FROG Water Care Experts Glossary of terms

A means of cleaning that reverses the flow of water through the filter, forcing dirt out a waste line. This is done by setting the backwash valve to the backwash position. Typical maintenance for sand and DE filters. NOTE: Never adjust the valve while the pump is running.

The time needed to backwash (clean) the filter and its components.

Invisible single cell organisms of various forms, some of which can cause infections or disease. Bacteria are controlled by chlorine or other sanitizing agents.

Water containing just the right amounts of TotaI Alkalinity, Total Hardness, pH and Total Dissolved Solids so as to prevent scale forming or corrosive tendencies.

Used to regulate the flow of water and to shut off skimmers, drains and other lines to vacuum or run a swim spa or other water feature.

The required amount of soda ash (or other pH increaser) to increase the pH level of swim spa water to the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6.

A sanitizer that is part of a non-chlorine water treatment system. Most chemicals used with chlorine are incompatible with biguanide sanitizers and vice versa. The recommended shock for biguanide treated swim spas contains hydrogen peroxide.

An electrical device that produces a continuous rush of air to create the optimal bubbling effect in a spa, hot tub or swim spa. It is usually plumbed in with the hydrotherapy jets or to a separate bubbler ring.

A condition caused by too much copper in the swim spa water. Blue fingernails are not caused by chlorine. The copper may get into the water by the bad practice of placing trichlor tabs in the skimmer; this acidic product will cause low pH water, which will in turn dissolve metals in the equipment. The dissolved metal (usually copper) then stains hair, fingernails and, eventually, swim spa walls. It can also be caused by keeping the pH too low or misusing acid.

An elemental mineral used for conditioning water to provide clearer, more comfortable water

The process of adding sufficient chlorine to completely oxidize all organic matter, ammonia or nitrogen compounds. All chlorine added after that point is free available chlorine.

Distributing chemicals into a swim spa by scattering over the water surface.

By-products formed when bromine reacts with swimmer waste (perspiration, urine), nitrogen or fertilizer. Bromamines are active disinfectants and do not smell, although high levels are body irritants. Bromamines are removed by superchlorination or shock treating.

Abbreviation for British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise l lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Chemicals that serve to prevent fluctuations in pH.

An arrangement of pipes, gates and valves by which the flow of water may be passed around a piece of equipment or diverted to another piece of equipment, a controlled diversion.