TelepoleA long handled aluminum pole that extends in length. Various swim spa cleaning tools, such as brushes or vacuums, may then be attached.
Test StripsChemically treated strips that have the appropriate amounts of reagents on them. Simply dip them into the water and read the reactions (the color on the strip). These strips may test free available and total chlorine, bromine, pH, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity and Cyanuric Acid (CYA). These strips are not to be used to replace more accurate DPD test kits. They can be used in conjunction with more accurate kits.
People who use FROG @ease products need to use FROG @ease Test Strips, which are made with a single color match Out Indicator to show when to replace the SmartChlor Cartridge. Other test strips will show Total Chlorine and Free Chlorine ranges that are different than the way FROG @ease Test Strips works, which causes confusion.
Tetraborate CompoundA generic term for a chemical commonly used to treat and prevent pink slime, water mold and algae.
Titration TestA test used for acid and base demands, Total Alkalinity and Total Hardness. It creates an end point reaction by adding drops of the reagent to elicit a change in the sample’s color. The number of drops required correlates with the measurement. Sanitizer tests are available using this method
Total Alkalinity (TA)A measure of Total Alkaline substances dissolved in the water and of the water's ability to resist pH change (stability). If too low, the pH tends to bounce very erratically. If too high, pH resists adjustment and the water is more susceptible to scale and high pH. Recommended range is 80 - 150 ppm. See Alkalinity.
Total ChlorineA measure of both "free chlorine" and "combined chlorine" in swim spa water.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)A measure of the amount of dissolved matter in the water. A high level of solids (l500 ppm and higher) interferes with sanitizer effectiveness. Maximum amount in swim spas up to 3,000 gallons is 1500 ppm. The only way to effectively lower TDS is to drain part or aII of the water and replace it.
Total Hardness (also known as Calcium Hardness and Water Hardness)A measure of the level of calcium and magnesium in swim spa water. Helps determine how scaling or corrosive the water is. It is especially important to monitor Total Hardness in swim spas; the ideal range is from 200 - 400 ppm; the minimum level is 150 ppm. One of the basic water tests necessary to determine water balance.
TrichlorA slow dissolving, tableted or granular, stabilized organic chlorine compound providing 90% available chlorine. Used for regular chlorination but must be dispensed using a floating feeder or an in line feeder (chlorinator). Trichlor contains an ingredient that prevents the chlorine from being controlled by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Trichlor has a pH of 2.8. Trichlor tablets should not be placed in the skimmer.
TurbidityThe cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of extremely fine particles in suspension that cannot be trapped by the filter because they are too small.
Adding a clarifier, such as alum, will coagulate the particles and make the filter more efficient.
Turbidity TestsUsed to test the amount of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) in the water. The reagent causes a cloudiness in the test water. Measurement is obtained by comparing the test water's visibility (the degree of clarity of a dot in the test vial) to the test manufacturer's chart.
Turnover RateThe period of time (usually in hours) required to circulate a volume of water equal to the volume of water contained in the swim spa. For example, swim spa capacity in gallons, divided by pump flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm). divided by 60 minutes in 1 hour, will give hours for 1 turnover.