NJPools.club Community

Hi there! First, welcome to pool ownership—it's a journey! As a fellow Arizona resident, I totally get the struggle with our intense sun. CYA (cyanuric acid) is a stabilizer that protects chlorine from UV degradation, which is crucial here. However, many pool owners, especially with above-ground pools like Intex, experience "CYA creep" because they use stabilized chlorine products (like trichlor tablets or dichlor shock) that add CYA every time. Over time, it builds up. Have you been using these? I switched to liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) because it doesn't add CYA, and it feels more natural—no harsh chemicals lingering. Also, test strips can be less accurate; consider a liquid test kit for better readings. Let us know what you've been using!

HydroHero's spot on about the cause! CYA creep is super common with stabilized chlorine—I learned this the hard way when my pool started needing way more chlorine to stay clean. High CYA (above 80-100 ppm) reduces chlorine's effectiveness, so you might see algae or cloudy water even with normal chlorine levels. In Arizona's heat, you need some CYA (aim for 30-50 ppm for above-ground pools), but too much is bad. Quick fix: stop using stabilized products immediately. Switch to liquid chlorine or cal-hypo shock (but check your calcium levels too). Long-term, you might need to partially drain and refill your pool to lower CYA—yes, water waste sucks in the desert, but it's often necessary. Test strips are okay for quick checks, but invest in a Taylor test kit for accuracy. Hang in there!

Hello! I appreciate you reaching out—pool care can feel overwhelming at first. From a mindful perspective, CYA creep is like accumulating stress; it builds up quietly until it affects balance. In Arizona, the sun demands stabilization, but as others said, over-reliance on stabilized chlorine creates this issue. I'd suggest pausing and observing: what's your current CYA reading? If it's very high (over 100 ppm), a partial water change might bring peace, though I understand water conservation concerns here. For maintenance, consider non-stabilized options like liquid chlorine, and test regularly with a reliable kit to stay present with your pool's needs. Also, ensure good circulation and filtration—sometimes, simple adjustments help more than chemicals. Breathe, you've got this!

Great points, everyone! SwimSage, I love the analogy—it's so true. To add, if you're worried about water waste in Arizona, you could use a submersible pump to drain water onto garden areas (if safe and legal), but check local regulations first. Also, for test kits, I use the Taylor K-2006—it's a bit pricey but worth it for accuracy. Remember, CYA doesn't evaporate, so once it's high, dilution is key. Let us know how it goes, and don't hesitate to ask more questions. Pool communities are here to help!