Cyanuric Acid - What You Need To Know

Summary

In this informative episode of Pool School, Kenny discusses cyanuric acid (CYA), its importance in pool maintenance, and how to test and adjust its levels. CYA, also known as a stabilizer or conditioner, helps chlorine remain effective in pool water. Kenny explains the ideal CYA levels, testing methods using test strips, and what to do if levels are too low or high. He emphasizes the need to drain and refill the pool for excessive CYA and provides tips on safe chemical handling, ensuring viewers can maintain their pools effectively and safely.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cyanuric acid (CYA), also known as stabilizer or conditioner, is crucial for maintaining chlorine levels in pools.
• 🧪 Proper CYA levels help pool water retain free chlorine, preventing rapid chlorine loss due to sunlight.
• 📏 The ideal range for CYA in pools is between 30 and 100 parts per million (ppm).
• 🔍 CYA levels should be tested at the beginning and end of the swimming season to ensure proper maintenance.
• 🛒 You can test CYA levels using test strips like AquaChek 7 or by taking a water sample to a pool supply store.
• ⬇️ If CYA levels are low (below 30 ppm), you should add CYA in dry form, one pound at a time through the skimmer.
• 🌊 High CYA levels (above 150 ppm) require diluting the pool water, typically through draining and refilling.
• 💧 Avoid adding too much CYA at once to prevent over-saturation, which makes it hard to maintain chlorine levels.
• 🌡️ It's best to test and adjust CYA levels during cooler months to avoid damaging the pool's surface.
• 🗨️ Regular monitoring of CYA levels is essential for effective pool maintenance and water quality.

Q & A

What is cyanuric acid commonly referred to as?

Cyanuric acid is often called CYA, stabilizer, or conditioner.

Why is cyanuric acid important for pool maintenance?

Cyanuric acid helps pool water molecules retain free chlorine, which is essential for keeping the pool water sanitized.

What happens if cyanuric acid levels are too low?

If the levels are too low, the pool water will struggle to hold chlorine, leading to higher chlorine consumption.

What are the ideal levels of cyanuric acid in a pool?

The ideal levels of cyanuric acid are between 30 and 100 parts per million.

How can you test cyanuric acid levels in your pool?

You can test cyanuric acid levels using test strips or by taking a water sample to a pool supply store for analysis.

What should you do if your cyanuric acid levels are low?

If levels are low, you should add cyanuric acid gradually, typically one pound at a time, to the skimmer basket while the filter is running.

What action is recommended if cyanuric acid levels are too high?

If levels are high, the only effective solution is to drain and refill the pool to dilute the concentration of cyanuric acid.

Why is it not advisable to drain a pool during summer?

Draining a pool in hot weather can damage the surface by drying out plaster or pebble tech, leading to cracks and potential leaks.

What is the significance of testing cyanuric acid at the beginning and end of the pool season?

Testing at these times helps ensure proper levels for effective chlorine retention and indicates whether water replacement is necessary at season's end.

Can chlorine tablets affect cyanuric acid levels in the pool?

Yes, stabilized chlorine tablets release cyanuric acid as they dissolve, which can gradually increase the pool's cyanuric acid levels.