The dictionary of my swimming pool
Hydrochloric acid
Often aqueous solution based on chlorine which regulates the degree of acidity (Ph) of the water.
Cyanuric acid
Or stabilizer, reduces the degradation of chlorine in contact with UV.
Allows to lengthen the persistence of chlorine.
Excess stabilizer (above 75 ppm) is harmful because it blocks the action of chlorine. The only way to lower the stabilizer concentration is to partially drain the pool.
It can be checked using test strips or a Pool Lab type device.
Acid
Any body capable of releasing hydrogen ions (H+), which gives a salt with a base and, in aqueous solution, colors litmus paper red (pH less than 7). Acids attack limestone.
total alkalinity
It is the measurement of the different alkaline compounds dissolved in water. It is the buffering capacity of water to maintain a stable pH and neutralize acidity. Alkaline water is therefore water capable of maintaining its pH more or less constant.
algaecide
Chemical product used to counter the proliferation of micro-organisms and in particular algae.
Tarpaulin
Its main purpose is to seal the structure. It may or may not be visible, for a more or less natural appearance.
Several types of covers are available: bubbles, Geobubble, 4 seasons...
Backwash
The water circulation is reversed, then goes to the drain – this allows the filter to be cleaned; Then we put the valve in RINSE to prevent dirt from leaving the pool just after a backwash (the pump then filters in the normal direction but all that comes out is evacuated. The control capsule allows you to judge the color of the water sent to the sewer, and therefore to know when to stop the backwash.
A priori it is necessary to do a backwash of 5 minutes every week.
Bottom drain
it is the opening in the bottom of the pool that pumps the water deep. Not all pools have one. It does not have an essential filtering role, although useful, it above all allows the water to be mixed better and to equalize the temperatures by sending the water from the bottom to the surface.
Bromine
Sanitizing suspension used, replacing chlorine, to treat pool water (especially if the temperature is high). Product prohibited for sale in Belgium .
nozzle
Pipe allowing the flow of water. It can be discharge (like for swimming against the current) or rolling with a venturi effect (like whirlpool nozzles).
Filter block
Monobloc which brings together in a single device all the elements necessary for filtration (suction, discharge, pump and filter). It is compact, requires only a secure electrical connection and adapts to any type of medium-sized swimming pool.
grating
Removable wooden trellis serving as a floor to cover an immersed shutter.
Chlorine
Disinfectant molecule that provides healthy and clear water at a lower cost. Chlorine can be stabilized (i.e. a stabilizer is associated with the molecule in order to reduce chlorine consumption in the face of the destructive action of UV rays), or unstabilized (thus reducing, in the long term, the concentration of the stabilizer in the bathing water which would then inhibit the action of the chlorine).
Free chlorine
It is the addition of active chlorine to act in the water and potential chlorine which acts as a reserve, protected against UV rays by the stabilizer. free chlorine = active chlorine + stabilized chlorine. or = available chlorine + potential chlorine.
Shock chlorination
Consists of adding a large amount of chlorine to the water to oxidize ammonia, nitrogen compounds from swimmers' pollution and bring the free chlorine to 10. It is necessary when there is excess chloramines and too little chlorine free, swimmers' eyes sting and there is a strong smell of chlorine. If the pH is low the smell will be stronger. A treatment preventive shock can be carried out from time to time. In either case, swimmers will only be able to return to the water when the free chlorine level is back to 3.
total chlorine
It is the addition of free chlorine and combined chlorine. Measured using test strips
shock water
This is a complementary action on the water corresponding to over-disinfection. Shocking the water prevents the accumulation of contaminants, optimizes the action of the disinfectant, minimizes the level of chloramines and improves the clarity of the water. To do this, you must use shock chlorine, taking care to adjust the pH according to the treatment (ideal 7.2 to 7.4).
Shell
One-piece acrylic or fiberglass-reinforced polyester placed on a concrete base. The new techniques ensure a material resistant over time to deformations, cracks, watertightness, resistance to frost and external aggressions.
Solar heating
Ecological equipment that uses solar energy to heat the water in the swimming pool, through solar collectors connected to the swimming pool filtration system.
Diatom
The diatom is a powder composed of fossilized algae, it is used in the filters of the same name as a filtration agent. This gives a filter coating that catches impurities.
dehumidifier
Essential equipment for indoor swimming pools in order to regulate the ambient air in the room. It makes it possible to maintain an ideal hygrometry between 60 and 70%, in order to avoid the development of molds (in the event of water saturation) or to cause an uncomfortable feeling of dryness for the users (in the event of lack of humidity in the 'ambiant air).
Detector
System immersed or not indicating the fall of a person in the pool. There are built-in or off-board systems. Note that this safety principle requires the presence of an adult near the pool to allow rapid intervention.
Electrolysis
Salt electrolysis is a natural water treatment
Sand filter
The most common type of pool filter (along with the diatomaceous earth filter) is a large pot filled with approximately sand or glass (subtle mixture of coarse and fine sand). The water simply passes through it up and down, pushed by the pressure of the pump.
flocculant
The flocculant makes it possible to amalgamate the particles in suspension, making them of a sufficient size for the filter to retain them.
gel coat
Polyester resin, treated against UV, loaded with pigments, it is used for the first layer of color
Galfan
Zinc and aluminum alloy particularly resistant to external agents, which combines resistance, quality of finish, and simplicity of assembly.
Wintering
Wintering is the operation that is carried out when the pool closes at the end of the season. There are 2 solutions: active or passive wintering.
Swimming pool kit
Pool in spare parts to assemble yourself. He understands at least the vital minimum to correctly build his own swimming pool (the filtration system, the liner are included for example).
Technical area
Location gathering all the elements necessary for the filtration of the swimming pool
Liner
Large waterproof pocket made of several PVC strips assembled and welded in the factory. The liner ensures the watertightness of the pool and gives the water the reflections chosen according to the color.
Reinforced membrane
Coating composed of 2 PVC sheets and a polyester textile weft. It is recommended for pools with complex shapes or particularly exposed to shocks (high attendance, use of diving boards and other games, etc.). It is welded and installed on site by qualified professionals.
Monohull
Refers to a swimming pool whose shape is obtained by casting a polyester resin or an epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibers in a mold of the same dimensions. The color of the inside of the basin comes from the application of a gel coat which makes the surface smooth and resistant.
coping
These are the edges that delimit the edges of the pool. Some swimming pools (masonry and natural) can very well be built without copings
Swimming against the current
Installation to create a current in the pool to allow people to swim in place while fighting against this current.
Active oxygen
Result of the combination of 2 components: oxygen, a powerful disinfectant and oxidant which acts very quickly and an activator with exceptional properties which multiplies and prolongs the disinfectant effect of oxygen. This product is prohibited for sale in Belgium
Beach
Term designating the periphery and the surroundings of a basin
pH
Hydrogen potential, it reflects the concentration of H+ ions in a liquid. Ideally, it should be between 7.0 and 7.2: – to ensure the effectiveness of disinfectant or flocculant water treatments, to allow optimal comfort when swimming: no irritation of mucous membranes, skin or eyes, to preserve the submerged equipment and the liner.
PPM
This is the abbreviation parts per million, it is a standard of measurement. It actually corresponds to mg/l.
Precipitation
Is a process in water by which an insoluble compound such as calcium carbonate becomes a solid forming a deposit. In a swimming pool, a precipitation of calcium carbonate creates a deposit of lime scale on the walls which is a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria. Lime-dense water is hard water.
Broom socket
It is still an opening, the size of a large pipe, located under the water line, which allows you to connect an underwater vacuum cleaner.
This hose is connected to the pump, making it possible to "vacuum" the bottom and walls with a special broom equipped with a hose.
Afterglow
Persistence over time of the action of a product.
Refoulement
These are the outlet jets of the pump, generally opposite the skimmers. They're a little below the surface
pH regulator
Autonomous device constantly controlling and regulating the pH of the water, thus allowing an adequate balance and sparing the user from constraining and regular checks.
skimmers
Small clamshell windows on the edge of the pool to skim surface water. Leaves and other intruders are trapped in the basket, which only needs to be emptied manually
Spa
Pool or mini-pool whose water is bubbling thanks to hydro-jets. This type of material allows relaxation, rest and muscular and psychic relaxation by massaging the body with millions of air bubbles sent at high pressure and concentration.
Booster
Machine (compressor or pump) used to increase the pressure of the water and restore it in the form of powerful jets (when cleaning the swimming pool with blowers for example)
Stabilizing
Or cyanuric acid, reduces the degradation of chlorine in contact with UV.
Allows to lengthen the persistence of chlorine. Excess stabilizer (above 75 ppm) is harmful because it blocks the action of chlorine. The only way to lower the stabilizer concentration is to partially drain the pool.
It can be checked using Aquachec test strips.
Tac
The acronym TAC stands for "full alkalimetric title". It is the carbonates CO 3- and the bicarbonates HCO3 which determine the alkalinity of the water.
Trichlor
Other stabilized chlorine compound provides approximately 89% to 90% available chlorine. Presented in tablets or in a granular form. Its dissolution has an acid pH (2.5-3.0) with very slow action. With the acidic nature of this compound it is wise to check the total alkalinity of the water more often during the season. Due to its slow dissolution trichlor cannot be used for super chlorination. The advantages of trichlor tablets are constant and effective chlorination, no acid addition, ease of handling and indefinite duration of action.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength intermediate between that of visible light and that of X-rays. The name means "beyond violet" (from the Latin ultra: "beyond ”), violet being the shortest wavelength color of visible light.
Six-way valve
It is an essential element of the "technical" part of a swimming pool, it is a valve connected to the openings (skimmers, drain, broom socket), backflows and the sewer. The valve allows 6 positions, the most important being “FILTER” (water passes from the inlets to the filter then to the outlets – normal operation), WASTE (the water sucked in is evacuated), RECIRC (the water rotates without passing through the pump), BACKWASH (filter cleaning) and RINCE (filter rinsing)
Roller shutter
Apron made up of PVC slats that can be adapted to almost all shapes of pools. It is insulated, dirt repellent, anti-evaporation and safe. The winding system can be manual or motorized electrically or solar. There are shutters in which the entire rolling system is submerged, which allows perfect integration into the landscape, giving maximum protection to the pool while associating a perfectly refined aesthetic line.
Waste
One of the possible positions of the six-way valve of a swimming pool, it allows the evacuation of waste water.
