CYA Testing Results

Okay - I have Ben's kit - but I am getting very different test results for the CYA reading than the dreaded pool store.

2 weeks ago:
My test = <20
Pool store = 40
*Added 2 lbs of stabilizer (target is 60-80)*

This last weekend (7 days after adding CYA)
My test = <20
Pool store = 40

I haven't added anymore. This is the only CYA I have added. Other sources would be from the pool builder - who supposedly added enough to get to the 60-80 range and about nine (9) one-inch tri-chlor pucks I was using before the SWCG start-up.

Should I add more?

My chlorine level has jumped from 3ppm at the first SWCG start-up to about 5ppm - so I have turned down the SWCG. However the lower chlorine usage could also be due to lower temps???

Phil,

They CYA test takes a little getting used to.

While it's building in your pool and while you're getting used to the test, 7 TOTAL lbs of CYA should get you into the 60-70 range.

Find out how much your builder put in and add that to what you put in and then be patient. Those few pucks will have little affect. Could some of it have been backwashed out?

Yeah, chlorine demand will be reduced as it cools off.

Actually it's Stephanie - DH = Phil:o

I waited a week from the time CYA was added to clean the filter. Would it take longer than a week to dissolve in 84-86 degree water?

We did have about 6 inches of rain and DH drained the pool about 3 inches. I would have lost some there - but I wouldn't think that I could lose 2 lbs of stabilizer.

Should I add a couple of more pounds? The builder told me that they added 6 pounds.

Stephanie,

If your husband drained the pool using the pool pump, it probably blew out all the undissolved stabilizer sitting in your filter.

Assuming your builder and you both introduced it thru the skimmer, CYA then sits in the filter and slowly dissoves. So whatever was sitting in there is probably gone.

Normally CYA dissoves over two-three days in my pool but others report up to a week. So whatever was put in over a week ago should be dissolved.

Test once more, then add enough to get you about 20ppm under your target level. If that comes out correct, then add enough to bring you up to your goal.