TEE A
plumbing fitting in the shape of a "T" used to connect
pipes.
TELEPOLE
A long-handled aluminum pole, which extends in length.
Various pool-cleaning tools, such as brushes or vacuums, may
then be attached.
TEST KIT
An apparatus or device used to monitor specific chemical
residuals, levels, constituents or demands in pool or spa
water. Kits usually contain reagents, vials, titrants, color
comparators and other materials needed to perform tests. The
most common pool and spa water tests are: pH, total
alkalinity, free available chlorine, water hardness, cyan
uric acid, iron and copper.
TEST
STRIPS Small plastic strips with pads attached that have
been impregnated with reagents that can be used to test pool
water for residuals, levels, constituents or demands. The
strips are usually dipped in the water, and the resulting
colors of the pads are compared to a standard set of colors
to determine concentration.
TIME CLOCK
A mechanical or electrical device that automatically
controls the periods that a pump, filter, heater, blower,
automatic pool cleaner or other electrical devices are on or
off.
TOTAL
ALKALINITY The total amount of alkaline materials pre-
sent in the water. Also called the buffering capacity of the
water. It is the water's resistance to change in pH. Low
total alkalinity causes metal corrosion, plaster etching and
eye irritation. High total alkalinity causes scale
formation, poor chlorine efficiency and eye irritation.
TOTAL
CHLORINE The total amount of chlorine in the water. It
includes both free available and combined chlorine.
TOTAL DIS.
SOLIDS Total Dissolved Solids - Also called TDS - A
measure of the total amount of dissolved material in the
water. It is comprised of the spent or carrier chemicals
added every time chemicals are added, as well as the
hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, chlorides, sodium,
magnesium, calcium, etc. Maximum amount in pools is 2500 ppm.
Maximum in spas is 1500 over starting TDS. The only way to
effectively lower TDS is to drain part or all of the water
and replace it.
TRICHLOR
A slow-dissolving, tabulated 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 ingre- dient (cyan uric acid or stabilizer) that prevents
the chlorine from being destroyed by the ultraviolet (UV)
rays of the sun. Trichlor has a pH of 2.8, and regular
trichlor tabs should not be placed in the skimmer as the low
pH will corrode the metal components in the equipment.
TURBIDITY
The cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of
extremely fine particles in susension that cannot be trapped
by the filter because they are too small. Adding a
clarifier, such as an organic polymer or alum, will
coagulate the particles and make the filter more efficient.
TURNOVER
Also called turnover rate - The period of time (usually in
hours) required to circulate a volume of water equal to the
volume of water contained in the pool or spa. Pool capacity
in gallons, divided by pump flow rate in gallons per minute
(gpm), divided by 60 minutes in 1 hours, will give hours for
1 turnover.
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