Reference
Pool care glossary
Short definitions for terms that show up in AWEX guides and service conversations. One clear reference hub for homeowners.
Jump to a term
Calcium hardness
The amount of calcium dissolved in the water. Phoenix metro tap water is typically hard, so calcium can contribute to scale on tile and heaters when chemistry is neglected.
Combined chlorine
Chlorine that has already reacted with contaminants. High combined chlorine often means the water needs attention, not just a casual top-off dose.
Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
A conditioner that helps protect free chlorine from UV. Useful in sunny climates; too much can slow sanitizer performance. Adjustments belong to trained service, not guesswork.
Equipment pad
The outdoor pad that holds the pump, filter, and related gear. A weekly visual check looks for leaks, odd sounds, and obvious faults before they become emergencies.
Filter pressure
The pressure reading on a filter gauge compared with a clean baseline. Rising pressure after dust or monsoon debris often means the filter needs cleaning attention.
Free chlorine
The available sanitizer in the water that kills bacteria and helps prevent algae. Strong Arizona sun reduces free chlorine faster, which is why summer pools need closer attention.
Green-to-clear
Corrective work that turns an algae-loaded or heavily neglected pool back to clear, swimmable water. Usually quoted as a one-time clean, not assumed inside a weekly rate.
Monsoon debris load
Leaves, dust, and organic matter that storms drop into a pool in a short window. Can overwhelm a skipped week of service and clog baskets or filters.
pH
A measure of how acidic or basic the water is. Out-of-range pH reduces sanitizer effectiveness and can irritate skin or scale surfaces. Heat and aeration can push pH around during Arizona summers.
Scale
Mineral deposits (often calcium) that form on tile, waterlines, and heat exchangers when chemistry and hardness are out of balance. Hard Valley water makes prevention more important.
Total alkalinity
The water's buffering capacity that helps keep pH stable. When alkalinity drifts, pH becomes harder to hold, especially in hot, heavily used pools.
Weekly Pool Care
AWEX's primary offer: a scheduled weekly visit covering chemistry, desert cleaning, a pad check, and a plain visit note. Exact inclusions confirm with your quote.