CYA level at Zero?

[Retired084]

I am trying to reclaim my pool after the winter as while I was gone overseas a bunch of leaves (several bushels) made there way into the pool. Got most of the leaves out. Had a swamp but now it is just somewhat green after running the filter for about 5 days. Was testing the water to determine CYA level to be able to know what level to SLAM it to but I was unable to get a CYA level using my Taylor K2006 test kit. The black dot remained visible when I filled the comparator tube all the way to the top. Do I assume that it is zero as the highest range viewable on the test kit is 30?

I was hoping to get your thoughts on how to best proceed. Thanks in advance and have a good summer!

 

[BrookeW]

I just went through this last week I cleaned the pool out the best I could and added dichlor. There is a calculator for the amount you need at the bottom of the pool calculator. I did one bag at a time, maybe 2 a day tops. It takes a while to register.

I also read there could be an ammonia problem with that much debris in the pool, and you can tell if you have ammonia I believe if your chlorine drops super fast after putting it in. I wouldn't worry about that though. Just get some dichlor to raise the CYA. Worked well for me

 

[JasonLion]

If you can still see the dot when the view tube is full, CYA is zero.

 

[Retired084]

Sorry to sound like such a new guy here but can someone please advise the best product to raise the CYA, just a brand name stabilizer or is there a range of concentrations? Do you recommend putting the stabilizer in or just go ahead and SLAM the pool and then add stabilizer?

 

[kcindc]

There are lot of brands of stabilizer and it comes in two forms, liquid ($$$) and power. I normally get mine at a pool store. My local wal-mart, lowes and home depot do not usually carry it. You add powder CYA by putting it in a sock and hanging it over the pool returns. You squeeze the sock occasionally. It will take a while to get into the water. Once it is in the water, it will take a week to fully register.

 

[JasonLion]

It is sold under several different names. The most common is stabilizer, but it is also sometimes called conditioner or cyanuric acid. Check the ingredients, you are looking for 95+% cyanuric acid. Now and then you see 50%, which is never a good deal. Mostly you can only find it at pool stores or other stores with pool chemical departments.

 

[Retired084]

Thanks for the input, bought some last year at a local Wal-Mart, will check to see the concentration and put enough to get the CYA up to 30 and begin the SLAM process. This is a great forum!