Is there an ideal cyanuric acid level?

[JimK]

Hi and welcome to the Pool Forum! For most pools, CYA in the 40 to 50 range is what we suggest. Some folks in really hot areas, deliberately run theirs a little higher to help them keep chlorine in the pool. Hope this helps. Let us know if you have more questions.

The owners manual for my Aqua Rite salt water chlorine generator says to maintain CYA at 60-80 (80 being ideal). Is there a particular reason this higher level is required? Would maintaining the lower level you suggested (40-50) have any negative affect on my SWCG (shortened cell life, etc??)?

Thanks.

[BigDave]

CYA of 40-50 is the general recommendation for manually dosed pools. For SWCG pools, the recommendations you'll find here are to run CYA at the top of the SWCG manufacturer's suggested range to reduce the load on the cell and extend it's life. You do need to keep your FC at the appropriate level for the CYA level you have.

[PoolDoc]

Is there a particular reason this higher level is required?

Yes, it has to do with the chemistry at the electrodes, as well as the issue BigDave mentioned. I think it's been covered in the China Shop by Chem_Geek, but I don't have time to go poking around for it right now.

But, your cells will last longer that the higher level, since cell life is proportional to ON-time, and they'll be on less at the higher CYA, even with the higher required chlorine levels. Read through the Best Guess page, linked in my sig, for more info.

[JimK]

CYA of 40-50 is the general recommendation for manually dosed pools. For SWCG pools, the recommendations you'll find here are to run CYA at the top of the SWCG manufacturer's suggested range to reduce the load on the cell and extend it's life. You do need to keep your FC at the appropriate level for the CYA level you have.

Yes, it has to do with the chemistry at the electrodes, as well as the issue BigDave mentioned. I think it's been covered in the China Shop by Chem_Geek, but I don't have time to go poking around for it right now.

But, your cells will last longer that the higher level, since cell life is proportional to ON-time, and they'll be on less at the higher CYA, even with the higher required chlorine levels. Read through the Best Guess page, linked in my sig, for more info.

Thanks.