Cyanuric acid is a stabilizer for chlorine in swimming pools. It’s one of the most common chemicals added to pools and acts as a “sunblock” for chlorine. It works by bonding with chlorine molecules to prevent ultraviolet rays from breaking the molecules down. Without it, the chlorine would quickly be depleted by UV rays but too much reduces the effectiveness of your pool’s chlorine.
Keeping your levels between 20-30 ppm (parts per million or milligrams per liter) helps to keep your chlorine working on breaking down contaminants in your pool.
If your pool’s acid level is below 20 ppm, you probably find your chlorine levels are routinely low as well. Simply add some cyanuric acid (commonly known in pool stores as a stabilizer or conditioner) to the water and you should be good to go.
A high level means your pool’s chlorine is not doing its job. This leads to cloudy water, algae growth and dangerous bacteria lurking in your pool. The best way to lower your pool’s cyanuric acid level is to dilute the problem. A nice rain can sometimes do the trick. If you’re not that lucky, drain some water out and replace it with fresh water. Remove 1% of water to reduce acid levels by 1% so remove 20% of the water if your levels are 20% too high.
If you need help getting your chemicals in balance, contact Pool Refs for a free estimate!