Glossary

Blue Fingernails - A condition caused by too much free copper in the pool water. Can result from cheaper copper-based algaecides, overuse of these algaecides or corrosive water. See also Green Hair.

Chlorine - A member of the halogen family of sanitisers. Its use in swimming pools is in the form of a gas, as a liquid, in granular or tablet forms. When added to water it acts as an oxidiser, sanitiser, disinfectant and biocidal agent.

Length/Lap - Technically, a length is once across the pool; a lap is across and back. However most coaches use the terms interchangeably to mean simply once across the pool. Thus, 4 lengths in a 25 yard pool would be swimming across the pool 4 times, totaling 100 yards.

Long Course - A 50-meter pool.

Stroke - Optional stroke workout, usually any stroke other than Freestyle

Zoomer - A special fin used for swimming and kicking.

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