How To Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels In A Pool: 12 Steps - WikiHow

Home » How To Raise Cyanuric Acid In Pool » How To Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels In A Pool: 12 Steps - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels in a Pool PDF download Download Article Learn to test, analyze, and adjust cyanuric acid levels to keep your pool healthy and clean Co-authored by Rob Litman and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: June 12, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Testing Cyanuric Acid Levels
    • |
  • Adding Cyanuric Acid
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Rob Litman and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 130,395 times.

You're probably aware that your pool needs regular chlorine adjustments, but it's also important to balance cyanuric acid levels. Cyanuric acid is often sold as a conditioner or stabilizer because it prevents chlorine in the pool from weakening in the sunlight. Use test kits or strips designed to measure cyanuric acid, so you can determine how much acid to add to your pool. To significantly raise levels, dissolve powdered cyanuric acid or add a liquid version. You can also add stabilized chlorine for regular maintenance.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Testing Cyanuric Acid Levels

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Plan on testing the water at least once a week. 1 Plan on testing the water at least once a week. Since the cyanuric acid needs to be balanced with the other chemicals in your pool, it's important to check this balance every week. For example, you might find that while cyanuric acid levels are fine, your chlorine level is off.[1]
  2. Step 2 Retest the water after it's been diluted. 2 Retest the water after it's been diluted. If your outdoor pool doesn't have a cover and there's a lot of rainfall, the cyanuric acid may become diluted and ineffective. Remember to check the cyanuric acid levels if the pool's water becomes diluted.[2]
    • You can test the cyanuric acid levels as often as you like. If you believe the balance of your pool is off, test the cyanuric acid levels again even if it hasn't been a week since the last test.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Use test strips.... 3 Use test strips. Buy strips that are chemically formulated to detect cyanuric acid. Keep in mind that many basic kits only test for chlorine and pH levels so you may need to buy a more advanced kit. To use a strip, dip it in the water for about 30 seconds and compare the color on the strip to the color on the chart that came with the strips. This will tell you the cyanuric acid level in the water.[4]
    • Purchase test strips online or from your local pool supply store.
  4. Step 4 Consider using a liquid turbidity test kit. 4 Consider using a liquid turbidity test kit. Some kits will come with a small container for gathering a water sample. Add the powdered solution and swirl the container so the water dissolves the solution. Wait 1 to 3 minutes and fill a sample cell with some untested pool water. Once the time is up, fill another sample cell with some of the tested pool water. You'll now be able to compare the results to an untested sample. Use the chart that came with the test kit to determine the cyanuric acid level in your pool.
    • If you don't want to test the water yourself, fill a container with water and take it to your local pool supply store where they can test it for you. You'll need to gather about 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
  5. Step 5 Determine if you need to add cyanuric acid to your pool. 5 Determine if you need to add cyanuric acid to your pool. The cyanuric acid in your pool should be between 30 and 50 ppm, although some find it more effective closer to 80 ppm. Keep in mind that the higher your cyanuric acid levels, the weaker your chlorine becomes.
    • The World Health Organization recommends that cyanuric acid levels don't exceed 100 ppm.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Adding Cyanuric Acid

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Purchase cyanuric acid. 1 Purchase cyanuric acid. Buy powdered or liquid cyanuric acid from your local pool supply store. Keep in mind that if you buy it online, you may have to buy it in bulk.[5]
  2. Step 2 Make adjustments to the chlorine, alkalinity, and pH, if necessary. 2 Make adjustments to the chlorine, alkalinity, and pH, if necessary. If you need to adjust other chemicals in your pool water, start by adjusting the free available chlorine. Then add chemicals to adjust the total alkalinity and make corrections to pH before you add the cyanuric acid. Wait 3 hours and test the cyanuric acid level again.[6]
  3. Step 3 Calculate how much cyanuric acid to add. 3 Calculate how much cyanuric acid to add. Follow the cyanuric acid manufacturer's instructions to determine how many pounds of cyanuric acid you need to add. You'll need to know how many gallons of water your pool holds as well as how many parts per million (ppm) of cyanuric acid you need to add.
    • For example, if you need an extra 10 ppm of cyanuric acid in your 10,000 gallon (37850 l) pool, you'll need around 1 pound (1.86 kg) of acid.
  4. Step 4 Dissolve powdered cyanuric acid in warm water. 4 Dissolve powdered cyanuric acid in warm water. If you're using powdered cyanuric acid, fill a 5-gallon (18.9 l) bucket half full with warm water. Pour in the cyanuric acid and let it rest for at least 10 minutes so it dissolves. You can add it to the pool once the acid is dissolved.[7]
    • Remember to put on protective goggles and wear gloves when handling the cyanuric acid.
  5. Step 5 Pour the liquid or powdered cyanuric acid into the pool. 5 Pour the liquid or powdered cyanuric acid into the pool. Add the dissolved cyanuric acid or liquid cyanuric acid directly into the pool instead of into the filter tanks or skimmers. Once you've added the cyanuric acid, check the water's pH level and adjust it as necessary.
    • Wait until no one is using the pool before you add the cyanuric acid. You can swim after 2 to 4 hours or once the pool has run a complete filter cycle.
  6. Step 6 Use stabilized chlorine for a minor cyanuric acid increase. 6 Use stabilized chlorine for a minor cyanuric acid increase. If your cyanuric acid level doesn't need a substantial increase (less than 10 ppm), buy stabilized chlorine. These tablets or sticks are chlorine combined with cyanuric acid. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine how many tablets or sticks to add directly to the pool.
    • Stabilized chlorine is great for maintaining cyanuric acid levels in your pool because it doesn't dramatically change the acid level. If you’re unsure if the chlorine you’re using contains Cyanuric acid check the package. If the label mentions Trichlor or Dichlor it will add Cyanuric acid to your water.
    • Remember to check chlorine levels a few days after adding the stabilized chlorine.
  7. Step 7 Run the pool pump for several hours. 7 Run the pool pump for several hours. Keep the pool pump running for at least 2 to 4 hours after you've added the cyanuric acid. The pump will agitate the water so the cyanuric acid is distributed throughout the pool.[8]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What's the cheapest and easiest way to maintain a pool? Rob Litman Rob Litman Pool Design Expert Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. Rob Litman Rob Litman Pool Design Expert Expert Answer You can buy an automatic pool vacuum, which typically costs under $200. Pool vacuums work like a roomba that keeps your pool clean by running daily or for a few hours at a time. This prevents dust and debris from collecting and staining your pool's plaster or pebbles, which also affects pool quality and clarity. Run the vacuum for a few hours a day to maintain a vibrant, clear pool color, even when you're not around. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question All readings are perfect, but the pool is very cloudy. What could it be? Lee Ton Lee Ton Community Answer Cloudy water is frequently a result of algae in the early stages. Sounds like greenish water is next unless you get ahead of it with increased chlorine. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
  • Question I added stabilizer to my pool, and the entire pool went cloudy. Should I be worried? I added 4 lbs to a 12,500 gallon vinyl liner pool. Lee Ton Lee Ton Community Answer 4 pounds of CYA into a 12,500 gallon pool raised your CYA almost 40 ppm. This isn’t a worry, depending on your starting level. The cloudy water is likely a result of a lack of chlorine. It sounds like you’re in the early stages of an algae outbreak. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you have an indoor pool or hot tub, you won't need to use cyanuric acid. This is because sunlight won't destroy the chlorine in your pool as it does to outdoor pools or hot tubs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Cyanuric acid is highly toxic, so use it with caution. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Cyanuric acid testing strips
  • Liquid turbidity cyanuric acid test kit
  • Stabilized chlorine tablets or sticks
  • Liquid or powdered cyanuric acid
  • 5-gallon (18.9 l) bucket
  • Protective goggles
  • Gloves

You Might Also Like

Lower Cyanuric Acid in a PoolHow toLower Cyanuric Acid in a Pool Chlorinate a PoolHow toChlorinate a Pool Properly Maintain Swimming Pool Water ChemistryHow toProperly Maintain Swimming Pool Water Chemistry Convert a Salt Water Pool to ChlorineHow toConvert a Salt Water Pool to Chlorine Lower Calcium Hardness in a PoolReducing Calcium Hardness in a Swimming Pool Lower the Chlorine Levels in a Hot TubHow toLower the Chlorine Levels in a Hot Tub Lower Chlorine in a Salt Water PoolHow toLower Chlorine in a Salt Water Pool Raise pH in PoolHow toRaise pH in Pool Add Salt to a PoolHow toAdd Salt to a Pool Raise the pH of WaterEasy Ways to Raise the pH of Water for Drinking, Swimming & More Reduce Chlorine in an AquariumHow toReduce Chlorine in an Aquarium Lower pH in a Hot TubHow to Lower pH in a Hot Tub for Cleaner Water Get Rid of Green Water in a Swimming PoolHow toGet Rid of Green Water in a Swimming Pool Add Baking Soda to a PoolHow toAdd Baking Soda to a Pool Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pool maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Rob Litman.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.swimuniversity.com/cyanuric-acid/
  2. ↑ https://www.swimuniversity.com/cyanuric-acid/
  3. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.swimuniversity.com/cyanuric-acid/
  8. ↑ https://www.swimuniversity.com/cyanuric-acid/

About This Article

Rob Litman Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert This article was co-authored by Rob Litman and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 130,395 times. 33 votes - 91% Co-authors: 11 Updated: June 12, 2025 Views: 130,395 Categories: Swimming Pool Water Treatment Article SummaryX

If you want to raise your pool's cyanuric acid levels, plan on testing the water once a week, since cyanuric acid needs to be balanced with the other chemicals in your pool, like chlorine. To test your pool water, buy either a liquid turbidity test kit or test strips formulated to detect cyanuric acid. Keep in mind that the cyanuric acid in your pool should ideally be between 30 and 50 ppm, and that higher levels will weaken your chlorine. Once you have an idea of how much you'll need, purchase powdered or liquid cyanuric acid from your local pool supply store or online. Following the manufacturer's instructions, determine how many pounds of cyanuric acid to add, then dissolve the powder in warm water and add the liquid acid to the pool. For more tips, like how to make adjustments to your pool's chlorine, alkalinity, and pH levels, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish French Russian Indonesian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 130,395 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Rob Litman Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert Co-authors: 11 Updated: June 12, 2025 Views: 130,395 91% of readers found this article helpful. 33 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote 91% of people told us that this article helped them.

Quizzes & Games

Daily Water Intake CalculatorDaily Water Intake CalculatorWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizTake QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizWhy Am I So Tired QuizWhy Am I So Tired QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Lower Cyanuric Acid in a PoolHow toLower Cyanuric Acid in a PoolChlorinate a PoolHow toChlorinate a PoolProperly Maintain Swimming Pool Water ChemistryHow toProperly Maintain Swimming Pool Water ChemistryConvert a Salt Water Pool to ChlorineHow toConvert a Salt Water Pool to Chlorine

Featured Articles

What Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults

Trending Articles

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?How Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Featured Articles

Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at Work

Featured Articles

What Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No Internet11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No InternetThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I QuizWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I Quiz

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come BackSigns Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back

Quizzes & Games

Amino Acid QuizAmino Acid QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizCognitive TestCognitive TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Swimming Pools
  • Swimming Pool Water Treatment
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --463

Tag » How To Raise Cyanuric Acid In Pool