The LSI - Cyanuric Acid | Rule Your Pool (Episode 08)

Summary

In episode 8 of the 'Rule Your Pool' podcast, hosts Eric Knight and Jared Morgan delve into the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), focusing on cyanuric acid's impact on pool chemistry. They discuss cyanuric acid's role in lowering LSI, its accumulation over time, and its importance to both alkalinity and chlorination. The podcast emphasizes the necessity of regulating cyanuric acid levels for optimal pool care and touches on the consequences of high levels, such as potential damage to pool surfaces and equipment. The hosts also provide practical advice on reducing cyanuric acid through dilution and the importance of proactive pool maintenance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast episode focuses on the final factor of the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), cyanuric acid, and its impact on pool chemistry.
• 🔍 Cyanuric acid (CYA), also known as chlorine stabilizer, is essential for protecting chlorine from the sun's UV rays but must be regulated to maintain a balanced LSI.
• 📉 Higher CYA levels lower the LSI, which is a measure of the balance between the potential for scale and corrosion in pool water.
• 🌱 CYA accumulates over time in the pool and can remain for a long period, impacting the water balance and requiring periodic removal.
• ⚖️ The LSI formula requires an accurate measure of carbonate alkalinity, which is total alkalinity minus cyanurate alkalinity, to determine the correct balance.
• 📌 The Orenda app simplifies the calculation of LSI by automatically accounting for CYA when inputting total alkalinity.
• 🚫 Overuse of CYA can lead to issues such as a negative carbonate alkalinity, which disrupts the LSI calculation and can cause operational errors.
• 💡 Maintaining a lower CYA level (30-50 ppm) is recommended for optimal sunlight protection without significantly affecting the LSI.
• 🛠️ Cyanuric acid can be reduced by draining and diluting the pool water, which is the most effective method for managing high CYA levels.
• 🔄 CYA comes from stabilized chlorine products like dichlor and trichlor, and its accumulation can be managed by proactive pool care practices.
• 🔄 The importance of proper pool maintenance, including regular backwashing of filters, is emphasized to control CYA and other chemical levels.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Episode 8 of the 'Rule Your Pool' podcast?

The main focus of Episode 8 is to discuss the impact of cyanuric acid (CYA) on the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and how it affects pool chemistry.

What are the three key takeaways about cyanuric acid mentioned in the podcast?

The three key takeaways are: 1) Higher CYA levels lower the LSI, 2) CYA accumulates and stays in the pool for a long time, and 3) While important for alkalinity and LSI, CYA is even more crucial for chlorination.

How does cyanuric acid impact the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)?

Cyanuric acid impacts the LSI by lowering it as its concentration increases. This is because the LSI formula requires knowing the carbonate alkalinity, which is total alkalinity minus cyanurate alkalinity.

What is the relationship between cyanuric acid and total dissolved solids (TDS) in terms of their impact on LSI?

Both cyanuric acid and total dissolved solids have an inverse relationship with the LSI. As their levels rise, the LSI decreases.

How can you calculate the carbonate alkalinity from total alkalinity and cyanuric acid?

You can calculate the carbonate alkalinity by subtracting approximately one-third of the cyanuric acid level from the total alkalinity.

What is the significance of maintaining a low cyanuric acid level in a pool?

Maintaining a low cyanuric acid level is important for optimal sunlight protection and for not negatively impacting the LSI. It also helps in maintaining a balanced pH ceiling and preventing scale or etching issues.

What happens when the cyanuric acid level is more than three times the total alkalinity?

When the cyanuric acid level is more than three times the total alkalinity, it results in an error message in the calculation because a third of the CYA is more than the total alkalinity, leading to a negative number which cannot be used in the LSI formula.

How does cyanuric acid accumulate in a pool?

Cyanuric acid accumulates in a pool through the use of stabilized chlorine products like dichlor and trichlor. It can also be added directly to the water and needs to be physically removed or diluted over time.

What are the potential issues with high cyanuric acid levels in a pool?

High cyanuric acid levels can lead to a decrease in the LSI, making the water more susceptible to imbalances. It can also negatively impact chlorine effectiveness and potentially cause staining or damage to pool equipment and surfaces.

What are the best practices for reducing cyanuric acid levels in a pool?

The best practices for reducing cyanuric acid levels include draining and diluting the pool water, backwashing more frequently if using a sand or D.E. filter, and consulting a professional before making significant changes to the pool water.