Pool Stabilizer Calculator

Pool stabilizer, also known as Cyanuric Acid (CYA), protects chlorine from UV degradation and helps maintain proper sanitization levels.

What is Pool Stabilizer?

• • Chemical Name: Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
• • Function: UV protection for chlorine
• • Benefits: Reduces chlorine consumption by 25-50%
• • Forms: Granular, liquid, or from trichlor tablets

Recommended CYA Levels:

• • Outdoor Pools: 30-50 ppm (ideal: 40 ppm)
• • Indoor Pools: 10-30 ppm (UV not a factor)
• • Salt Water Pools: 70-80 ppm (higher tolerance)
• • Spas/Hot Tubs: 20-30 ppm

Stabilizer Addition Methods:

• • Granular CYA: Most concentrated, dissolve in warm water first
• • Liquid Stabilizer: Easy to use but more expensive
• • Trichlor Tablets: Add CYA gradually over time
• • Dichlor: Contains CYA, good for initial stabilization

CYA Level Problems:

• • Too Low (0-20 ppm): Chlorine burns off quickly in sunlight
• • Too High (80+ ppm): Chlorine becomes less effective
• • Over 100 ppm: Chlorine lock - requires water dilution
• • Gradual buildup: From trichlor use over time

Dosing Guidelines:

• • Granular CYA: 1 lb per 10,000 gallons raises CYA ~13 ppm
• • Add gradually: No more than 10 ppm increase per day
• • Dissolve first: Use sock or bucket method
• • Circulation: Run pump continuously for 24-48 hours

Reducing High CYA Levels:

• • Water dilution: Only way to reduce CYA
• • Partial drain: Replace with fresh water
• • Complete drain: For severe over-stabilization
• • Switch chlorine types: Use liquid chlorine instead of trichlor

Testing CYA Levels:

• • Test strips: Quick but less accurate
• • Turbidity test: More accurate home testing
• • Professional testing: Most accurate option
• • Test frequency: Monthly or when adding stabilizer

Chlorine/CYA Relationship:

• • Higher CYA requires higher chlorine levels
• • CYA 30-50 ppm: Free chlorine 2-4 ppm
• • CYA 80 ppm: Free chlorine 6-8 ppm needed
• • CYA over 100 ppm: Chlorine becomes ineffective