Quote Originally Posted by sammm View Post
What are the downsides to a high CYA? I realize I would need to maintain a higher level of FC. Will the pool use more chlorine as well? More frequent maintenance?
I run a high CYA pool, as mentioned before. I live in Louisiana, and have no shade at all on my pool. I find that by running my CYA at 80-90ppm, I actually have LESS pool maintenance to do. While a CYA level that high requires a higher level of residual chlorine to be effective, I find that I lose a LOT less chlorine to the sun daily. With lower CYA levels, I have to add bleach daily and still have a problem maintaining a good base level. With higher CYA levels, even in the hottest part of the summer I only add chlorine about twice a week.

There are other places on this forum where CYA levels have been debated, and one of the major negative arguments is the possibility that CYA causes cancer. May be true, may not be true. My hamburger meat, plastic wrap, children's sippy cups, the sun, soda, and many other things I use are supposed to cause cancer, too. I figure if I'm destined to have it, it'll happen. Until then, I'm enjoying my pool!!

Janet