Acid - A chemical that brings hydrogen to lower the PH of pool or spa water. Liquid
muriatic acid is commonly used in pool while dry granular sodium bisulfate is used in spas
and hot tubs.
Acid demand test - A titration test to determine the exact amount of acid needed to lower
the PH or total alkalinity.
Acidic-based chlorine - Tri - chlor tablets and granular Dichlor are forms of acidic -
based chlorine. Tri chlor has a low PH of 2.9. Dichlor is 6.0 to 6.8. These forms of chlorine
will pull the PH downward. Soda ash or sodium bicarbonate should be used to keep water
properly balanced.
Acid rain - Caused by industrial air pollution, which reacts with water in storm system and
is deposited in a form of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and other pollutants. Acid rain can cause
a sudden drop in pool water PH.
Agricultural fertilizers - Used in a rural farm areas. Fertilizers consist of nitrates and
phosphates. Agricultural fertilizers are applied by spraying devices or aerial spray. When
airborne, fertilizers can end up in swimming pool water. Nitrates and phosphate from
fertilizers can also be found in groundwater.
Algae - Single-celled tenacious plant life that can grow on swimming pool surface or be
free floating in pool water. Most common pool types are green, yellow, or black.
Algaecide - Product used to kill and prevent the growth of most common pool algae.
Algaecides may be metal based, polyquaternary, or ammonia based. There are also
bromine-based products used as Algaecides.
Algae spores - Free-floating microscopic algae that have not yet attached to surfaces or
begun to bloom. Algae spores can be present in fill water, in plumbing, and on the filter
medium. They can be contained within dust, dirt, or leaves and grass.
Alum - Aluminum sulfate. Alum is powdered flocculant used to clear cloudy pools by
floccing suspended particles and dropping the flocked material to the pool floor. The
dropped material must then be vacuumed and backwashed from filter.
Ammonia - Two types can be found in pool water. Chemical ammonia is sometimes used
as an algaecide. Ammonia, derived from urea in swimmer perspiration and body waste, is
a primary cause of chloramines and unpleasant odors.
Antimicrobial - Chemical or material that destroys and inhibits the growth of
disease-causing germs.
Atmospheric dust - Fine particles of debris that are carried from the deserts of China to
the faraway Hawaiian Islands.
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