I BBBed my hot tub , but it won't stay

[RavenNS]

I thought that CDC article was very interesting. However, I did not see any link or possible conclusion that suggests that cya is bad in this report.
In both cases listed in the report, the bacterial problems were caused by malfunctioning chlorine injection feeders... lack of disinfectant caused bacterial growth.
Poor monitoring increased potential for fatal results.

what it does say about Cya is:
" cyanuric acid, which is used to reduce chlorine loss as a result of ultraviolet light exposure, is not recommended for indoor pools or hot tubs and is prohibited in two states ; adding this chemical reduces the antimicrobial capacity of free chlorine. "

I'm not exactly sure what they mean by this ( & how this affects us)
" cya reduces antimicrobial capacity of free chlorine "
perhaps some of the chemistry majors here can explain farther the effects of this statement.


I also thought that these guidelines were pretty standard ( & worthwhile):

To reduce the risk for Pseudomonas dermatitis and the transmission of other waterborne pathogens, pool and hot tub operators should
1) adhere to pool and hot tub recommendations and regulatory requirements for pH and disinfectant levels;
2) have a thorough knowledge of basic aquatic facility operation;
3) provide training for pool staff on system capabilities, maintenance, and emergency alert procedures of remote monitoring systems;
4) closely monitor pool and hot tub free chlorine measurements during periods of heavy bather loading;
5) monitor hot tub disinfectant levels closely because the higher temperatures maintained serve to dissipate chlorine rapidly;
and 6) understand appropriate use and effects of cyanurates on disinfection and testing.
In addition, remote-monitoring companies should be timely in notifying swimming-facility staff about low disinfectant levels.
Swimmers should be educated about the potential for waterborne disease transmission in pools and hot tubs, which could increase advocacy for improved maintenance and monitoring by pool operators.

[waterbear]

what it does say about Cya is:
" cyanuric acid, which is used to reduce chlorine loss as a result of ultraviolet light exposure, is not recommended for indoor pools or hot tubs and is prohibited in two states ; adding this chemical reduces the antimicrobial capacity of free chlorine. "

Precisely, CYA is NOT recommeded for use in indoor pools and hot tubs. Indoor pools and hot tubs are problematic for a number of reasons. And if my understanding is correct of the states that ban CYA in commercial pools that they do allow variences on that and that pools that do not use CYA must use ORP controllers and feed systems to maintain the chlorine levels. I was only aware of upstate NY requiring this. I would be intersted in what other state has passed this restriction. The main thurst of this article just indicated the need for GOOD water testing and maintenace on a regular basis and an understanding of what is involved....just like we all promote, practice, and teach here in this forum!

[RavenNS]

side note:
I would be interested in finding out if Canada has also recommended not using CYA in indoor or public pools.
also, the states that have banned this chemical; was there any basis for this other than reducing chlorine effectiveness ? ( other problematic health factors associated with this chemical ?)