Swimming Pool Terms Glossary
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TAC Abbreviation for Total Available Chlorine. It is the total amount of chlorine in the water and includes both free available chlorine and combined available chlorine.
TDS - total dissolved solids 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, sodium, magnesium, calcium, etc. Maximum amount in pools is 2500 ppm. Maximum in spa, 1500 over starting TDS. The only way to effectively lower TDS is to drain part or all of the water and replace it.
Telepole A long-handled aluminum pole designed to extend in length onto which various pool-cleaning tools such as brushes or vacuums may 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, cyanuric 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 compared to a standard set of colors to determine concentration.
Thermostat A temperature – control device that cycles a heater on and off to maintain a desired temperature.
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.
Total Alkalinity The total amount of alkaline materials present 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. The test measures for hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates.
Total Chlorine – also Total Available Chlorine – The total amount of chlorine in the water. It includes both free available and combined chlorine.
Total Dissolved solids – See TDS.
Toxic Means that a substance has an adverse physiological effect on human beings or other living organisms if the substance is contacted, ingested or inhaled.
Trichlor Common name for trichloro-s-triazinetrione or the new name trichloroisocyanurate. A slow-dissolving, tabletted, 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 ingredient (cyanuric 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.
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 one hour will give hours for one turnover.
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