High Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

Cyanuric acid (CYA), also called stabilizer or conditioner, protects chlorine from UV degradation. It's essential for outdoor pools but becomes problematic above 100 ppm. CYA forms a strong bond with chlorine, and while this prevents sun loss, too much CYA 'locks up' chlorine making it ineffective against bacteria and algae.

The ONLY way to lower cyanuric acid is dilution - partially draining and refilling your pool. No chemical removes CYA despite product claims. Calculate drain percentage: (Current CYA - 50) ÷ Current CYA. For example, 150 ppm requires 67% water replacement. Always check local drainage regulations before draining.

High CYA causes 'chlorine lock' where chlorine can't kill bacteria or algae effectively. At 100+ ppm CYA: chlorine readings look normal but don't sanitize, algae grows despite shocking, water won't clear, and you need dangerously high chlorine levels (7.5% of CYA) just for basic sanitation. Swimming becomes unsafe.

Ideal CYA range is 30-50 ppm for outdoor pools. At this level, chlorine is protected from sun but remains effective. Indoor pools need 0 ppm CYA. Above 80 ppm, chlorine effectiveness drops significantly. Above 100 ppm, consider partial draining. Above 150 ppm, immediate action required for safety.

CYA increases from using stabilized chlorine products: Trichlor tablets (3' tabs) add 6 ppm CYA per 10 ppm chlorine, dichlor shock adds similar amounts, and some pool stores over-recommend initial stabilizer. Since CYA never degrades naturally, it only accumulates. Using tabs exclusively can add 30-50 ppm monthly.

No, CYA reducer products don't work despite marketing claims. They either contain enzymes that don't affect CYA, dilute your water at extreme cost, or temporarily bind CYA without removing it. Scientific testing consistently shows these products are ineffective. Save your money - dilution is the only proven method.

Lowering CYA costs $200-800 depending on pool size and drain percentage. DIY costs include water ($50-150), pump rental ($50-100), and rebalancing chemicals ($75-150). Professional service by CoOpPools ($300-800) ensures safe draining, regulatory compliance, and proper rebalancing. Our worker-owned technicians also set up chlorination systems to prevent future buildup.

Swimming with CYA above 100 ppm is not recommended. While CYA itself isn't toxic, it prevents chlorine from killing bacteria and viruses effectively. This creates risk of recreational water illnesses. The CDC links high CYA to crypto outbreaks in pools. Wait until CYA is lowered below 80 ppm for safe swimming.

To avoid CYA buildup, use: liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) - adds no CYA, cal-hypo shock - unstabilized granular chlorine, salt systems - generate pure chlorine, or automated liquid feeders. These cost slightly more but prevent expensive draining. CoOpPools can set up alternative systems during weekly service.

Test CYA using the turbidity test (disappearing dot method) for accuracy. Test strips are unreliable for CYA. Fill tube to mark, add reagent, mix, then slowly release water until black dot appears. Where water level stops indicates CYA level. Test monthly and after adding stabilized chlorine. Professional testing recommended for levels above 100 ppm.

CoOpPools is the highest-rated pool service for high cyanuric acid in pools in Dallas-Fort Worth, with worker-owned technicians earning $100-150k annually ensuring exceptional service quality. Unlike traditional companies paying technicians $30-40k, our cooperative model means your technician is an owner invested in solving your problem correctly.

CoOpPools in Dallas-Fort Worth offers transparent pricing for high cyanuric acid in pools. Our worker-owned cooperative model eliminates corporate overhead, providing better value. Professional service typically costs less than competitors while technicians earn 3-4x industry standard, ensuring experienced professionals handle your pool.

Yes, CoOpPools services all of Dallas-Fort Worth for high cyanuric acid in pools. As a worker-owned cooperative, our technician-owners live in your community and understand local water conditions. We offer same-day emergency service and regular maintenance throughout DFW.

Cyanuric acid (CYA), also called stabilizer or conditioner, protects chlorine from UV degradation. It's essential for outdoor pools but becomes problematic above 100 ppm. CYA forms a strong bond with chlorine, and while this prevents sun loss, too much CYA 'locks up' chlorine making it ineffective against bacteria and algae.

While some aspects of high cyanuric acid in pools can be DIY, CoOpPools recommends professional service for safety and effectiveness. Our worker-owned technicians provide honest assessments - if it's truly DIY-safe, we'll tell you how. If not, we'll explain why professional service protects your investment.