Why does my pool company keep CYA so low?

[deelowe]

I'm learning to maintain my pool myself due to ongoing issues with our servicer/contractor. Does anyone know why my pool company would keep CYA in the 30-50 range when TFP recommends 70-80? We have a gunite (pebbletec) SWG pool.

Could this be due to the integrated spa?

Here is what my pool company provides. - the recommended ranges are in parentheses.

 

[Texas Splash]

Does anyone know why my pool company would keep CYA in the 30-50 range when TFP recommends 70-80?

Because they don't know chemistry and are simply recommending "generic" levels without regard to other factors. It's a fallacy where members within the pool industry simply don't know any better. Some areas of the pool industry are starting to catch up with the higher CYA recommendation for salt pools, but not all. Another reason why it's so good to test your own water and know the levels yourself.

 

[FloatOnFrank]

Your pool company may recommend a 30-50 range based on factors like pool type, integrated spa, climate, and usage. The TFP community often recommends 70-80 for better chlorine protection.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dee,

I'd like to know how your pool service tests your pool water.. Do they just use test strips or ???

Running a CYA of 50 is not all that bad, it just means that you have to set your SWCG to produce a little more chlorine than you would if your CYA was say 70 or 80 ppm. I don't test my CYA as often as I should, but I can tell when my CYA is getting too low, because I have to adjust my SWCG's output up to keep my FC in my target range.

FC/CYA Levels

You should consider taking care of your own pool.. Taking care of a saltwater pool is as easy as it gets..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[sande005]

As noted, running a bit low just means cranking up the SWCG a bit more. Here in the frozen north, sun doesn't seem to be as intense as it seems to be in more southern locations, so I ran mine at 50-60 all the time. I never had an instance of it getting even close to minimum Cl. But in Atlanta, with likely heavier usage than I have, you would appreciate the extra buffer higher CYA will give in protecting the Cl.

 

[Newdude]

In short, the industry doesn't pay much/any mind to the CYA/FC relationship.

This time of year the 50/60 is totally fine with shorter days and a lower sun angle. On the plus side, usually we see CYA through the roof and that would have been a sucky endeavor to fix. So you have that going for you, which is nice.