Very Low CYA

[cedougl]

What is the main disadvantage of having a really low CYA level, besides needing to add chlorine more often?

When I tested CYA recently, I believe I tested at close to zero, if not zero. I have added some pucks to start raising CYA, but that is very slow (1.7 ppm per 8 oz. puck). In the meantime, my pH level is good and my pool is crystal clear.

What is the easiest method to raise the CYA faster, without using the nasty stabilizer that you need to dissolve in hot water over a period of a week? Is there a liquid stabilizer that I can just add?

Thanks
Chuck

 

[Richard320]

You've already touched on the main reason to have CYA -- sun protection. CYA also buffers the harshness of chlorine. Best way to explain it is to compare it to buffered aspirin. You still get the aspirin effect, but it doesn't (or shouldn't anyway) upset your stomach.

For speed, liquid stabilizer will be mixed and working within an hour. But it's really expensive. We refer to it as liquid gold.

The granular stuff will dissolve anywhere from a few hours to a day if you pour it in a sock and suspend it in front of a return so it gets pummeled by the flow or set it in the skimmer so the constant water flow dissolves it. Regular kneading will also speed it along.

It might be time to refresh your memory by rereading Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

 

[AimeeH]

Using granular CYA doesn't require dissolving in hot water. Use the "sock method". Put the needed amount in an old sock and hang it in front of a return. If you squeeze the sack it will dissolve faster. I've dissolved pounds of it this way in maybe 30 minutes. You can also find liquid stabilizer at a pool store but is more expensive and the ease of dissolving the granules doesn't justify the price for most TFP'rs

 

[jstblush]

I agree with AimeeH. W just raised our CYA level with the sock method. We put it in a sock and tied it to our ladder which has a return right next to it and squeezed the heck out of the sock. We just squeezed the sock over and over and the CYA dissolved very fast. Hope that helps.
Sherry

 

[cedougl]

Thanks for the reply. I will give the sock method a try.

Thanks
Chuck