How to Increase Pool Stabilizer (CYA) - Complete Guide 2024

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006C Pool Test Kit , Granular Cyanuric Acid Pool Stabilizer , Pool Chemical Mixing Bucket

Quick Answer

To increase pool stabilizer (cyanuric acid/CYA), add granular cyanuric acid at a rate of 1 pound per 3,000 gallons of water to raise levels by approximately 10-15 ppm. Always pre-dissolve the stabilizer in warm water before adding to your pool, and allow 24-48 hours of circulation before retesting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Pool Stabilizer

Step 1: Test Current Stabilizer Levels

1. Use a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C or TF-100 to measure your current cyanuric acid (CYA) levels
2. Take water samples from elbow-deep, away from returns and skimmers
3. Record your current CYA reading - ideal levels are 30-50 ppm for traditional chlorine pools, or 70-80 ppm for salt water generator pools
4. Calculate how much you need to raise the level to reach your target range

Step 2: Calculate Required Stabilizer Amount

1. Determine your pool volume in gallons (length × width × average depth × 7.48 for rectangular pools)
2. Use this formula: 1 pound of cyanuric acid per 3,000 gallons raises CYA by approximately 10-15 ppm
3. Example: For a 20,000-gallon pool needing a 20 ppm increase, you'd need approximately 1.3-1.5 pounds of stabilizer
4. Always start with slightly less than calculated - you can add more, but removing excess stabilizer requires dilution

Step 3: Prepare the Stabilizer Solution

1. Purchase granular cyanuric acid from a pool supply store (avoid "stabilized" chlorine products for this purpose)
2. Fill a large bucket with warm water - cyanuric acid dissolves very slowly in cold water
3. Slowly add the calculated amount of granular stabilizer to the bucket while stirring
4. Continue stirring for several minutes until most granules dissolve (some cloudiness is normal)
5. Safety note: Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals

Step 4: Add Stabilizer to Pool

1. Ensure your pool pump and filter system are running
2. Pour the dissolved stabilizer solution slowly around the pool perimeter, focusing on deeper areas
3. If using a vinyl or fiberglass pool, pour near returns to ensure immediate circulation and prevent settling
4. For plaster pools, you can pour over the deep end, but brush the area to prevent staining
5. If any undissolved granules remain in your bucket, add more warm water and continue dissolving

Step 5: Circulate and Wait

1. Run your pool pump continuously for at least 24-48 hours after adding stabilizer
2. Brush pool surfaces daily during this period to prevent any settling of undissolved particles
3. Backwash or clean your filter after 24 hours, as it may capture undissolved stabilizer particles
4. Be patient - cyanuric acid can take up to a week to fully register on test kits

Step 6: Retest and Adjust Chlorine Levels

1. After 48-72 hours, retest your stabilizer levels using the same test kit
2. If levels are still below target, repeat the process with a smaller amount of stabilizer
3. Once stabilizer is at proper levels, adjust your chlorine target based on the FC/CYA relationship
4. With higher stabilizer levels, you'll need proportionally higher free chlorine levels for effective sanitation
5. Use a reliable FC/CYA chart to determine your new minimum chlorine target

Important Considerations

Alternative Methods

While granular cyanuric acid is most common, you can also use liquid stabilizer, though it's typically more expensive. Trichlor tablets and dichlor granules also contain stabilizer, but using these solely to raise CYA levels will result in excessive chlorine levels.

Timing and Frequency

Add stabilizer during cooler parts of the day when possible, and avoid adding during peak swimming hours. Most pools only need stabilizer added once or twice per season, as it doesn't break down like chlorine does. The main ways to lose stabilizer are through splash-out, backwashing, and dilution from adding fresh water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never add dry stabilizer directly to the pool without pre-dissolving, as it will settle to the bottom and potentially stain surfaces. Don't over-stabilize your pool - excessive CYA levels (above 80-100 ppm) can cause "chlorine lock," where even high chlorine levels become ineffective. If this happens, the only solution is partial water replacement.

Testing Accuracy

Ensure your test kit is current and properly stored. Cyanuric acid test reagents can degrade over time, leading to inaccurate readings. The turbidity test method used in quality test kits like the Taylor K-2006C is more accurate than test strips for measuring stabilizer levels.

Remember: Proper stabilizer levels are crucial for chlorine efficiency, but they must be balanced with appropriate free chlorine levels. Always follow the FC/CYA relationship for optimal pool sanitation and swimmer safety.