Do Salt Pools Need Stabilizer? Complete CYA Guide 2024

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006 Complete Test Kit , Cyanuric Acid Pool Stabilizer , AquaChek CYA Test Strips

Quick Answer

Yes, salt pools absolutely need stabilizer (cyanuric acid or CYA). In fact, salt water pools require similar stabilizer levels to traditional chlorine pools - typically 30-50ppm. This higher level is necessary because salt water generators produce chlorine continuously, and without adequate protection from UV rays, this chlorine will be destroyed quickly by sunlight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Stabilizer in Salt Pools

1. Test Your Current CYA Level

1. Use a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006 or AquaChek CYA test strips
2. Test in shade, never in direct sunlight
3. Record your current CYA reading - most salt pools start at 0ppm when newly filled
4. Note: Many standard test strips don't measure CYA at all - ensure you're using CYA-specific test strips or a liquid test kit

2. Calculate Required Stabilizer Addition

1. Target CYA level for salt pools: 30-50ppm
2. Use this formula: Pool gallons ÷ 10,000 × desired ppm increase × 0.8 = pounds of stabilizer needed (approximately 13 ounces per 10,000 gallons per 10ppm increase)
3. Example: 20,000-gallon pool needs to go from 0 to 50ppm = 20,000 ÷ 10,000 × 50 = 10 pounds of stabilizer
4. Always add stabilizer gradually - no more than 20ppm increase per week (for proper dissolution and to avoid temporary water cloudiness)

3. Choose the Right Stabilizer Product

1. Granular cyanuric acid is most cost-effective for large additions
2. Liquid stabilizer dissolves faster but costs more per pound
3. Avoid trichlor tablets as your primary stabilizer source - they add chlorine you don't need
4. Popular brands include In The Swim, Pool Mate, or generic cyanuric acid

4. Add Stabilizer Properly

1. Turn off your salt water generator before adding stabilizer
2. For granular: Pre-dissolve in bucket of warm pool water, stirring until dissolved
3. Add dissolved solution directly to pool while pump is running
4. For liquid stabilizer: Add directly to pool in front of return jets
5. Run pump continuously for 24-48 hours after addition
6. Keep generator off until stabilizer is fully dissolved and circulated

5. Retest and Adjust Free Chlorine Target

1. Wait 48-72 hours after adding stabilizer before retesting CYA
2. Once CYA reaches 30-50ppm, adjust your free chlorine target using the FC/CYA chart
3. With 30-50ppm CYA, maintain FC at 1-3ppm as recommended
4. Adjust your salt generator's output to maintain proper FC levels
5. Test FC daily until you dial in the correct generator setting

Why Salt Pools Need Higher Stabilizer Levels

Salt water generators produce hypochlorite through electrolysis, which forms hypochlorous acid in water. Unlike traditional pools where you add chlorine in large doses periodically, salt pools maintain steady chlorine production. This means:

• More chlorine is exposed to UV rays throughout the day
• Proper CYA levels (30-50ppm) provide adequate protection against UV degradation
• Lower CYA levels result in chlorine being destroyed faster than the generator can produce it
• Proper stabilizer levels actually improve generator efficiency and cell life

Common Stabilizer Mistakes in Salt Pools

Running with Too Little Stabilizer

Many salt pool owners try to maintain CYA at 30-50ppm like regular pools. This leads to constantly running the generator at high output, shorter cell life, and difficulty maintaining chlorine levels on sunny days.

Adding Stabilizer Too Quickly

Warning: Never add more than 20ppm CYA in a single week. Large additions can cause temporary cloudiness and make it difficult to achieve proper chemical balance.

Using Trichlor for Stabilizer

Trichlor tablets contain both chlorine and stabilizer. Since salt pools generate their own chlorine, using trichlor leads to over-chlorination and CYA buildup beyond optimal levels.

Monitoring and Maintenance

1. Test CYA monthly during swimming season
2. CYA levels naturally increase over time if using any stabilized chlorine products
3. If CYA exceeds 100ppm, partial water replacement is necessary
4. Keep detailed records of CYA levels and generator runtime for optimal management
5. Consider professional testing if home test results seem inconsistent

Remember, proper stabilizer management is crucial for salt pool success. The investment in quality testing equipment and proper CYA levels will save money on generator maintenance and provide better water quality throughout the swimming season.