Quick stabilizer question.

[SpacemanSpiff]

I'm a tad confused [which is normal for me].
Kem-Tek 013 Dichlor is often mentioned here, yet Cyanuric Acid is also mentioned as a good stabilizer.

I noticed WalMart sells 3lbs of AquaChem Stabilizer for around $12.50, and the ingredient label lists it as 100% Cyanuric Acid. No cereal fillers, no fluff.

Is it ok to use this instead of the Kem-Tek and, if not, why not?
What's the difference?

Thanks.

[Watermom]

If it is 100% CYA, it is fine to use. But, to be clear, it is not the same product as Dichlor. Dichlor is chlorine with CYA added to it. The product you are talking about is only CYA and has no chlorine in it.

Hope that helps!

[SpacemanSpiff]

Ah, ok. Thanks.
I guess that leads me to another question.
Why not simply use liquid bleach and CYA to keep the pool in balance and not mess with dichlor or chlorine tablets or whatever at all?
That's assuming pH and all the other fun things are held in control as well.

[Watermom]

That is certainly an option. And, many people (like me) do just that.

[BigDave]

I use dichlor to add CYA because it dissolves readily. Pure CYA takes a few days to dissolve. On the other hand it takes several days to bring the CYA up with dichlor because for every 9ppm CYA you get 10ppm FC.