You’ve checked the levels. You’ve added the shock. You’ve cranked up the chlorinator. Yet, your pool is still a stubborn shade of “Arizona Algae Green.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with Chlorine Lock, and the culprit is a chemical you probably didn’t even know was building up: Cyanuric Acid (CYA).
The “Sunscreen” Trap
Think of CYA as sunscreen for your chlorine. In the intense Arizona heat, the sun’s UV rays can burn off your pool’s chlorine in a matter of hours. CYA is added to protect it, helping your chlorine stay in the water longer.
The catch? Most chlorine tablets are “stabilized,” meaning they contain as much as 50% CYA. Every time you add a tab, your CYA level rises. While water evaporates, CYA stays behind. Over years of service, those levels climb until they “lock” your chlorine, making it chemically unable to kill algae.
Don’t Fall for the “Chemical Soup”
Many pool owners try to “fix” the problem by dumping in more and more chemicals. This creates a “chemical soup” that costs you a fortune and still doesn’t result in clear water that lasts.
The Hard Truth: Once CYA levels are too high, no amount of shock will fix it. Anyone telling you otherwise is just trying to sell you more chemicals.
How to Get Your Sparkle Back
The only safe and effective way to lower CYA is a partial or full drain and a fresh water refill. This resets your pool’s chemistry, allowing a normal amount of chlorine to actually do its job.
Why Choose TotalCare Pool?
- Transparency First: We provide digital service reports with exact chemistry readings.
- Expert Advice: We specialize in the unique water needs of Green Valley, Sahuarita, and Tubac.
- The $99 Special: New to the area? Ask about our professional weekly service for just $99/month for the first three months!
Stop Guessing. Start Swimming.
Ready to break the lock and get back to a crystal-clear pool? Stop by our store today for a FREE pool check-up and solid advice you can trust.
Call 520-428-POOL or visit totalcarepool.com to schedule your inspection!
TotalCare Pool: Pool Care Perfected.