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The Hidden Danger of High CYA Levels in Your Pool
Maintaining a clean, balanced, and healthy pool requires more than just adding chlorine and skimming out leaves. One of the most overlooked factors in pool chemistry is Cyanuric Acid (CYA)—a stabilizer that helps chlorine last longer under the sun. However, when CYA levels get too high, it can create more problems than it solves.
What is Cyanuric Acid (CYA)?
Cyanuric Acid is a chemical compound that protects chlorine from being broken down by UV rays. Without CYA, chlorine can degrade rapidly, making it difficult to maintain proper sanitation. Most pool owners use stabilized chlorine (like trichlor and dichlor tablets), which contain CYA, or they add it separately to their water.
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Why High CYA Levels Are a Problem
While some CYA is beneficial, too much can lead to serious water chemistry imbalances. A CYA level above 50 parts per million (ppm) can cause the following issues:
1. Over-Stabilized Chlorine = Reduced Effectiveness
Chlorine needs to be active in the water to sanitize properly. When CYA levels exceed 50 ppm, it binds too tightly to chlorine, making it less effective at killing bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. This can leave your pool looking cloudy, uninviting, and unsafe for swimmers.
2. Increased Algae Growth & Bacteria Risk
Since high CYA weakens chlorine’s ability to disinfect, it creates the perfect conditions for algae and bacteria to thrive. Even if your chlorine levels appear normal, the water can still be unsafe due to “chlorine lock”—when chlorine is present but inactive.
3. Total Alkalinity Inflation = Harder to Balance Water
CYA contributes to total alkalinity (TA), meaning the higher your CYA levels, the more difficult it becomes to maintain the correct alkalinity balance. This can lead to:
✅ pH fluctuations
✅ Scale buildup on pool surfaces and equipment
✅ Cloudy water that is difficult to clear
How to Check & Lower High CYA Levels
✅ Test Your Pool Water Regularly
Using a reliable pool test kit, check your CYA levels. Ideally, they should be between 30-50 ppm for most pools. If your CYA is over 50 ppm, it’s time to take action.
✅ Dilute the Water (Partial Drain & Refill)
The best way to lower CYA is to partially drain and refill your pool with fresh water. Since CYA doesn’t evaporate, dilution is the most effective solution.
✅ Switch to Unstabilized Chlorine
If your CYA levels are already high, avoid using stabilized chlorine tablets (trichlor or dichlor). Instead, opt for liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) or calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) to prevent adding more CYA.
✅ Monitor CYA Levels to Prevent Future Issues
Regular testing and adjusting chemical use will help prevent CYA buildup and ensure your pool stays clean, clear, and perfectly balanced.
Let Austin Star Pool Service Help!
If you’re struggling to keep your pool balanced and algae-free, Austin Star Pool Service is here to help! Our professional pool maintenance services ensure your water chemistry is perfect, so you can swim with confidence all season long.
