Pool Terminology

Everything you want us to know about pools


Algae A microscopic plant that will use the sunlight, air, and nutrients in your pool to grow. Often it will form a green, blue-green, or black slime in your pool, and apart from being unsightly, may be responsible for causing illness in humans and animals.
Backwash Washing out filters by sending the water back through the filter. This prevents filters from clogging up and becoming inefficient.
Hardness The total mineral content of the water which may include calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and other elements.
Zeolite A filter sand substitute which is able to filter out very fine particles as well as absorbing ammonia. This can reduce the combined chlorine levels and offensive odours that may result when there is insufficient free chlorine.