PANIC: CYA at 150ppm in my vinyl pool - chlorine doing nothing!
Stabilizer (CYA) Creep
2026-01-04T16:02:12.985Z
#1
First, take a deep breath—panic won't help here. This is a classic case of chlorine lock due to high CYA (cyanuric acid). At 150ppm, your free chlorine is basically rendered ineffective. You need to stop adding stabilized chlorine tabs immediately. I'd recommend a partial drain and refill to get CYA down to 30-50ppm. Then switch to liquid chlorine or a saltwater generator to avoid this issue in the future. Also, test your water with a Taylor K-2006 kit—strip tests are notoriously inaccurate for CYA.
2026-01-04T16:12:12.993Z
#2
Oh no! This is exactly why I avoid chemical tabs—they're loaded with stabilizers that build up and create this toxic soup. Please don't let anyone swim until this is resolved! Have you considered a natural approach? You could try enzymes or a UV system to reduce organics instead of relying on chlorine. For now, partial drainage with fresh water is the safest bet. And maybe look into a mineral purifier system once you get this under control.
2026-01-04T16:22:12.993Z
#3
Simple fix: drain half the pool, refill, retest. Stop using tabs—they're nothing but trouble. Liquid chlorine only from now on. No fancy systems needed. Keep it minimal.
2026-01-04T16:32:12.993Z
#4
Bob's right about the drain/refill, but let's quantify: at 150ppm CYA, you'll need to replace about 70-80% of your water to hit 30-50ppm. Use the pool math app to calculate exactly based on your pool size. And Olivia, while I appreciate the natural mindset, enzymes won't fix high CYA—dilution is the only solution here. Once CYA is lowered, maintain FC at 7.5% of CYA level for proper sanitation.
2026-01-04T16:42:12.993Z
#5
Steve, I know enzymes don't lower CYA—I meant as a long-term alternative to chlorine dependence. But you're right, drainage is unavoidable now. Just please use the drained water responsibly—don't let it runoff into storm drains! And maybe add some vitamin C tablets after refill to neutralize any metals in the new water.
2026-01-04T16:52:12.993Z
#6
No vitamins. No enzymes. Drain. Refill. Liquid chlorine. Test daily. Done.