|
We want to help you make informed
decisions before you buy. We do not promote one brand or product. We
want to educate and inform the general public of the large
selection of swimming pool supplies available to them today. Years
ago swimming pool owners did not have as many options available.
 Find swimming pool terms and their meanings here:
Browse by Alphabetical order -
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X Y Z
( sorry no other terms found for the letters x, y or z )
-
- Backwash
A process whereby the circulation through a filter is
reversed to waste, to flush away contaminants. It should be
done weekly in commercial pools or regularly but less
frequently in domestic pools depending upon bather load. It
should also be carried out if the pressure loss across the
filter is greater than that recommended by the filter
manufacturer. With sand filters, the backwash pressure
should be great enough to disturb the sand ("fluidised
bed"). Generally this carried out with no bathers in the
pool. With sand filters, it is good practice after
backwashing to run in the normal flow direction to waste to
allow the sand bed to settle. The discharge from commercial
pools is classified as trade effluent and a discharge
consent must be obtained from the appropriate discharge
authority.
Bacteria
See Pathogenic Organisms
Bather load
The number of persons using a pool in 24 hours. These are
the main source of contamination and at times of high bather
load it is important to ensure the water conditions,
particular sanitizer and pH are correct.
BCDMH
A bromine sanitizer. The initials refer to "bromochlorodimethylhydantoin.
When BCDMH dissolves in water it produces a solution of
Hypobromous Acid and Hypochlorous Acid. The latter breaks
down bromamines to regenerate the bromine sanitizer which
has been consumed by forming these compounds. Popular in spa
baths.
Bleaching Out
At above 10 p.p.m.free chlorine in a pool it is possible
that the color developed by the use of DPD tablets will be
bleached. This can result in the tester believing there is
no chlorine in the water and adding more when there is too
much present in the first place. When testing you may get an
initial flash of pink color which rapidly disappears. If you
suspect that the color is bleaching, try diluting the pool
water sample 1:1 with unchlorinated water, and then if
necessary repeat 1:2 and 1:3. Retest each time and if by
diluting the pool sample you then get a color change, you
will know that the pool is over chlorinated and that the
chlorine is bleaching the indicator.
Breakpoint Chlorination
Chloramines are undesirable in pool water. Monochloramine is
not a great problem as it does not irritate and has some
sanitizing value. Dichloramine however irritates the eyes
and nose and is the source of complaints attributed to
chlorine generally. When measuring total chlorine the value
attributable to Monochloramine + Dichloramine + Free
Chlorine will rise as more chlorine donor is added. When
sufficient is present the chloramines will decompose and the
combined chlorine level will fall whilst the free chlorine
continues to rise. This is known as the breakpoint and is an
indication that the chloramines have been oxidized.
Bromine
Bromine, like Chlorine and Iodine and Fluorine is an element
of the halogen group. All these halogens have sanitizing
properties. Bromine and Chlorine are used in pool waters.
Iodine would work but stains heavily. Fluorine would etch
polished ceramic surfaces.
Buffer
A chemical such as Sodium Bicarbonate, which when dissolved
in water, reduces the tendency for pH changes to fluctuate
wildly.
|
Home page
swimming pools supplies
Types of swimming pool
supplies:
Information and how to articles:
|
