How to Lower Cyanuric Acid LevelsUpdated a month ago
To lower the stabilizer (cyanuric acid, CYA) levels in your pool, follow these steps:
1. Test Current Stabilizer Level with an accurate pool test kit
Use a liquid test kit for accuracy (ideal range: 30–50 ppm).
Confirm levels exceed the recommended range (e.g., 80–100 ppm).
2. Calculate Drainage Required
Formula:
Example: From 100 ppm to 50 ppm = Drain 50% of pool water.
WARNING: Do not fully drain your pool water. If your calculations show that you need to drain more than 50% of your pool water, partially drain, refill, then recheck then redrain as needed.
3. Drain Water
Partial Drain: Use a submersible pump or venturi pump or backwash (for sand/DE filters).
Environmental Considerations:
Check local regulations for draining.
Neutralize chlorine with a chlorine neutralizer if draining to vegetation/lawn.
4. Refill with Fresh Water
Use a hose or rainwater (if permitted).
Run the pump for 4–6 hours to circulate new water.
5. Retest and Rebalance
Recheck CYA: Ensure it’s within 30–50 ppm.
Adjust Other Levels:
Chlorine: 1–3 ppm (use unstabilized chlorine like liquid bleach).
pH: 7.2–7.6.
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm.
6. Prevent Future Buildup
Switch Chlorine Sources: Use unstabilised chlorine (liquid bleach/calcium hypochlorite) instead of trichlor tablets. Or use stabilised chlorine that's formulated for Aussie weather like the Water TechniX Pool Shock
Monitor Regularly: Test CYA monthly or after heavy rain.
Use a Pool Cover: Reduces UV exposure, lowering stabilizer demand.
7. Alternative Options (If Drainage Isn’t Feasible)
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Professional service to filter out CYA (expensive but water-saving).
CYA Reducer Products: Use with caution (mixed efficacy; research reviews first).
Summary
Lowering CYA requires partial water replacement. Regular monitoring and switching to unstabilized chlorine prevent recurrence. Always prioritize local environmental guidelines when draining.