Filter rating meaning that 99.9 percent of essentially all of the particles larger than a specified micron rating will be trapped on or within the filter.
Items that are not required for proper pool operation, but instead make pool use more fun or improve pool safety, make it easier to maintain or more functional. The most popular pool accessories include pool cleaning equipment, steps and ladders, slides, pool lights and fountains. Search the
various pool accessories from In The Swim.
Liquid (muriatic acid) or dry granular (sodium bisulfate) substance used to lower the pool's pH (toward a more acidic condition) or to lower total alkalinity levels.
A titration test used to determine proper amounts of acid (or pH decreaser) to reach correct levels. For example, to lower pH from 8.0 to 7.6, your pool may "demand" 2qts. of acid.p;
Also called a drain & clean, an acid wash becomes necessary if the pool has turned into the "black lagoon". This may occur if the winterizing process is not done properly, or if the pool has been stagnant for a period of time so that algae has taken over. If you notice scaly, man-phibian creatures splashing around out back, it's probably time to drain & clean.
Located on the top of the filter, often adjacent to the pressure gauge, the air bleeder is opened to release air trapped in the filter.
Air Blower
Also called a Spa Blower, this is used to inject air through spa jets, for increased jet volume. Modern air blowers are highly energy efficient and produce significantly less noise than in the past. Browse
air blowers and other spa equipment at In The Swim.
Air Pillow
An essential item for closing above ground pools, an air pillow floats in the middle of your pool under the winter cover and absorbs ice expansion over the winter, preventing your pool walls from cracking or splitting. Find and other
pool closing accessories at In The Swim.
Algae
This is the stuff that causes your pool water to appear green and covers your pool’s underwater surfaces with slimy coating. Algae is an organic, simple non-flowering plant that thrives on light energy and grows through photosynthesis. Over 20,000 species known to exist. Algae may form on your 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.
Algaecide
A pool chemical with the sole purpose of eliminating algae blooms and preventing future algae growth in the pool. Most
pool algaecides come in a liquid and are introduced into your pool water or filter system after the use of pool shock. You should always let your pool filter run 24 hours after using an algaecide.
Alkalinity Increaser
Used to raise alkalinity when levels drop below 80 ppm. Alkalinity increasers are important water balancers that make controlling your pool’s pH levels easier, by buffering your pH against change.
Alternative Sanitizers
Generally, these are pool chemicals or systems that disinfect, sanitize and clean pool water and pool surfaces without the use of chlorine. Alternative chemical sanitizers tend to be more organic, or naturally derived, while alternative systems like mineral purifiers,
salt chlorine generators and ionizers. Alternative sanitizers are effective without the harsh side effects chlorine and bromine have like skin and eye irritation, hair discoloring and fabric bleaching or staining.
Aluminum Sulfate
Also known as "alum" this chemical 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.
Anchor Socket
This pool part is often used to secure pool ladders, rails, diving boards and other pieces of equipment to the concrete deck around an inground pool. Anchor sockets can be made of a variety of materials including plastic, brass and bronze.
AOP - Advanced Oxidation Process
A combination Ozonator and UV system, AOP devices first ozonate the water, then radiate it with UV light in the germicidal spectrum of 253 nm, which produces a particle called a hydroxy radical inside the chamber, which is one of the world's most powerful sanitizers. Not only a algaecide and bactericide, but it even removes biofilm and the strongest of waterborne pathogens. It sanitizes, purifies and clarifies the water.
Automatic Controls
see “Controls”
Automatic Pool Cleaner
An automatic pool cleaner remove dirt and debris from pool surfaces without human interaction. There are three different types of
automatic pool cleaners: robotic pool cleaners, suction side pool cleaners and pressure side pool cleaners. The biggest advantage of automatic pool cleaners is reducing pool maintenance time for pool owners or managers. The pool can be cleaned automatically by machine freeing up time for a person to do other maintenance items or clean via remote control (depending on the model) for a faster, more efficient pool cleaning.
