How to Raise CYA (Stabilizer) Levels in Your Pool - Complete Guide

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Cyanuric Acid Pool Stabilizer , Taylor K-2006C Pool Test Kit , Pool Chemical Safety Glasses

Quick Answer

To raise CYA (cyanuric acid) levels in your pool, you need to add pool stabilizer (cyanuric acid). The standard dosing is approximately 1 pound of cyanuric acid per 3,000 gallons of pool water to raise CYA by 30ppm. You can add it through your skimmer or pre-dissolve it in a bucket of water.

First, Let's Diagnose Your CYA Situation

Before adding any chemicals, you need to determine your current CYA level and target level. Test your water using a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C or TF-100. Never guess at chemical levels - always test first.

Your target CYA level depends on your pool type:

• Regular chlorine pools: 30-50ppm (ideal range 40-50ppm)
• Salt water generators (SWG): 70-80ppm
• Pools with heavy sun exposure: Higher end of recommended range

If your CYA is below these ranges, you'll need to raise it. Low CYA means your chlorine is being destroyed rapidly by UV rays, causing you to use excessive amounts of sanitizer.

Step-by-Step Process to Raise CYA

Calculate Your Dosage

1. Determine your pool volume in gallons
2. Test current CYA level with a proper test kit
3. Calculate how much you need to increase CYA to reach your target
4. Use this formula: Pool gallons ÷ 3,000 × desired ppm increase ÷ 30 = pounds of cyanuric acid needed

For example: 20,000-gallon pool with 10ppm CYA wanting to reach 40ppm needs: 20,000 ÷ 3,000 × 30 ÷ 30 = 6.7 pounds of cyanuric acid.

Choose Your Addition Method

You have two primary methods for adding cyanuric acid:

Method 1: Skimmer Addition (Easiest)

1. With pump running, slowly pour granular cyanuric acid into your skimmer
2. Add no more than 1-2 pounds at a time
3. Allow to circulate for 24 hours before adding more
4. This method works because the acid dissolves slowly as water passes through

Method 2: Pre-Dissolving (Faster)

1. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with warm pool water
2. Slowly add cyanuric acid while stirring continuously
3. Stir until completely dissolved (this can take 15-30 minutes)
4. Pour dissolved solution around pool perimeter with pump running
5. Brush pool to help distribution

Important Safety and Timing Considerations

Safety First: Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals. Wear safety glasses and avoid breathing dust when handling cyanuric acid. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Cyanuric acid dissolves very slowly - this is normal. Don't be tempted to add more if you don't see immediate results. It can take 2-7 days for granular cyanuric acid to fully dissolve and distribute throughout your pool.

Testing and Adjusting

1. Wait at least 24-48 hours after final addition before testing
2. Test CYA level using a proper test kit (not test strips)
3. If levels are still low, repeat the process with additional cyanuric acid
4. Once target CYA is reached, adjust your chlorine levels accordingly using the FC/CYA chart

Common Troubleshooting Issues

Problem: Added cyanuric acid but levels haven't increased
Solution: Wait longer - it can take up to a week to fully dissolve. Ensure pump is running for adequate circulation.

Problem: White powder settling on pool bottom
Solution: This is undissolved cyanuric acid. Brush it around to help dissolution, or use a pool vacuum to redistribute it.

Problem: CYA levels too high after addition
Solution: Unfortunately, you can only lower CYA by diluting with fresh water. This is why it's crucial to add gradually and test frequently.

Maintaining Proper CYA Levels

Once you've achieved proper CYA levels, they should remain stable. CYA doesn't evaporate or get consumed like chlorine. The only ways CYA levels decrease are:

• Splashing and backwashing (very gradual)
• Draining and refilling pool water
• Heavy rain dilution

Most pool owners need to add cyanuric acid only once or twice per season, typically after partial water changes or at pool opening.

Remember: After raising CYA, you'll need to adjust your daily chlorine target. Higher CYA means you need higher chlorine levels to maintain the same sanitizing effectiveness. Always reference the FC/CYA relationship chart when maintaining your pool chemistry.