AFO (Aquatics Facilitator Operator)
Glossary Exam Questions With Correct
Answers
Acid - correct answersA commonly use chemical compound dosed into swimming pools that
releases hydrogen ions in water thereby lowering pH
Algae - correct answersa simple nuisance plant life that colonizes in water under favorable
conditions
Alkalinity - correct answersA measure of the pH-buffering capacity of water
Aluminum Sulfate - correct answersAlum; a flocculating agent frequently used as a
supplement in rapid sand filters only!
Ammonia (NH3) - correct answersA chemical compound of hydrogen and nitrogen that
combines with free chlorine in pools to form chloramines, or combined chlorine.
Automation - correct answersElectronic equipment that senses water variables (primarliy
chlorine, ORP, temperature, and pH) and controls chemical feeder or heater systems to
maintain desired levels.
Backwash - correct answersThe process of cleaning a swimming pool filter by reversing the
flow of water through it.
Balance - correct answersIn pools, use to refer to a condition of the water that is neither
scaling nore aggressive/corrosive.
, Basic - correct answersOpposite of acidic, a pH condition above 7.
Bleach (NaCIO) - correct answersSodium hypochlorite, usually 12% strength, "liquid chlorine"
for pool use.
Body Coat (Body Feed) - correct answersBiatomaceous earth contimuously added to filter
elements during the course of a filter run to help maintain filter efficacy and extend filter
runs.
Breakpoint (Chlorination) - correct answersThe point in a rising chlorine residual at which the
concentration of available chlorine becomes great enough to oxidize most organiz matter,
chloramines, and ammonia compounds in a pool. Chlorine added thereafter will be in the
uncombined, or free, state.
Bromine (Br2) - correct answersa heavy, dark-reddish-brown liquid in the same chemical
family as chlorine gas. It is sometimes used as a bactericide in pools, usually in a solid-
compound or salt form.
Calcification (see also Scale) - correct answersFormation of calcium carbonate on walls of
pools or pipes, or in a filter or heater, due to precipitation of calcium carbonate.
Calcium Hypochlorite {Ca(CIO)2} - correct answersCompound of chlorine and calcium used in
white granular or tablet form as a disinfectant in pools. Typically, 65% chlorine by weight and
a pH of ~11 in water.
Calcium Saturation Index (CSI) - correct answersDerived from the Langelier Index, for
determining water's tendency to scale or be aggressive. Sometimes known at the LSI or SI.
Glossary Exam Questions With Correct
Answers
Acid - correct answersA commonly use chemical compound dosed into swimming pools that
releases hydrogen ions in water thereby lowering pH
Algae - correct answersa simple nuisance plant life that colonizes in water under favorable
conditions
Alkalinity - correct answersA measure of the pH-buffering capacity of water
Aluminum Sulfate - correct answersAlum; a flocculating agent frequently used as a
supplement in rapid sand filters only!
Ammonia (NH3) - correct answersA chemical compound of hydrogen and nitrogen that
combines with free chlorine in pools to form chloramines, or combined chlorine.
Automation - correct answersElectronic equipment that senses water variables (primarliy
chlorine, ORP, temperature, and pH) and controls chemical feeder or heater systems to
maintain desired levels.
Backwash - correct answersThe process of cleaning a swimming pool filter by reversing the
flow of water through it.
Balance - correct answersIn pools, use to refer to a condition of the water that is neither
scaling nore aggressive/corrosive.
, Basic - correct answersOpposite of acidic, a pH condition above 7.
Bleach (NaCIO) - correct answersSodium hypochlorite, usually 12% strength, "liquid chlorine"
for pool use.
Body Coat (Body Feed) - correct answersBiatomaceous earth contimuously added to filter
elements during the course of a filter run to help maintain filter efficacy and extend filter
runs.
Breakpoint (Chlorination) - correct answersThe point in a rising chlorine residual at which the
concentration of available chlorine becomes great enough to oxidize most organiz matter,
chloramines, and ammonia compounds in a pool. Chlorine added thereafter will be in the
uncombined, or free, state.
Bromine (Br2) - correct answersa heavy, dark-reddish-brown liquid in the same chemical
family as chlorine gas. It is sometimes used as a bactericide in pools, usually in a solid-
compound or salt form.
Calcification (see also Scale) - correct answersFormation of calcium carbonate on walls of
pools or pipes, or in a filter or heater, due to precipitation of calcium carbonate.
Calcium Hypochlorite {Ca(CIO)2} - correct answersCompound of chlorine and calcium used in
white granular or tablet form as a disinfectant in pools. Typically, 65% chlorine by weight and
a pH of ~11 in water.
Calcium Saturation Index (CSI) - correct answersDerived from the Langelier Index, for
determining water's tendency to scale or be aggressive. Sometimes known at the LSI or SI.
