What Do I Do About Low Stabilizer/CYA In My Pool?
My pool size is 22,000 gallons. I added two 1 lb. bags of shock and algaecide. Chlorine tablets were placed in the filter basket. The pool appears to have a green tint, but the water is clear in appearance. The pH is 6.8, free chlorine was 3 ppm, total alkalinity was 80 ppm, but the stabilzer read 0 ppm. What should I add? Thanks for the question Your chlorine level is good, but if you don't have the right amount of cyacnuric acid (CYA)/stabilizer, you'll rapidly lose your chlorine level. I would first recommend you using Dichlor chlorine initially. This is a fast acting/dissolving chlorine with CYA already in it. Once the CYA is between 30 - 50ppm, use either liquid or granule chlorine. If your fill water is hard, use liquid. Swimming Pool Chlorine Chlorine Tablets The above links have the charts you need to get your CYA and chlorine into the proper range. Here are some other links to answered questions about CYA: STABILIZER/POOL CHLORINE USE Having Difficulty With No Free Chorine.. For the pH, you can go here: Swimming Pool pH Levels Raising the pH level is very simple. All you need is sodium bicarb. Soda ash works very well as does 20 Mule Team Borax. These will raise the pH without much happening to the alkalinity. Keep the filter running while raising the pH. Use any water features like fountains or slides. This will help burn off the CO2 to raise the pH. Get a chlorine tablet floater and keep it full of tabs. NEVER put chlorine tabs in the pump basket or skimmer. When the pump turns off, the tablets keep dissolving. When the pump turns back on, your system will get a high dose of acid. Tab floaters keep a constant flow of CYA and chlorine throughout the week. Normally, a clear emerald green tint after chlorination means possible metals in the water. I Have A Green Pool. The Water Used To Come From Water Wells You can have your water tested by your local pool store for metal. It's mainly copper and iron that show up. You probably don't have well water, but the above post may apply to you. If you have a metal problem, this products will help. *ProTeam's Metal Magic *Jack's Magic the Pink Stuff (regular) *Blue Stuff *Purple Stuff (salt water pools) These are good metal sequestrants. The sequestrants that are based on HEDP, phosphonic acid, or phosphonic acid derivatives work the best. Remember that algaecides are used for preventative measures only. They're not meant to clear up a green pool. If your chemical readings are in line, there shouldn't be any reason to use an algaecide. If you do choose to use algaecide, be sure it's metal and copper free. A good one is called PolyQuat 60. Hope this helps and have a fun and safe swimming season. Robert |
