Lower the Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

by Mike
(Austin, TX)

I have a question about cyanuric acid (CYA)?

How do you lower it if it becomes too high?

Good question Mike

There has been much debate on how high the cyanuric acid (CYA) should be. Some people believe that a higher CYA, around 150ppm, is alright because it's really the TDS or Total Dissolved Solids in the pool that you should be concerned with. You can get that checked at your local pool store.

Other people believe that the cyanuric acid should be 7.5% of your chlorine level and keep it between 20 - 40ppm.

Swimming Pool Chlorine..Chemistry..Above Ground

Adjust Your Swimming Pool Chlorine..Swimming Pool Chemistry..Swimming Pool Care.

You can use chlorine tablets to increase your cyanuric acid level or an actual stabilizer.

Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets..1 Inch..3..Care..Chemistry

It may take a long time to reach 100ppm by just using chlorine tablets.

I have found the best range for cyanuric acid is between 20 - 40ppm.

There is no chemical to reduce the amount of CYA in your pool. It can only be reduced by either partially or completely draining the pool.

I would start first by testing your pool for cyanuric acid using a FAS-DPD Reagent K-2005 or 2006 test kit.

Swimming Pool Water Testing Kit..Chlorine Level..Chemistry..

It's the one I've used for years and the most accurate.

Find out what the CYA level is and drain accordingly.

If your CYA is closer to 100ppm then a 1/2 - 2/3 pool drain might be in order. With chemicals it's normally better to start low and work your way up.

Hope this help and best of luck with your pool

Robert