CYA test

[bryanq480]

Hi all
long time reader here; got my test kit today
Did the CYA test at lunch, and the dot never disappeared ( it was a bit foggy), so I assume CYA between 20-30.
The water is 90 degrees, does that make any difference?
Also, as in phoenix with temps over 110, the reagents were a bit warm upon delivery; would that make a difference?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum! Great job on getting a quality test kit!
Warm water does not effect the CYA test.
The test results will not be effected by the reagent temperature. Do keep the test kit in the house. Climate controlled.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[bryanq480]

i guess the low CYA makes sense as i refilled last March, put about 30ppm worth of CYA in. I rarely use pucks, and with the ever so often rain, evaporation, backwash, spill out, hot temps, that is a pretty accurate number. I will get it to 40-50 ASAP. Thank you. I will also report back with all my numbers.

 

[mknauss]

Backwash, spill out, and warm water temperature effects the CYA level. Evaporation does not.

You should test your CYA monthly from May through September here. I need to add 10-15 ppm per month during that time period.

See Recommended Levels

 

[bryanq480]

what about evaporation and then the introduction of new water via the auto-fill?

 

[mknauss]

CYA is a dissolved solid. Just like salt, calcium, etc. So it stays in the pool when water evaporates. The auto fill adds plain water.

 

[rubsal70]

Just curious can cya also be known as acid? or is that different?
Thanks

 

[rumcglot]

Just curious can cya also be known as acid? or is that different?

Acid typically refers to muriatic acid which is used to lower pH.

 

[bryanq480]

would you all recommend higher CYA as I am in phoenix? Pool gets full sun about 6-7 hours a day as there are large pine trees on both the north and south side of the pool. If so, best to use tabs or the sock method?

 

[mknauss]

A CYA of 50 ppm should work in your situation. I would add via CYA granules. If you test that it drops 10 ppm later, then use tablets to raise it, if you like.

 

[rubsal70]

the only reason i asked is on my testing kit i have a acid test but wasnt sure what it meant
Thanks

 

[Teald024]

You are likely referring to the acid demand test in the kit. This will tell you how much acid you need to add to the pool to get to the pH you want. Pool Math will calculate the amount for you.