Cannot raise CYA

[QiingGuy]

Something else I thought I'd add, I'm in Las Vegas and my water temp is in the high 80s to mid 90's (or at least that's what my HTH therm. says), could that be causing an challenges?

[Watermom]

I wouldn't think so. My pool temps typically range from mid80s to sometimes low 90s after a long stretch of hot temps that we often have. (Usually 85-90 most of the time.)

[mas985]

There are only a couple of ways that you can lose CYA:

Water loss due to splash out or a leak

CYA degradation due to high chlorine or bacteria

Water loss is much more common reason than degradation but if you let the FC drop for a long period of time, that can cause bacteria to proliferate and then CYA degradation can happen.

[QiingGuy]

Water loss is much more common reason than degradation but if you let the FC drop for a long period of time, that can cause bacteria to proliferate and then CYA degradation can happen.

How would I know if I have bacteria? I don't see anything in the pool, water is crystal clear.

Is the consensus that I should leave the additional HTH conditioner out for now?

[Watermom]

Definitely do not add anymore at this time. I have asked Ben to pop in here and give use opinion. Hopefully, he'll be around to do so this evening.

[PoolDoc]

1. Watch the Taylor video, to verify that you did the CYA test correctly => http://pool9.net/tk/ (video links at top of page)

2. In the early AM, add 1/2 gallon of plain 8% bleach. Make sure the pump is on. After 1 hour, test FC levels with the K2006. Don't swim for 8 hours. Test FC levels again 8 hours after dosing. Report chlorine loss.


Using granular chlorine, it's pretty common for people to 'lose' the CYA when they clean their filter. This is especially true of pools where the pump doesn't run 24/7. Adding CYA using dichlor OR by putting the CYA in a sock until it's dissolved is much more reliable.

Of course, it's possible you added a mislabeled chemical.

[QiingGuy]

Hi Doc,

Thanks for the video link. Appears I'm doing it correctly. Also had two different Leslie's pools test with similar results.

I'm under the weather and will try what you suggest when I'm on my feet again. Until then I'm running my SWG 2 hours a day and adding a cup of bleach and that seems to be keeping the level where it needs to be or close enough. Want to get CYA to a point where I can only run SWG.

[QiingGuy]

2. In the early AM, add 1/2 gallon of plain 8% bleach. Make sure the pump is on. After 1 hour, test FC levels with the K2006. Don't swim for 8 hours. Test FC levels again 8 hours after dosing. Report chlorine loss.

Test Results
Prior to putting bleach in - 1
After putting bleach in and pump running 1 hour - 13
8 hours later - 3