Understanding Cyanuric Acid

You will see references to cyanuric acid, CYA and stabilizer. These are all the same.

Cyanuric acid*, or CYA, is used in pools as a stabilizer for chlorine. It acts as a sunscreen to prevent chlorine from burning too quickly from the water, which is especially useful for pools that get a lot of sun. Direct sunlight will quickly dissipate the chlorine if there is no cyanuric acid in the pool. Have the water professionally tested, add stabilizer, the amount will be determined by the volume of your pool and if there is already CYA in the water already, and then have the water professionally tested again 24 hours after. Many tablets are already stabilized so it’s easy to overdo the CYA. Though it has its benefits of preventing chlorine from burning out too quickly, one must be careful in balancing the levels as too high of a count can cause issues. If CYA is too high, which is around 70 ppm and higher, there can be misreads on water tests and chlorine becoming less effective which can then lead to algae, cloudy water, bacteria and damage to pool liners and equipment. If the CYA levels become too high, it is best to partially drain the pool and then add fresh water which will lessen the stabilizer to a more acceptable level. CYA removal kits do exist but rarely come with positive results and are often expensive. If one’s pool is shaded or at least doesn’t get much sun, then it is best for CYA levels to be around 3o ppm or less. Stabilizer comes both in liquid and granule form. Granule takes more time to dissolve in the water compared to the liquid CYA but it is a cheaper option. Here at Hydra Hot Tubs & Pools we sell CYA in both forms and test water. So come on by and we’ll ensure that not only your CYA levels are just right but everything else from chlorine to PH to ensure a great summer by the pool.