Terms & Definitions

pH – The measure of acidity or alkaline levels in your swimming pool water. Adding too much acid causes the pH to drop and become acidic.  Acidic pool water (pH less than 7) is corrosive, and can damage pool surfaces and metal fixtures and also cause stinging eyes and skin irritations.  Water with a high pH (above 7.8) can cause scale to form on pool surfaces and create cloudy water, dry skin and eye discomfort.

Total Alkalinity –(TA) The measure of the dissolved alkaline level in your swimming pool water. The TA measures the resistance of the pool water to changes in pH.  For example, if the Total Alkalinity is low then the addition of acid can lower the pH sharply and damage the pool surface and equipment.  The higher the TA, the less pH fluctuates.

Calcium Hardness – The amount of calcium in the swimming pool water. This is used to protect pool surfaces in soft water areas.

Stabilizer – This is used as a UV protection to hold chlorine levels in pool water for longer periods of time. Acting similarly as a sunscreen for your pool water.

Shock Dosing – This is recommended to be done as it will oxidise (burn off) and chemically break up any contaminants in pool water.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – The measure of total dissolved solids in pool water. TDS can be made up of salts, minerals, metals and any unfiltered oxidised material.

Pools installed with an ionic sterilizer require a lower TDS level (<800ppm).  On the other hand salt chlorinated pools run on a much higher level (3000 –6000ppm).  Check with your preferred pool or spa supplier to determine the correct level for your pool.

Sanitizers.  These are critical to control harmful bacteria in swimming and spa pools.  Use only registered sanitizers/bactericides and always at prescribed levels to protect your pool and those who bath in it.

Algicide – This is used to kill, control and prevent algae forming in pool water.

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