Pool terms can name more than one job. A tester runs a test. A monitor sends a read. A controller may act on a read. A feed pump adds a pool product. A route app plans the work.
Use the plain terms below when you shop. Two tools can sound alike in an ad and still do a very different job.
Product and workflow terms
- Automatic pool water tester
A unit that runs a pool test on its own. The word does not tell you the test type or run times. It does not tell you what it tests or if it can run other gear.
- Pool monitor
A tool that reads, shows, saves, or sends pool data. Check if it uses a wet probe, liquid test, gear link, or hand note.
- Pool controller
A tool that can use a read or set point to run linked gear. Some can run a pool feed. The tool is not, by itself, a full test or pool rule plan.
- Chemical feeder or doser
Gear that adds a pool product to the water. You must still check the water and gear. Follow the label and local pool rules.
- Pool route software
An app used to plan visits and give out work. It may keep client notes, log jobs, or help run the firm. It is not a pool test unit.
- Exception
A read, missed test, gear issue, or call that needs a check off the main route plan.
- Alert
A note that a set event took place. An alert needs an owner and a check plan. It is not a cause, a fix, or a dose.
- Technician handoff
A note for the next pool tech. It gives the facts, test, check, work, owner, due time, and next step.
Test-method terms
- Liquid-reagent test
A test that mixes pool water with a liquid. The mix makes a change that can be read. The test steps, liquid, pool sample, and test range still matter.
- Immersed probe
A wet sensor that makes an electric pool read. Each probe reads its own thing. It has its own care needs and test range.
- ORP
ORP means oxidation-reduction potential. It is an electric read in millivolts. ORP is tied to the state of the water. It is not the same test as free chlorine.
- Manual test
A test done by a person with the right kit. A hand test can be good or bad. The test, pool sample, liquid, care, and log all matter.
- Scheduled testing
Tests that run at set times. Amano normally tests twice a day. You can change the time and rate. A set test is not a live feed.
- Verification
A check of a pool read. Use the right test, pool sample, unit, range, gear facts, and site rules.
Water-chemistry terms
- Free chlorine
The chlorine read as ready to kill germs in the named test. Read it with pH, CYA when it fits, site facts, and local pool rules.
- Combined chlorine
A part of the chlorine test tied to chloramine. It is not the same as free chlorine.
- pH
A read of the water’s acid or base state. pH can change pool balance and how you read other tests. One pH read does not show the cause.
- Total alkalinity
A read of how the water can fight a fast pH change. It is tied to pH. It is not the same test.
- Cyanuric acid (CYA)
A pool aid that can change how chlorine works in the sun. It can change how you read the chlorine test. Amano does not test CYA.
Rules and evidence terms
- Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
The local group or inspector in charge of the site rule. The group can change by place.
- Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)
A CDC pool guide. A local group may use it, change it, or skip it. It is not US law. See the CDC MAHC page.
- Facility SOP
The site’s set work plan. It should use local rules, gear guides, the pool firm deal, product labels, and named roles.
Page reviewed September 4, 2026.
Common questions
Use the terms to pick the right tool
Start with the job you need done. Then compare the test method, records, dosing work, and route workflow.
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