FROG Water Care Experts Glossary of terms

Refers to volatile, combustible and sometimes biodegradable chemical compounds containing carbon atoms bonded together with other elements. The principal groups of organic substances found in water are proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils. Also see organic waste.

Debris such as microorganisms, perspiration, urine, etc. that needs to be oxidized (burned up) regularly to prevent haze, algae, chloramines, etc.

Abbreviation for Orthotolidine. A colorless chemical reagent that reacts with chlorine to produce a series of light yellow to deep orange colors which indicate the amount of chlorine in the water. Only measures Total Chlorine.

The burning off of organic compounds (swimmer waste), ammonia and nitrogen compounds. These organic compounds disable chlorine, are body irritants and have a foul smell. Removal is accomplished by superchlorination or by shock treating with a non-chlorine oxidizer.

A form of oxygen that disinfects and deodorizes. It is generated and entered into a pool by an ozonator. Highly unstable and cannot be used to create a sanitizer residual.