Pool Water Overstabilization Solutions

The Problem

Overstabilization is the buildup of cyanuric acid (CYA) in swimming pool water resulting from the use of stabilized sanitizers and stabilized shock products. It significantly decreases the effectiveness of chlorine in killing germs, bacteria and algae. While small levels of CYA do serve a purpose in protecting chlorine from sunlight degradation, too much can cause problems.

HTH™ Pool Care offers granular sanitizer and shock products that are non-stabilized -these are calcium hypochlorite (cal-hypo) products. Cal-hypo products do not contain stabilizer and will not cause overstabilization.

Common Side Effects:

• Can make your pool water unsafe
• Puts your family at risk
• Causes algae growth
• Makes chlorine less effective, decreasing its bacteria-killing power
• Will reduce the life expectancy and integrity of your pool's plaster surfaces and cause costly repairs
• Could require you to drain your pool and rebalance the water

Recommended Solutions

1. Test the CYA level, this should be between 20 - 50ppm.Shock treat the pool with an HTH™ shock product.
2. If the CYA level is >90ppm, adjust this by partially draining some water from the pool and topping up with fresh water. Run filter for at least 24 hours until water clears.
3. Adjust the total alkalinity to 80 – 120ppm, the pH to 7.2 – 7.8 and the chlorine to 1 – 4ppm. Backwash or clean the filter as appropriate.
4. Continue with routine pool maintenance program.

Note: Adjust dosages to suit your pool capacity.  Ensure pH and chlorine levels are within the corrected ranges before swimming.