O-RING:
A loop of elastomer
with a round (o-shaped) cross-section used as a
mechanical seal or gasket. They are designed to
be seated in a groove and compressed during
assembly between two or more parts, creating a
seal at the interface.
OTO: Another method of testing for free available chlorine levels in your pool, as in
an OTO test kit.
OXIDATION: The "burning up" of organic waste and compounds in the pool water.
It also refers to what you may see on your metal pool surfaces if your water is corrosive.
Rust is a form of this kind of oxidation.
OZONE: The molecule containing three atoms of oxygen; known to be a very powerful
sanitizer. Ozone producing equipment creates this molecule by UV radiation or corona
discharge generators.
pH:
The scale of relative acidity or alkalinity, expressed in logarithmic numbers from
0 - 14, with 7.0 being neutral. What's really being measured is the hydrogen ion
concentration. Some would say pH stands for Power of Hydrogen.
PLASTER: A common type of interior finish applied over the concrete shell of an
in-ground swimming pool.
PLUMBER'S
SNAKE:
Sometimes known as a "toilet jack," is a
flexible auger used to remove clogs in
plumbing that cannot be loosened with a
plunger. Most devices consist of a
coiled metal wire with space between the
coils at the end. The other end is
attached to a device with a crank that
rotates the wire as it moves down into
the pipe. Drains are cleared by one of
several mechanisms:
-
The
auger end of the wire digs itself
into the clog much like a corkscrew,
allowing retrieval of the object
causing the clog when the snake is
pulled out. (Commonly hair, combs,
small toys, cloth.)
-
The
end of the snake breaks up the
object, allowing it to pass through
the drain. (Commonly tree roots,
foam insulation, plastic objects.)
-
The
snake flails around the inside
surface of the pipe, scraping off
accumulated matter (ranging from
mineral deposits to bacon fat) which
was reducing the effective interior
diameter of the drain pipe.
The auger
should be turned clockwise only, unless
it has become jammed in the drain. Not
only is this essential for retrieval of
foreign objects, but for the longevity
of the cable.
PLUNGER: The sliding disc assembly that changes valve position in a
push-pull valve.
For example; up for backwash, down for filtration.
POTASSIUM PERMONOSULFATE: See
non-chlorine shock.
POLYMER: An algaecide / algaestat made up of repeating polymer molecules. Used for
green algae and available in varying strengths.
PPM: Parts per million. A method of assigning value to certain concentrations of
chemicals in the water. For example, alkalinity should be kept at 80-120 parts per
million, by weight and in relation to the water it's dissolved in.
PRECIPITATION: To precipitate is to come out of solution; become insoluble by result of
chemical action. Material forced out of solution, purposefully or accidentally, will then
settle, stain or scale, or remain suspended in the water.
PRESSURE CHECK: A test for the rate of water flow; also a test for leaks in
plumbing by placing a line in question under pressure and waiting for the pressure to
drop.
PRESSURE GAUGE: A device indicating pressure in a filter system. Provides a
determination of how the system is operating, and informs us when service is required.
PRESSURE SIDE: The return side of the plumbing. The section from the pump
impeller
towards the pool.
PRESSURE SWITCH: A switch used in pool heaters which opens when the flow rate is
insufficient for safe heater operation. This disrupts the circuit in the heater,
preventing it from firing.
