Cyanuric acid, also known as “stabilizer” or “conditioner,” is a chemical used in swimming pools to maintain chlorine levels. It helps prevent the sun’s ultraviolet rays from breaking down the chlorine, allowing it to work longer and more effectively. However, if the cyanuric acid levels become too high, it can cause problems. High cyanuric acid levels can cause cloudy water, scaling on the pool walls, and can also make it difficult to maintain the proper chlorine levels. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to lower cyanuric acid levels in your pool.

Step 1: Test for Cyanuric Acid

The first step in lowering cyanuric acid levels is to test for it. You can do this with a pool test kit or by having a professional come out to test it for you. Knowing the exact levels of cyanuric acid in your pool is important because it will help you determine the best course of action.

Step 2: Dilute the Pool Water

If the cyanuric acid levels are too high, the best way to lower them is to dilute the pool water. This can be done by draining a portion of the pool water and replacing it with fresh water. The amount of water you should drain depends on the size of your pool, but it should be at least 10-15% of the total water volume.

Step 3: Add a Metal Reducer

Adding a metal reducer to the pool water can also help reduce cyanuric acid levels. Metal reducers are designed to bind with metal ions (such as iron and copper) that can be found in pool water. By binding with these metal ions, the metal reducer helps reduce the amount of cyanuric acid in the pool.

Step 4: Add a Phosphate Remover

Phosphates are another common source of cyanuric acid in pools. Phosphates are often found in runoff from nearby fertilizer or other sources, and can contribute to the buildup of cyanuric acid. A phosphate remover can help reduce the levels of phosphates in the pool, which can in turn help reduce the levels of cyanuric acid.

Step 5: Shock the Pool

Shocking the pool can also help reduce cyanuric acid levels. Shocking the pool involves adding a chlorine-based product to the pool water. This helps break down any organic debris, such as dead algae, that can contribute to the buildup of cyanuric acid. It also helps break down the cyanuric acid, allowing it to be filtered out of the pool.

Conclusion

Cyanuric acid is an important chemical in swimming pools, but if the levels become too high it can cause problems. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to lower cyanuric acid levels in your pool. These include diluting the pool water, adding a metal reducer, adding a phosphate remover, and shocking the pool. By following these steps, you should be able to reduce the cyanuric acid levels in your pool and keep it clean and healthy.