospital in What is
dangerous about swimming? Today there are several swimming pool dangers that
people should be aware of. Many think of drowning and bodily injury when they
think of pool safety, but there is more than a matter of preventing drowning.
Over the past decade there have been an increasing number of occurrences of
water related illnesses from public swimming pools, baths, and fountains (Swim
Smart). Stomach and skin irritation and even severe gastroenteritis are very
commonly contracted from contaminated pool water. In some cases these illnesses
can be life threatening for people with lowered immune systems. There is
greater danger of contracting an illness from swimming pools than physical
injury. The list of contaminants that cause stomach illnesses
includes Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Shigella, and
other parasites and bacteria. Dermatitis can be caused by bacteria like
Pseudomonas which causes an itchy rash over most of the body with bumps or
blisters, sore throat, nose, ears, and eyes. Since there is no treatment for
it, it must go away on its own (Swimming-Related Illnesses). It is believed
that the causes of the contamination in swimming water stem mainly from
instances such as leaky diapers and infected people who swim when they have
diarrhea. Chlorine does a good job killing most contaminants in
swimming pools but it does not take care of all of them. Raising the chlorine
level in the swimming pool past the recommended chlorine level can also cause
skin, eye, and throat irritation and rashes. There have been occurrences of
Cryptosporidium even in the best maintained swimming pools with appropriate
levels of sanitizers. Cryptosporidium is the most dangerous parasite
because it can be resistant to chlorine for many days. Like other illnesses, it
causes, fever, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea that lasts for several
days. There is no treatment for it and therefore it must go away on its own. One such outbreak of Cryptosporidium affecting over
400 people was traced back to a fountain at a public zoo in Prevention There are precautions that everyone can take to
minimize the possibility of an occurrence. People should not swim if they have
or have had diarrhea in the past two weeks. Take a shower with warm water and
soap before and after swimming, and take children on bathroom breaks regularly.
We all have some fecal material on our bottoms that should be washed off,
especially children, which ends up in the pool. Other surfaces around swimming pools can also be a
source of contamination. Parents should take small children to the rest room to
change diapers. It is not wise to change diapers on tables, chairs, or on the
ground surrounding the pool. All of the surfaces in a swimming pool should be
cleaned regularly, along with the regularly scheduled water maintenance. The most important part of making sure the swimming
pool is safe to swim in is to be sure that the pool is maintained properly. In
order to properly maintain a swimming pool, the owner must possess a strong
understanding of the elements of pool operation. There are three basic elements
of having a truly alluring swimming pool; filtration, the removal of
undesirable materials like dust and leaves, and sterilization. Every swimming pool and spa has a motor that runs a
pump to circulate the pool water. The pump’s job is to pull the water out of
the pool, push it through a filter, and then put it back into the pool. The
main thing here is that the filter will get dirty over time and then get
clogged. Depending on the type of filter used, there is a process to clean it.
With sand filters it is easy; just backwash the filter. That means that the
water flow is reversed with a valve, pushing the water backwards through the
filter and out the drain, effectively taking all the dirt in the filter with it.
If a cartridge filter is used, it must be removed and cleaned manually. It is
easy to see which of the two are easier to clean. “Crawlers” are common for keeping the bottom of pools
clean. They crawl on the bottom of the pool while vacuuming up all the dust and
leaves. Without one, the pool must be vacuumed manually, which is time consuming. Then, empty the “skimmer” baskets at the
edges of the pool and the one before the filter. Sterilization is easy to do. Test strips are
available at any pool supply store for around $5. It is dipped into the water
and the color of the strip is checked against the bottle. The color indicates
the level of chemicals. No matter what the sterilization medium (chlorine,
bromine, or salt), the best way to do it is to have an inline dispenser that
connects to the piping near the pump. All that is needed are some adjustments
of the little flow valve to speed the delivery of chemicals or slow it down,
and just keep the dispenser full of chemical tablets. After a while one will
get to know how fast their pool consumes chemicals at different times of the
year. The pool water’s PH levels are a measure of the
water’s alkalinity or acidity. In the range of 0 to 14, 0-7 being acidic, 7
being neutral, and 7 to 14 being alkaline, the PH level determines the
effectiveness of chlorine in the disinfection process. Chlorine is less
effective as the PH range goes above 7 and more effective when it goes below 7.
The ideal PH range is from 7.4 to 7.6. To lower the PH in a swimming pool, one
would add muriatic acid to the water, or soda ash to
raise the PH (alkalinity) of the pool. It is important to note that chemical sanitizers are
consumed faster by exposure to warmer temperatures and ultraviolet light. What
this means is that during the summer, an outdoor swimming pool will consume
much more chlorine than in the winter to keep the pool disinfected. With the
heat of the summer also comes a greater risk of illness because organisms
reproduce better in warmer temperatures. Spas are an exceptionally dangerous
environment for organisms to breed. The hot nature of the spa is a perfect
habitat for several undesirable organisms and so it requires closer and more
frequent monitoring of the chemical levels. Which sanitizer should be used? As mentioned before, it is widely known that chlorine
is an effective sanitizer and it is interwoven with our lives. However, some
groups are now questioning the safety of chlorine. When weighed, the
consequences for not using chlorine far outweigh the consequences of continuing
to use chlorine. The chlorine molecule is one of 90 natural elements
that compose our planet. Chlorine is part of one of the most basic building
blocks of life; sodium chloride (salt). It is contained in all forms of plant
and animal life. It has innumerable benefits to human and ecological life such
as the production of medication, the transformation of silica into solar panels
and computer chips, and chemical processes that make metals lighter and more
economical to use. To be useful to humans, an element must be either very
abundant, or have very desirable properties. Chlorine possesses both of these
benefits. Scientists are claiming that exposure to chlorine
causes health problems. A Greenpeace report blaming chlorine based products for
rising breast cancer incidences quotes Bella Abzug, a
well known toxicologist as saying “Until now, the cancer establishment’s
emphasis has been on early detection, treatment, and research. It’s time to
focus on prevention by eliminating the sources of chemical pollution that
contributes to the breast cancer epidemic.” But language from the same report
states that there is no scientific evidence linking chlorine to breast cancer
(Smith). Greenpeace does not mention the possible damages of discontinuing the
use of chlorine as a sanitizer. Another study in the American Journal of public
health suggests that swallowing water containing chlorine can lead to bladder
and rectal cancers. However, there are no scientific facts to prove this
assumption (Smith). There are scientists who want to ban the use of chlorine
products all together but the risk of contracting a microbial illness far
outweighs the risk of contracting cancer from pool water. Contaminated water is
responsible for 9.1 million deaths in the world every year according to the World
Health Organization (Smith), and nearly 1.5 billion preventable illness cases
per year-mainly children under five-occur. These illnesses include Hepatitis-A,
cholera, typhoid fever, amoebic dysentery, bacterial gastroenteritis, giardiasis, schistosomiasis, and
others. In an editorial, Scientist Elizabeth K. Weisberger
states that chlorine is partially responsible for the longer lifespan of our
population by creating more availability of water supplies that are free from
infectious diseases such as Typhoid and Cholera. She also states that although
there have been other suggestions for water treatment,
chlorine is the only one that leaves a residual disinfectant in the water. There are those who claim that a chlorine by-product
called trihalomethane found in swimming pools is
responsible for causing asthma in children when inhaled. It is produced by the
reaction of chlorine to organic compounds such as urine, sweat, hair, dead
skin, dust, and leaves. Kenneth Smith from the American Council on Science and
Health states “There is nothing inherent in the chlorine atom that is
dangerous. It is a component of a huge number of compounds that as a group
contain both good and bad actors.” The main idea here is that pools with lots
of organic waste are causing the reaction of chemicals that is found to be
harmful, not the chlorine itself. Organic matter build-up in a swimming pool
can be easily prevented by filtering and vacuuming swimming pools regularly,
showering before swimming, and taking children on frequent restroom breaks
(Federico). There is no scientific basis for attacking chlorinated compounds. One suggestion to quiet the chlorine dispute is to
use alternate methods to sanitize pools such as ozone, bromine, aqua clear, baquacil, and salt. Ozone is scientifically proven to be
harmful if large quantities are inhaled. Bromine has the exact same chemical
reaction to organic matter as chlorine but the effects are much more pronounced
as bromine is a stronger chemical, thus its prevailing use in warmer
environments such as heated spas. Also, bromine is dangerous even in small amounts
if it is ingested. Ozone, aqua clear, and many other sanitization products that
are available do not leave a residual disinfectant. This means that any
contaminant introduced into the swimming pool after the treatment has occurred
will not be eliminated. Also, many products advertised by pool companies are
very expensive and are not approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or
any other government agency. Chlorine is the most effective, readily available,
and inexpensive method of disinfection approved by the EPA. Conclusion The fact is that accusations of chlorine’s danger are
scientifically unfounded. There is no good substitute for chlorine that will
prevent waterborne illnesses. Chlorine is responsible for the safety of most
consumable and recreational water. The bottom line is that safe pool management
and healthy swimming practices are the key to preventing illnesses or unhealthy
exposures to chlorine by-products in swimming pools. Works Cited “Action
News Investigation Reveals Dirtiest Bay Area Pools” ABCActionNews.com Appleton, Safety Issues” EmersonEcologics.com Beach,
M.J., Calderon, R.L., Craun, G.F., Lee, S.H., Levy,
D.A. “Surveillance for Waterbourne Disease Outbreaks United States 1999-2000” CDC.gov
September 2002. Bellis,
Mary. “The History of Swimming Pools” About.com Bishop, Mandy. “Dirty Pool Investigation” 2004. 726D-4AFA-837C-9B4B112D70AF> “Chlorine Not Enough to Prevent Swimming Pool Illness”
Personal MD. July 1999. Federico,
Carmela, M. “Is Chlorine Safe For My Pool?” The Green Guide. James,
Michael, S. “Swim Smart” ABC News.com 5.html> Smith,
Kenneth. “The Media’s War on Essential Chemicals: Targeting Chlorine” American Council on Science and Health “Swimming-Related
Illness Fact Sheet” Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene May 2002. “The
Chlorine Story” The Chlorine Chemistry Council AIR BLEEDER ASSEMBLY: Located on the top of the pool filter and sometimes accompanied by a pressure gauge, the bleeder is opened to release air trapped in the pool filter. ALGAE:Over 20,000 species known to exist. Algae may form on your swimming pool surfaces or it may bloom in suspension. We typically know algae to be green but it may also be yellow (mustard algae), black, blue-green, or any shade in between. It may form separate spots or seem to grow in sheets. Pink algae is not algae at all but a form of bacteria. Algae are living breathing organisms that need warmth, sunlight, and CO² to thrive. ALGAECIDEMeaning, to kill algae. Algaecides perform best as a backup to a routine sanitation program. They also help to kill airborne spores as they blow into the pool. A variety of algae treatment products are available including copper and silver compounds, poly-quat compounds, chlorine enhancers , and herbicides. ALGAESTAT:An algaecide kills algae, while an algaestat retards and prevents its genesis and growth. ALKALINE:Alkalis are best known for being bases (compounds with pH greater than 7) that dissolve in water. Alkaline is commonly used as a synonym for base, especially for soluble bases. ALKALINITY:Alkaline refers to the condition where the water's pH is above 7.0 (neutral) on the pH scale. It is the opposite of acidic. Alkalinity is the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in the water, measured in "parts per million" (ppm) of Total Alkalinity. ALUMINUM:A silvery white and ductile member of the poor metal group of chemical elements ALUMINUM SAULFATE:Also known as "alum" this product is used as a flocculent which attracts suspended particles in the water together (green or cloudy pools). "Alum" sinks everything to the bottom which is then vacuumed to waste. A small amount of "alum" can also be used as a sand filter additive. ANION:A negatively charged ion, which has more electrons in its electron shells than it has protons in its nuclei, is known as an anion due to its attraction to anodes. AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER:A device which agitates or vacuums debris from the walls and floor of the pool. BACKFILL: The repositioning of the soil after construction of a pool. BACKWASH:The process of thoroughly cleaning the filter medium and/or elements by reversing the flow of water through the filter to waste. BACTERIA:From a health perspective, the most dangerous micro-organisms which may be living in the pool water. Some are pathogens, which can cause infectious diseases. BACTERICIDE:Kills bacteria. Chlorine is a bactericide and germicide. Silver algaecides are actually more bactericide, and are useful on pink "algae." BALANCED WATER:Balanced water is the result when all of your chemical parameters are where they should be and thus balance each other.The key components of water balance are pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Temperature; as measured using the Langelier Index of water balance BALL VALVE: A device with a hollowed out ball inside which can be turned with an external handle to decrease or increase flow. BASE:Those chemicals of alkaline nature which will counteract the pH of an acid eventually neutralizing at 7.0. Common bases used around the pool would include Soda Ash, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, and Sodium Sesquicarbonate. BASE DEMAND:A titration test used to determine proper amounts of base (pH increaser) to reach correct levels. For example, to raise pH from 7.2 - 7.6, your water may need 2 cups of soda ash. BIGUANIDES:The name for a certain class of sanitizers using the polymer PHMB, the only non-halogen sanitizer available for pool and spa use. "Soft Swim" and "Baquacil" are manufacturers of this technology. BICARBONATE:An intermediate form in the deprotonation of carbonic acid. BLOWER:Plumbed into the spa return line, air is injected to produce fun bubbles and a hydrotherapy effect in the spa. BOOSTER PUMP:Secondary to the filter pump, a booster pump is used to power an automatic pool cleaner such as Polaris or Letro. BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION:When you shock your pool, the goal is to reach a high enough level of free-chlorine, measured in ppm, to break apart molecular bonds; specifically the combined chlorine molecules. When breakpoint is reached with sufficient additions of chlorine everything in the pool is oxidized.
BROMAMINES: A combined bromine - ammonia molecule. Unlike chloramines, which are strong smelling and offer no sanitizing properties, bromamine compounds continue to sanitize.
BROMINE: A
member of the halogen family, commonly
used as a sanitizer in spas, because of
its resistance to hot water with rapid
pH fluctuations.
BUFFER: A base such as Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), added to your pool will increase alkalinity which increases the buffering capacity of the pool; your pool's resistance to pH change.
BUFFERING CAPACITY: The ability of the pool to resist changes in pH, which prevents water balance. The buffering capacity is given by the alkalinity, a close cousin to pH. If your pH bounces, or resumes previous levels soon after adjustment your buffering capacity is too low. Check your total alkalinity.
CALCUIM: Calcium is a soft grey alkaline earth metal. CALCIUM CARBONATE: Known as scale, crystalline deposits of calcium may form on your pool surfaces, equipment, or even line your pipes like cholesterol in your arteries. Properly balanced water can prevent this. CALCIUM CHLORIDE: The flaked calcium salt used to raise levels of Calcium Hardness in your pool water. Also good for snow melting. CALCIUM HARDNESS: A titration test is used to determine levels of the mineral calcium dissolved in the pool water. CAPACITY: The total number of gallons of pool water your pool contains (gallonage). CAPACITOR: The Capacitor is the battery for your pool motor. It provides the energy needed while starting, to reach 3450 rpm quickly. Replace your capacitor when the shaft can be spun freely with a wrench or by hand, and when powering the motor, you hear a 'buzz' or a 'hum' from the motor, but no impeller movement. Replace your old capacitor with an exact match to the 'MFD' number on the new capacitor. CARBON DIOXIDE: A gas, which when present in the water, provides necessary food for the growth of algae. CARBONATE: Primary in the make up of total alkalinity and TDS. carcinogen:
Any substance, radionuclide or radiation
which is an agent directly involved in
the promotion of cancer or in the facilitation
of its propagation CATION: A positively-charged ion, which has fewer electrons than protons, due to its attraction to cathodes. CAVITATION: A general term used to describe the behavior of voids or bubbles in a liquid. Cavitation is usually divided into two classes of behavior: inertial (or transient) cavitation and non-inertial cavitation. Inertial cavitation is the process where a void or bubble in a liquid rapidly collapses, producing a shock wave. Such cavitation often occurs in pumps and impellers Non-inertial cavitation is the process where a bubble in a fluid is forced to oscillate in size or shape due to some form of energy input, such as an acoustic field. Such cavitation can be observed in pumps. CHANNELED SAND: When water has worked open "holes" in the sand and is streaming right through (without really going through the sand). CHECK VALVE: A one way flow device. CHITIN: A naturally occurring polymer found in the shells of crabs and lobsters. Contained in the product Sea-Klear." Chitin acts as a coagulant and flocculent for oils, metals, and organic materials. CHELATOR: A
chelating agent is a water soluble molecule
that can bond tightly with metal ions,
keeping them from coming out of suspension
and depositing their stains and scale onto
pool surfaces and equipment. Similar
to sequestering agents, chelators are found
in such products as "Resist" and "Sea-Klear." CHLORINE: A member of the halogen family of sanitizers, it's use in swimming pools is in the elemental form of a gas, liquid, granular, or tablet compound. When added to water it acts as an oxidizer, sanitizer, disinfectant, and all around biocidal agent. CHLORINE FREE AVAILABLE: Free Available Chlorine is that which is active, not combined with an ammonia or a nitrogen molecule, and ready to react to destroy organic material. CHLORINE COMBINED: That portion of total available chlorine left over when free available is subtracted. The measure of chlorine which has already attached itself to other molecules or organisms. Most of this is made up of chloramines. CHLORINE
TOTAL AVAILABLE: The sum of combined
and free chlorine levels. With a
DPD test kit, one determines free
available level, then total available. The
difference, if any, is the level of combined
chlorine. CHLORINE DEMAND: The quantity of free available chlorine removed during the process of sanitizing. The amount of organic and non-organic material contained in the water will demand a certain level of oxidizer to be destroyed. CIRCUIT
BREAKER: A switch which allows
manual override of an electrical circuit. It
also automatically breaks the circuit
when current fluctuations are detected. CLARIFIER: A clarifier is a chemical used as a coagulant of suspended micro particles. It helps the filter by clumping smaller particles into filterable sizes. COAGULANT: The
properties of a chemical used in the assemblage and precipitation
of suspended material which may make the pool appear cloudy. CONTAMINANTS: Any
micro-particle or organism which reduces water clarity or quality
and may present a health hazard. All
of our filtering, circulating, and sanitizing
is directed here. COPPER: An effective algaestat and algaecide. Copper as elemental is used in many pools in products like "Pooltrine." COPPER SULFATE: Similar to aluminum sulfate, this chemical provides a coagulating and flocculent function in water. Used mainly in ponds, a large amount of copper sulfate would stain a swimming pool. CONDITIONER: Also called Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or a stabilizer, this chemical provides a shield from the sun around the chlorine molecule, extending the efficacy; saving you money. CORONA DISCHARGE: An electrical discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid surrounding a conductor, which occurs when the potential gradient (the strength of the electric field) exceeds a certain value, but conditions are insufficient to cause complete electrical breakdown or arcing. CORROSION: The
effects of a acidic pool environment.
One in which the pH and/or alkalinity are
very low. Corrosion in the form of
etching, pitting, or erosion of pool equipment
and surfaces is the result.
COVER AUTOMATIC: Solid reinforced vinyl which rolls onto a reel on one end of the pool and attaches on the sides into small aluminum tracks. It can be be motorized or hand-crank style. Some models may snap the sides into small anchors placed into the deck providing more shape flexibility. Provides safety (with water pumped off - cover pump), debris protection, and heat/chemical/water retention. COVER HARD: A cover which rests on the edge or coping of the spa or small pool. Provides a barrier to debris and possibly people, while keeping the heat trapped in. COVER SOLAR: Sometimes called a thermal blanket, this cover floats on the surface magnifying the sun's rays to warm the water and also prevents chemical/heat/water evaporation. COVER WINTER: A barrier to sun and debris, winter covers secure the pool from contamination. These are subdivided below. COVER MESH: These stretch tightly across the pool like a trampoline. They are the only covers which can be called "safety covers" in that the mesh polypropylene allows precipitation to pass through. COVER SOLID: These are usually made of some form of plastic or vinyl and are secured around the edges either by aqua blocks, similar weight, or the edges attach to anchors set in the concrete or wood deck. CYANURIC ACID: A granular chemical added to the pool water which provides a shield to chlorine for protection from UV radiation, which disrupts the molecule, destroying its sanitizing ability.
DIATOMACEOUS
EARTH: The filtering medium
of the DE filter, this dry powder is
the fossilized remains of the ancient
plankton; diatom. DIATOMACEOUS
EARTH FILTER: A filter tank
containing fabric covered grids which
hold the DE powder up against the flow
of the water. DICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE: a chemical compound. It is an oxidizer, bacteriocide, algicide, and cleaning agent that reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, which is related to bleach. DISINFECTANT: Chemicals or processes which work to destroy vegetative forms of microorganisms and other contaminants. Examples are chlorine, bromine, Soft-Swim, and ionizers; also included are copper and silver algaecides. DIRECTIONS: What you should read before using any chemicals. DIRT
DEMAND: The demand that your
pool has for dirt. This level is
inversely proportional to available time
for cleaning. If you remove the dirt
from the pool, you have created a dirt
deficit, and the pool will actually suck
dirt out of the air to maintain its dirt
demand. DPD: A
method of testing for chlorine levels
in the pool water. Unlike OTO,
DPD testing allows determination of total
and free available chlorine levels which
through subtraction gives us combined
levels. DRY ACID: Sodium bisulfate, a granular form of acid used to lower pH and alkalinity in the water. It is safer and less caustic than muriatic acid. Usually available as a "pH decreaser."
EFFICACY: The
power to produce an effect. Chlorine's
efficacy is affected by many factors,
including the sun, water balance, and
the water's chlorine demand. EFFLUENT: The
water that flows out of the pump on
its way through the filter, heating,
treating equipment,
and then returning to the pool. Also
known as the pressure side. electrolysis: A method of separating chemically bonded elements and compounds by passing an electric current through them. ENZYMES: Used in swimming pool formulations designed to break down and digest oils in a pool or spa similar to the way enzymes are used in oil spill clean-up efforts.
FILL
WATER: Used in filling or
adding to the water level. Whether
from the hose or from a well, your
fill water brings its own chemical
make up and water balance (or lack
thereof). FILM-X: A compound of citric acid used in cleaning plaster and other pool areas. Safe replacement for muriatic acid. FOAMING: A term used to describe surface foam on your water, esp. in spas/hot tubs. Foaming is caused by high TDS levels working in combination with soft water and oils. Certain low grade algaecides can foam when added to pool or spa. Use enzymes for foam control. FLOCCULENT: Essentially the same as a coagulant, this chemical (such as alum) is used to combined suspended alkaline material and/or algae into a heavy gel, which sinks to the bottom for vacuuming to waste. FLOW RATE: The quantity of water flowing past a specific point in a specified time (e.g. the number of litres flowing through the filter in 1 hour).
GATE
VALVE: The type that spins "lefty-loosey;
righty-tighty." GASKET: A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two objects, generally to prevent leakage between the two objects while under compression. Gaskets are commonly produced by cutting from sheet materials, such as gasket paper, rubber, silicone, metal, or a plastic polymer. GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER: A GFCI device protects a circuit from branching off by de-energizing the path of electricity very quickly when it senses current loss. An important safety device around water (the pool?). GROUT: a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints (like those between tiles). Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand and sometimes color tint which is applied as a thick liquid and hardens over time, much like mortar. GUNITE: A dry mixture of cement and sand mixed with water at the "gun"; hence the name. A gunite operator "shoots" the pool's rough shape, while finishers trowel after.
HALOGEN: A member of the family of elements fluorine, bromine, chlorine and iodine.
HARD WATER: That water which is high in calcium hardness and other salts which, as such, resists soap being lathered.
HEATER: A device used to heat the water. It may be electric, fuel operated or solar powered heat.
HEAT EXCHANGER: A set of 8 or 10 ribbed copper tubes that absorb the heat produced below it and transfer it to the water cycling through its tubes.
HEAT PUMP: The antithesis of the air conditioner, the heat pump's cooling coil removes heat from the air while the condenser coil transfers it to water cycling through it.
HOT TUB: Usually considered a circular, wooden vessel filled with heated and circulated water.
HP: Horsepower (hp) is the name of several non-metric units of power. The most occurring conversion of horsepower to watt goes 1 horsepower = 745.7 watts.
HYDROXIDES: the most common name for the diatomic anion OH−, consisting of oxygen and hydrogen atoms, usually derived from the dissociation of a base. It is one of the simplest diatomic ions known.
HYPOCHLORITE: A
family of chlorine compounds such as Calcium
Hypochlorite and Lithium Hypochlorite,
both granular, and the liquid Sodium Hypochlorite.
When these compounds contact water, they
release Hypochlorous Acid, the active sanitizing
agent.
HYDROSTATIC RELIEF VALVE: Fitting(s) installed in the floor of the pool designed to manually or automatically release hydrostatic pressure beneath the pool by allowing ground water into the pool.
IMPELLER: The
rotating vanes of a centrifugal pump; its
action creates the flow of water. The impeller
is shaft driven by an electric motor.
ION: An
atom, or group of atoms that possess
an electrical charge.
IRON: Usually introduced into the water from iron plumbing or from well water, Ferric Iron can stain surfaces, while Ferrous Iron will turn your water a clear green color. JANDY VALVE: A brand name of a three way valve, which has simplified pool plumbing.
JET PUMP: Used in spas to provide additional thrust into the hydrotherapy jets.
LANGELIER INDEX: Also called the Saturation Index, Mr. Langelier devised a system to determine water balance by assigning values to levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and water Temperature. When all parameters are in balance, the water will neither be corrosive or scaling. The formula is "SI = pH + TF + CF + AF - 12.1."
LATERALS: Elongated, capped plastic nipples at the bottom of a sand filter which are slotted to allow for water passage while keeping the sand in the filter tank.
LIGAND: An atom, ion, or molecule that generally donates one or more of its electrons through a coordinate covalent bond to, or shares its electrons through a covalent bond with, one or more central atoms or ions (these ligands act as a Lewis base).
LOAD: An
electric device which consumes
energy, placing a load on the
source.
MAGNESIUM: A light, ductile, silver-white, metallic element. Its presence in high non-chelated concentrations can lead to stains & scale when conditions are right
MINERALS: Such as Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Nickel, Copper, Silver, Iron, Cobalt or Aluminum. Their presence in high non-chelated concentrations can lead to stains & scale when conditions are right.
MICROORGANISM: A
living, breathing creature in
your pool. The purpose of disinfectants
are to remove such "infectants."
MPV: A Multiport valve. (See Below) MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance. An important component of product stewardship and workplace safety, it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures. The exact format of an MSDS can vary from source to source.
MULTIPORT VALVE: A 4 or 6 position valve combining the functionality of several valves into one unit, revolutionizing pool plumbing. The six common functions are described below:
MURIATIC ACID: The liquid dilution of Hydrochloric Acid used to lower pH and alkalinity, and to remove mineral stains and scale. Extremely caustic and corrosive.
NASCENT OXYGEN: A single oxygen atom, not yet bonded to anything. Extremely powerful oxidizer when harnessed.
NITROGEN: When combined with chlorine, nitrogen creates chloramines, which do not belong in our pool. Nitrogen can be found in many swimmer wastes (perspiration, suntan oil, hair tonics, etc.) or be introduced by other means.
NON-CHLORINE SHOCK: A granular form of potassium permonosulfate, used to oxidize materials such as microorganisms, contaminants or chloramines. O-RING: A loop of elastomer with a round (o-shaped) cross-section used as a mechanical seal or gasket. They are designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface. OTO: Another method of testing for free available chlorine levels in your pool, as in an OTO test kit. OXIDATION: The "burning up" of organic waste and compounds in the pool water. It also refers to what you may see on your metal pool surfaces if your water is corrosive. Rust is a form of this kind of oxidation. OZONE: The molecule containing three atoms of oxygen; known to be a very powerful sanitizer. Ozone producing equipment creates this molecule by UV radiation or corona discharge generators.
pH: The
scale of relative acidity or alkalinity,
expressed in logarithmic numbers from
0 - 14, with 7.0 being neutral. What's
really being measured is the hydrogen
ion concentration. Some would say pH
stands for Power of Hydrogen. PLASTER: A
common type of interior finish applied over
the concrete shell of an in-ground swimming
pool. PLUMBER'S SNAKE: Sometimes known as a "toilet jack," is a flexible auger used to remove clogs in plumbing that cannot be loosened with a plunger. Most devices consist of a coiled metal wire with space between the coils at the end. The other end is attached to a device with a crank that rotates the wire as it moves down into the pipe. Drains are cleared by one of several mechanisms:
The auger should be turned clockwise only, unless it has become jammed in the drain. Not only is this essential for retrieval of foreign objects, but for the longevity of the cable.
PLUNGER: The sliding disc assembly that changes valve position in a push-pull valve. For example; up for backwash, down for filtration. POTASSIUM PERMONOSULFATE: See non-chlorine shock. POLYMER: An algaecide / algaestat made up of repeating polymer molecules. Used for green algae and available in varying strengths. PPM: Parts per million. A method of assigning value to certain concentrations of chemicals in the water. For example, alkalinity should be kept at 80-120 parts per million, by weight and in relation to the water it's dissolved in. PRECIPITATION: To
precipitate is to come out of
solution; become insoluble by result
of chemical action. Material forced
out of solution, purposefully or
accidentally, will then settle,
stain or scale, or remain suspended
in the water. PRESSURE GAUGE: A device indicating pressure in a filter system. Provides a determination of how the system is operating, and informs us when service is required. PRESSURE SIDE: The return side of the plumbing. The section from the pump impeller towards the pool. PRESSURE SWITCH: A switch used in pool heaters which opens when the flow rate is insufficient for safe heater operation. This disrupts the circuit in the heater, preventing it from firing.
PUMP: A mechanical wet-end, powered by an electric motor, which causes hydraulic flow and pressure for the circulation of the pool water.
PUMP
STRAINER BASKET: A
device placed on the suction side
of the pump, which contains a removable
strainer basket designed to trap
large debris in the water flow without
causing restriction. Sometimes called
a Pump Leaf Trap.
QUATERNARY
AMMONIUM COMPOUND: A type of
algaecide composed of ammonia compounds. Quaternary
Ammonium Compound is an effective
algaestat for green and blue/green algae.
RATE
OF FLOW: Quantity of water
flowing past a designated point within
a specified time period, measured in
gallons per minute (gpm). RESIDUAL: Usually
refers to free available chlorine levels
remaining in the pool after initial treatment
or activity with contaminants. SAND
FILTER: A filter tank, usually
fiberglass or ABS plastic, filled with
sand and gravel. The pump diffuses water
over the top of the sand bed, and forces
it through the sand and into the laterals
on the bottom. SCALE: Usually whitish in color, scale forms on pool surfaces and equipment when mineral salts are forced out of solution. A scaling condition is one in which calcium hardness, pH and/or alkalinity levels are out of balance. SEQUESTERING AGENT: A sequestering agent ties-up minerals tightly in solution, preventing their precipitation, which colors the water and/or stains the pool. Synonymous to chelators, these are commonly called stain & scale chemicals. SKIMMER: A surface skimmer is a plumbing fitting set at water level, containing a weir mechanism and a debris basket. The skimmer is part of the suction side circulation system. SKIMMER BASKET: Beneath the lid, the basket strains debris, as the first line of defense in filtering the water. SKIMMER NET: Attached to a telescopic pole, a leaf rake is a very useful tool in keeping the pool clean. Also called a skimmer net are the flat, "dip and flip" nets, which aren't so useful.
SHOCK: As
a noun it loosely describes the products
used in shocking, such as hypochlorites,
potassium permonysulfate or hydrogen peroxide.
As a verb it describes the act of bringing
the sanitizer level up so high that breakpoint
chlorination is reached. When breakpoint
is reached, a "shock" or perhaps
a "lightning bolt" is a better
analogy, is sent through the water, tearing
apart molecules and slashing through cell
walls. Ultimate purification, man.
SNOWBELT: The northern half of the United States where freezing temperatures are particularly common.
SODA ASH: A base, used to counteract an acidic condition by raising pH.
SODIUM BICARBONATE (baking soda): Another base, however its properties will increase alkalinity more than pH. Used to raise Total Alkalinity levels.
SODIUM BISULFATE: An granular form of acid, used to counteract a scaling condition by lowering pH and/or alkalinity.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE: Liquid chlorine used in pools, identical yet stronger than Clorox bleach.
SODIUM TETRABORATE: New technology that renders algae incapable of processing carbon dioxide, which they need to live.
SODIUM DICHLOR: A granular form of chlorine that is stabilized with cyanuric acid. Used for shocking and super-chlorination.
SOFT
WATER: Water that has low calcium
and/or magnesium content. Soap lathers
easily in soft water.
STRAINER BASKET: The second line of defense is a basket at the pump. The holes in this are smaller than those in a skimmer basket, and prevent the pump impeller from clogging up.
STRATOSPHERE: The
second layer of Earth's atmosphere, just
above the troposphere, and below the mesosphere.
It is stratified in temperature, with warmer
layers higher up and cooler layers farther
down. This is in contrast to the troposphere
near the Earth's surface, which is cooler
higher up and warmer farther down
SUNBELT: The southern half of the United States where freezing temperatures rarely occur, and high temperatures are particularly common.
SUPER-CHLORINATION: Applying 7 - 10 times the normal amounts of chlorine to the pool as an added "boost" for contaminant removal. Some refer to super-chlorinating as being less than shocking, in that breakpoint thresholds are not reached, or the terms may be used synonymously.
TDS: See Total Dissolved Solids
TEE: A
plumbing fitting used to bring two pipes
together into one, or vice-versa.
TITRATION: A method of testing for total alkalinity, calcium hardness and acid/base demand by adding a titrant, drop by drop until a color change is observed.
TOTAL ALKALINITY: The ability of the pool water to resist changes in pH. The "buffering" capacity of the water. Additions of Sodium Bicarbonate will increase the levels, expressed in ppm.
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS): A measure of everything that has ever dissolved in the water; all the matter that is in solution. High TDS levels can oversaturated your water, causing all sorts of reactions.
TRICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE: a chemical compound used as an industrial disinfectant, bleaching agent and a reagent in organic synthesis. This white crystalline powder, which has a strong "chlorine odour," is sometimes sold in tablet or granule form for domestic and industrial use.
TROWEL: A pool trowel is a flat-bladed tool with rounded ends used to apply viscous or particulate material coatings to concrete, especially on pool decks.
TURBIDITY: Cloudy,
dull, hazy water, due to micro particle suspension.
ULTRA
VIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT: Using
UV wavelength radiation to destroy contaminants
in water. UV light is also used to create
ozone molecules for the same purpose.
VENTURI: Increasing water velocity by restricting pipe size usually accomplished by a spa jet. VOLUTE: A volute is a curved funnel increasing in area to the discharge port. It is often used with impeller pumps. As the area of the cross-section increases, the volute reduces the speed of the liquid and increases the pressure of the liquid. One of the main purposes of a volute casing is to help balance the hydraulic pressure on the shaft of the pump. However, this occurs best at the manufacturer's recommended capacity. Running volute-style pumps at a lower capacity than the manufacturer recommends can put lateral stress on the shaft of the pump, increasing wear-and-tear on the seals and bearings, and on the shaft itself. VISION SYSTEM: The technology which isolates nascent oxygen into a powerful sanitizing tool. See Cationic Sanitation. VINYL LINER: One type of interior pool finish. The liner is draped over a sand or cementitious floor, and locked into the top of the pools wall.
WEIR: The
device in a skimmer that controls the amount
of water coming into the skimmer, and keeps
debris inside. That "flapper-gate" thing.
ZAMBONI: What you needed during winter '96 to groom your backyard ice rink. |
 |  Make your
own website |
