What is pool Stabilizer?
Stabilizer is commonly referred to as chlorine stabilizer, cyanuric acid (CYA) or pool conditioner and is the chemical compound (CNOH)3. For the purpose of this blog, we will call it CYA.
CYA has a key role in helping keep your pool (or spa) water in balance if you use chlorine as a sanitizer.
CYA prevents your chlorine from being broken down by the sun’s UV rays. You can think of CYA as sunscreen for your free chlorine. Without CYA the sun can deplete almost all of your free chlorine within a couple of hours and allow pathogens and algae to grow. CYA forms a weak bond with free chlorine and effectively holds it in your water until the chlorine is pulled away to destroy contaminants.
Check out our article about the basics of pool chemistry, when you want to learn more.
What Form(s) Does CYA Come In And How Do I Use It?
CYA comes in granular or liquid form and is also found in certain types of stabilized chlorine pucks and shock. As with all products, you should consult the product directions.
Granular CYA
Granular CYA typically comes in small buckets, pales or sacks and can be added in various ways. Typical ways to add granules include dissolving them in warm water and pouring into skimmer, adding them to an old sock or pair of panty hose and suspendeding in front a return jet to dissolve the granules (works best if the water is already warm from the heat of the sun) or adding granules to skimmer basket. Remember, CYA should only be used in outdoor pools (or spas).