SWIMMING POOL

12/22/2008 5:56:27 PM

A structure, often a concrete-lined excavation of rectangular shape, that is filled with water and used for swimming.

VISION SYSTEM:

12/20/2008 10:23:52 PM

The technology which isolates nascent oxygen into a powerful sanitizing tool. See Cationic Sanitation.

VINYL LINER:

12/20/2008 10:17:46 PM

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.

VERMICULITE:

12/20/2008 10:16:27 PM

A natural mineral that expands with the application of heat. The expansion process is called exfoliation and it is routinely accomplished in purpose-designed items. Vermiculite is formed by hydration of certain basaltic minerals.

VENTURI:

12/20/2008 10:15:45 PM

Increasing water velocity by restricting pipe size usually accomplished by a spa jet.

VALVES:

12/20/2008 10:14:59 PM

A device placed in the plumbing line which restricts or obstructs water flow to create desired hydraulics, or may permit flow in one direction only (as in a check valve).

VACUUM:

12/20/2008 10:14:21 PM

Refers to the low pressure condition created in the suction line. Also refers to the cleaning process of sucking leaves, algae and debris from the pool floor.

UPPER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

12/20/2008 10:12:48 PM

Those devices designed to distribute the water entering a permanent medium filter in a manner so as to prevent movement or migration of the filter medium. This system shall also properly collect water during filter backwashing unless other means are provided.

UNDERDRAIN:

12/20/2008 10:12:17 PM

The lower collection system in a filter which directs filtered water back towards the pool. It also distributes water in reverse during backwashing. See laterals.

ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT:

12/20/2008 10:11:46 PM

Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than soft X-rays. It is so named because the spectrum starts with wavelengths slightly shorter than the wavelengths humans identify as the color violet (purple).

ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT:

12/20/2008 10:10:55 PM

Using UV wavelength radiation to destroy contaminants in water. UV light is also used to create ozone molecules for the same purpose.

TURNOVER:

12/20/2008 9:58:55 PM

The amount of time it takes your pump to move all the water in your pool through the filter and back again. Usually, pools are designed for an eight hour turnover.

TURBIDITY:

12/20/2008 9:58:11 PM

Cloudy, dull, hazy water, due to micro particle suspension.

TROWEL:

12/20/2008 9:57:30 PM

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.

TRICHLORO-S-TRIAZINETRIONE:

12/20/2008 9:56:59 PM

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.

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS):

12/20/2008 9:54:56 PM

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.

TOTAL ALKALINITY:

12/20/2008 9:54:13 PM

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.

TITRATION:

12/20/2008 9:53:33 PM

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.

TIME CLOCK:

12/20/2008 9:52:50 PM

A mechanical device that controls the timed operation of your electrical equipment, primarily your filter and booster pumps.

TEST KIT:

12/20/2008 9:49:46 PM

A method (kit) used to test the water balance and sanitizing level of your pool water.

TEE:

12/20/2008 9:47:26 PM

A plumbing fitting used to bring two pipes together into one, or vice-versa.

TANNIN

12/20/2008 9:46:04 PM

Any of a group of water soluble, natural organic phenolic compounds that are produced by metabolism in trees and plants and are part of the degradation-resistant fulvic acid materials formed during the decomposition of vegetation. Tannins occur in water or in almost any location where large quantities of vegetation have decayed. Tannins can impart a faintly yellowish to brown color to water. Tannin molecules tend to form anions in water above pH 6 and can be treated with anion exchange resins. Below pH 5, tannins are better treated with activated carbon.

SUPER-CHLORINATION:

12/20/2008 9:43:08 PM

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.

SUNBELT:

12/20/2008 9:42:25 PM

The southern half of the United States where freezing temperatures rarely occur, and high temperatures are particularly common.

SUCTION SIDE:

12/20/2008 9:41:47 PM

The plumbing prior to and carrying water to the pump. This side is under vacuum pressure.

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