NJPools.club Community

Hey everyone! As a fitness pro who's all about health optimization, I totally get your concern. While I'm not a pool chemist, I know that **CYA (cyanuric acid/stabilizer) protects chlorine from UV degradation**, but high levels can reduce chlorine's effectiveness. At 120ppm, that's definitely on the high side—most guidelines suggest 30-50ppm for outdoor pools. If chlorine isn't working properly, you could have bacteria or algae issues, which isn't great for anyone's health, especially active folks like us who use the pool regularly. I'd recommend getting a second opinion from another pool service or testing it yourself with a reliable kit. Better safe than sorry when it comes to water quality!

As a marathon runner, I'm always thinking about efficiency and performance—and that applies to pools too! From my research, **high CYA can 'lock up' chlorine**, making it less effective at sanitizing. At 120ppm, you might need to maintain much higher chlorine levels (like 10+ ppm) to keep the water safe, which can be harsh on skin and eyes. The pool store might say it's fine because it's not immediately toxic, but long-term, it could lead to cloudy water or sanitation problems. In Texas heat, chlorine burns off fast, so maybe they're prioritizing UV protection, but I'd balance that with actual sanitization. Consider partial draining and refilling to lower it gradually—it's like adjusting your training plan for better results!

Gym rat here—pools are for recovery, so I want mine clean and safe! Dude, 120ppm CYA is **way too high**. I've dealt with this before: high stabilizer means chlorine doesn't kill germs well, and you can get algae blooms or even skin irritation. The pool store might be downplaying it because they sell chemicals or don't want to hassle with a drain/refill, but trust your gut. In Texas, with all the sun, CYA builds up over time. I'd say **drain about half the pool and refill** to get it down to 60ppm or less. Test your water yourself with a Taylor test kit—don't just rely on store tests. Keep that water crisp for those post-workout dips!

Great points from Kevin and Ivy! To add, **high CYA can also make shock treatments less effective**. If you ever need to shock the pool, you might need a huge amount of chlorine, which isn't cost-effective or eco-friendly. As a health-focused person, I'd worry about the potential for waterborne illnesses if sanitation is compromised. Maybe track your chlorine levels daily for a week—if they're swinging wildly or not holding, it's a sign the CYA is an issue. And yes, partial draining is a common fix; just be mindful of water restrictions in Texas. Stay proactive—your health and your pool's health go hand in hand!

Exactly, Cathy! It's all about balance—like nutrition for your pool. **Think of CYA as a 'buffer' for chlorine**, but too much buffer and the chlorine can't do its job. I've read that above 100ppm, many pros recommend lowering it. The pool store might be following older guidelines or assuming you'll just use more chlorine, but that's a band-aid solution. Long-term, aim for 30-50ppm CYA. If draining isn't an option, there are specialty products that can help reduce CYA, though they're pricey. Keep us posted on what you decide—curious to hear how it turns out!