need help figuring out CYA

[irishsph]

How do I know how much CYA to add and when to add it?

I am constantly adding chlorine to make sure my free chlorine level is high enough. My CYA recently tested at less than 30 ppm using a Taylor K 2006 test kit.

I am under the impression that a proper CYA level will keep me from burning off so much chlorine. Is that correct?

Finally, what kind of CYA level do I want to establish and how do I establish based on an 18,000 gallon above ground pool?

Thanks.

[muss08]

You need your CYA to be 30-60ppm. The Taylor K 2006 is a great test kit for figuring out your CYA. I would add 4lbs of cyanuric acid and retest a couple days later.

[irishsph]

Thanks!

what's the preferred method of adding CYA? I have read that it says add it to the skimmer. Does that mean literally pouring it into the skimmer?
Do I have to run the pump 24/7 after that?

[Guest]

You can add it directly to the skimmer. Clean your filter first because it will take a few days to a week to fully dissolve.

Thanks!

what's the preferred method of adding CYA? I have read that it says add it to the skimmer. Does that mean literally pouring it into the skimmer?
Do I have to run the pump 24/7 after that?

[muss08]

If you simply have a white plaster pool it is fine to just broadcast it all around the pool and brush a couple times a day to stir it up. You can also add the cya into an old sock or panty hose and either throw that into the skimmer or hang it over a return. It does take a long time to dissolve so putting it into the skimmer is a bad idea if you have a sand or de filter because you then cant backwash if you need to because you will lose all the cya that is in the filter.