Yes, saltwater pools absolutely need cyanuric acid (stabilizer) to protect the chlorine generated by your salt cell from being destroyed by UV rays. Target levels should be 70-80ppm for optimal protection.
Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006 Pool Test Kit , Granular Cyanuric Acid Stabilizer , CYA Test Strips
Yes, you absolutely need cyanuric acid in your saltwater pool. Despite generating its own chlorine, your salt water chlorine generator (SWCG) produces unstabilized chlorine that gets destroyed by UV rays within hours without proper protection. Maintain cyanuric acid levels between 70-80ppm for saltwater pools - higher than traditional chlorinated pools due to the constant chlorine production.
Your salt cell produces pure hypochlorous acid (chlorine) through electrolysis, but this chlorine is completely unstabilized. Without cyanuric acid protection, UV rays will destroy up to 90% of your free chlorine within 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. This forces your salt cell to work overtime, leading to premature failure and higher electricity costs.
The cyanuric acid forms a weak bond with chlorine molecules, creating a protective shield against UV degradation while still allowing the chlorine to sanitize effectively. This is why pools with proper CYA levels can maintain consistent chlorine readings even during peak summer sun.
Saltwater pools require higher cyanuric acid levels than traditional pools:
The higher range compensates for the constant chlorine production and helps maintain proper free chlorine to cyanuric acid ratios. Use the FC/CYA chart to determine your target free chlorine level based on your CYA reading.
Calculate the amount needed using this formula: Add 1 pound of cyanuric acid per 3,000 gallons to raise CYA by approximately 30ppm. For a 20,000-gallon pool going from 0 to 70ppm, you'd need about 4.5-5 pounds of stabilizer.
Follow these steps for proper addition:
Safety warning: Never add cyanuric acid directly to the pool or mix with other chemicals. Always add to skimmer with circulation running.
Test cyanuric acid levels monthly during swimming season and after heavy rainfall or significant water loss. The Taylor K-2006 test kit provides the most accurate CYA readings, though CYA test strips work for routine monitoring.
Signs your CYA may be too low include:
Many saltwater pool owners make these critical errors:
Assuming stabilizer isn't needed: Some believe salt cells produce "different" chlorine that doesn't need protection. All chlorine requires UV protection regardless of source.
Using pool store shock products: Many commercial shock products contain cyanuric acid, leading to gradual over-stabilization. Stick to liquid chlorine for shocking when needed.
Ignoring the FC/CYA relationship: Higher CYA requires proportionally higher free chlorine levels. At 80ppm CYA, you need minimum 3ppm FC for basic sanitation.
Unlike other chemicals, cyanuric acid doesn't break down naturally. If levels exceed 100ppm, you'll need to dilute by draining and refilling portions of your pool water. Plan for 25-30% annual water replacement to prevent CYA creep.
Consider using a reverse osmosis mobile service for partial water changes, which removes CYA while maintaining proper water balance chemistry.
CYA levels become more critical during peak summer months when UV intensity is highest. Spring opening often requires CYA adjustment after winter dilution from snow, rain, or cover pump-outs. Test and adjust early in the season before UV exposure becomes intense.
During winter months in warmer climates, you can operate with slightly lower CYA levels (60-70ppm) since UV intensity decreases, but maintain adequate protection for your salt cell's chlorine production.
Was this guide helpful?
Try our free pool calculators and tools to help diagnose and fix your pool problems.
Browse Pool ToolsSLAM calculator, pH calculator, salt dosing & more
Pool Repair Question