Maintaining a safe, sanitary swimming pool is incredibly important for your health and that of your family. One of the most important measurements for keeping your pool clean is the cyanuric acid or CYA. But what if the levels are too low? How can you increase your pool’s CYA to ensure your pool is safe and stay healthy? This article will provide helpful guidance on how to effectively raise cyanuric acid in a pool.
What Is Cyanuric Acid?
Cyanuric acid is a chlorine stabilizer also known as “conditioner” or “stabilizer”. This chemical is necessary for all outdoor pools, because it preserves the available chlorine levels in the pool. Without it, the exposed chlorine in a pool will evaporate quickly in the sun and be totally dissipated within several hours.
Why Is It Important to Have the Right CYA Level?
Cyanuric acid maintains your pool chemistry by protecting the chlorine from the sun’s rays, thus keeping your water sanitary. Not having the correct levels of CYA can lead to a decrease in overall water quality, pH imbalances, cloudiness and relaxation of chlorine levels. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that your pool’s CYA levels are in check to ensure water safety.
How to Test for Levels of CYA?
The simplest and most precise way to test for CYA levels is to use a pool test kit or water test strips. You can also purchase a digital chemical tester for pool water analysis. Read the instructions before use to know the specific instructions for each test kit. These kits are easy to use and very precise in testing chemical levels.
How Do You Increase Your Pool’s CYA Level?
First, determine the correct CYA levels needed to keep your pool safe and healthy by referring to the pool maintenance guide. Generally, the optimal CYA level for a pool is between 30-50 ppm. If your CYA levels are lower than 30 ppm, then your pool’s chlorine is not being protected.
Adding Cyanuric Acid Directly
The most direct way to increase your pool’s CYA levels is to simply add the chemical directly to the pool. Simply pour a measured amount of the chemical directly into the pool and repeat the process weekly or bi-weekly until the correct CYA levels have been achieved. It is important to know that never add more than the recommended amount, as too much CYA can affect proper pH balance.
Dilution Through Water Evaporation
If your pool’s CYA levels are too high, the best way to lower those levels is through dilution. The best way to achieve dilution is through water evaporation. Make sure to keep your pool covered to reduce the rate of evaporation while still allowing some water to evaporate. This is an effective way to lower CYA levels without having to remove and replace any water.
Backwash Your Filter Regularly
Backwashing your pool filter regularly can help reduce CYA levels, as the chemical is trapped in the filter materials and backwashed out into the waste line. However, this method is only intended to be used to reduce the levels of CYA and not to raise them.
People Also Ask
What Is the Maximum Level of CYA in a Swimming Pool?
The maximum recommended level of CYA in a pool is 70ppm. Any levels above 70ppm can lead to poor sanitization and can be unsafe for swimming.
Is It Possible to have Too Much Cyanuric Acid in a Pool?
Yes, it is possible to have too much Cyanuric Acid in a pool. Too much Cyanuric Acid can lead to a decrease of free chlorine, resulting in an increase of bacteria and algae growth, as well as poor sanitization.
How Can I Tell If the Cyanuric Acid Is Too Low?
The best way to check for low Cyanuric Acid levels is to test the water with a pool test kit or strips. However, if your water appears cloudy, or chlorine levels are severely low, then you may be dealing with a low cyanuric acid level.
What Is the Best Way to Increase the Cyanuric Acid Levels in a Pool?
The best way to increase Cyanuric Acid levels in a pool is to add the chemical directly using a measuring cup, or dilute it with water evaporation methods. However, make sure not to add more than the recommended amount as this can lead to pH imbalances.
Final Words
No matter how often you clean and maintain your pool, it’s important that you are aware of your pool’s Cyanuric Acid levels. Not only will this help your pool stay clean, but it will also help to keep your pool’s chlorine levels up to keep it safe and properly sanitized. Always make sure to test your pool’s Cyanuric Acid levels once a week and take the necessary steps to keep it in check.