FROG Water Care Experts Glossary of terms

See Grab Rail.

A screen attached to a frame which is then attached to a telepole used to remove large floating debris, such as leaves and bugs, from the water's surface.

The quantity of calcium and manganese dissolved in water. High levels contribute to cloudy water and scale formation while low levels cause water to "attack" pool components

Cloudiness in the water caused by very small floating particles. Turbidity.

A device located inside the heater providing for the transfer of heat from the heat source to the water. This is usually a series of metallic tubes with fins located just above the flames.

A fossil-fueled, electric or solar device used to heat the water of a pool, spa or hot tub.

Pool water containing high levels of dissolved minerals. High levels of dissolved solids may cause water to have a "flat" or "salty" taste and cause water to appear dull or "dead". Pools with water three to five years old, or those containing water with solids higher than 3,000 ppm should be partially drained or diluted with fresh water.

The work done per unit of time. 1 horsepower equals 33,000 foot-pounds of work per minute or approximately 746 watts. Motors for pumps are rated in horsepower.

A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment that blends or mixes air and water, creating a high velocity turbulent stream of air-enriched water.

See Muriatic Acid.

The lightest chemical element. A component of water, and a frequent product of many chemical reactions. pH is a measure of hydrogen in its ionic form in water.

An unstable, colorless, heavy liquid used as a bleach in industry and as an antiseptic in households. It is used as an oxidizing agent in pools and spas, especially with biguanide systems. May also be used to dechlorinate pool or spa water.

The most powerful disinfecting form of bromine in water. Sometimes called the killing form of bromine.

An inorganic (un-stabilized) family of chlorine compounds used in various forms to provide chlorine for water treatment. Includes Calcium Hypochlorite, Lithium Hypochlorite, and Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine).