Cyanuric acid (CYA), often called pool stabilizer or conditioner, protects chlorine from breaking down due to UV rays from the sun. This helps maintain effective sanitation in outdoor pools while reducing the need for frequent chlorine additions. However, CYA levels must be balanced: too low, and chlorine dissipates quickly; too high, and it can lock up chlorine, making it less effective against bacteria and algae. Regular testing is essential for safe, clear pool water.
Ideal levels of CYA varies for each pool. These are the typical levels for each type of pool:
Test CYA as often as needed after heavy rains, major backwashing, or other imbalanced observations. At minimum, the pool should be conditioned at the beginning of the swimming season and possibly other times throughout the year.
Most pool test kits use a turbidity method, where a reagent creates cloudiness proportional to CYA concentration. This test is visual and can be tricky—accuracy improves with practice and proper lighting. Water temperature affects results, so warm the sample to at least 70°F (21°C) if needed.
This is a specialized test and should be performed by the pros. The good news: Nationwide Pools will handle this for their clients so they don’t have to.
If you don’t have regular pool service from Nationwide Pools, get started today.
Company Phone: (424) 241-3636
