pH

A numerical scale reflecting the balance between acid and alkalinity in the pool. pH 6 = high acid, pH 8 = high alkaline. Recommended pH is 7.2 – 7.6. Anything below 7 stainings can occur, above 7.6 sanitisers don’t work, and algae bloom nicely. 

Sanitiser

A sanitiser is known as a chemical that kills germs in pool water. Usually chlorine, but there are others. Adequate sanitiser levels ensure a healthy pool.

Shock treatment

A large dose of sanitiser is applied when the pool is unbalanced due to increased chemical demand, weather, or heavy bather loads. Must be done weekly to assist with normal sanitiser dosing and ensure pool water is hygienic.

Algae

Algae is a plant that loves high pH levels. Not dangerous but unsightly, easily controlled by adequate sanitiser levels and correct pH.

Stabiliser (“sun-protection”)

Ultraviolet rays destroy chlorine. Stabiliser holds onto chlorine to protect it from the sun, but too much interferes with sanitiser performance (see Stabiliser “Balance”).

Stabiliser “Balance”

The ideal range of the stabiliser level in the pool is 30 ppm – 50 ppm. Overuse of stabilised chlorine leads to imbalance and poor sanitation.

High stabiliser levels are known as “Chlorine lock”.

Aimflow

The jet is where water returns to the pool from the filter.

Weir

The suction point where the water exits the pool goes through the filter (where the pool cleaner hose is plugged in).

Multiport valve

Handle on a sand filter that directs water flow through the circulation system (Filter, backwash, etc.). 

Filtration

Filtration is the process by which dirt, leaves, and other material are removed from pool water (Sand filters are the most common). 

Suction leak

A suction leak is a point where the air is sucked into the filter system. Suction leaks reduce filtration and circulation efficiency.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

The amount of suspended chemicals and other material in pool water. High TDS interferes with chemical action in the pool.

Oxidation

The process whereby dissolved organic material like body fluids and oils are destroyed or “burnt up”. Chlorine is a powerful oxidiser.

Total Alkalinity (TA)

A scale measuring the ability of the water to resist big changes in pH is known as “pH-bounce”.

Ideal range = 80 – 120ppm.

“Free” chlorine

Not all chlorine in water is “free” to perform its intended function. Only Free Chlorine works. Incorrect pH-suspended dirt and excessive stabiliser levels can inhibit the availability of free chlorine. Ideal range = 1 – 3ppm. 

Newsflash, as a pool owner keeping your pool safe for swimming is an important part of owning a pool. Pool sanitisers help in keeping the bacteria and other contaminants at bay. 

Here are the most common choices that can be made when it comes to pool sanitisation.

• Chlorine Tablets – Chlorine tablets are super awesome dissolvable chlorine tabs in various sizes. Made to destroy harmful bacteria and help slow down algae growth in pools. Use these magical tabs to sanitise your pool water; place the tablet in a floater chlorine disposer or an erosion feeder, and just like 1,2,3, your pool water is clean and bacteria-free. Easy to use and help maintain the needed chlorine levels between weekly servicing. Be careful when handling these tabs as they can irritate your skin and burn your eyes, ensure to wash your hands afterwards. 
  
  
• Liquid Chlorine – Similar to the Chlorine tablets but in a liquid form. The liquid is poured directly into your pool water, dissolving much faster and sanitising your pool quicker than tablets.
  
  The disadvantage of this chlorine is that it has a short shelf life and needs to be used quickly after purchase. Regular testing must be performed to avoid over-chlorinating and maintain the pool water balance. 
  
  
• Salt Chlorinators – Be a lazy bee; cut the manual labour out of pool sanitation with Salt chlorinators. These mini electronics eliminate many issues associated with over-chlorination. As the pool owner, you pour pool salt into your pool water, and the salt dissolves and turns the pool water into salt water. The saltwater passes through the entire filtration system until it enters the chlorine generator; then, magically, chlorine is produced through low-voltage electrolysis. Salt chlorinators automatically produce the ideal amount of chlorine from salt and dispense it into your pool water. The generated chlorine will then sanitise the pool water, resulting in clear water, less skin and eye irritation, and less unpleasant odour.
  
  
• Bromine – Bromine is a chemical that works similarly to chlorine. The main difference is that it is more stable in warm water than chlorine and, therefore, can be an ideal sanitiser for spas.
  
  Bromine is also less odorous and less irritating than chlorine. However, it is more expensive and performs better in indoor pools than in outdoor pools. It’s also less effective than chlorine at oxidising contaminants.