Adding CYA - Correct Method?

[PoolGate]

I came across this video on YouTube on the "correct" way to add CYA by dumping it directly into the skimmer. I am not a fan of this method. And I suggested that in the comments but he removed my comments.

What say ye?

 

[PoolStored]

Solid granular stabilizer is best added by placing it in a sock or nylon and hanging that sock in front of fast moving return(s). Shaking and squeezing the sock while in the pool water will help the stabilizer dissolve faster.

Alternatively, the sock can be placed into the skimmer basket BUT it should only be left in there if the pump is continuously running and not turned on and off by a timer. CYA is acidic when it dissolves into water and so it is not a good idea to leave the sock in the skimmer without the pump running.

Pouring granular CYA into the pool directly, or into the skimmer as recommended on stabilizer bottles, is not recommended as it takes a long time to dissolve and the granules can sit against the pool surface creating locally low pH levels.

The pump should be run for 24 hours after adding solid stabilizer and you should avoid backwashing/cleaning the filter for a few days if stabilizer was added to the skimmer.

CYA - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm glad they posted that video. Now anyone who lives in that area now knows who to stay away from for pool service.

 

[Bob2010]

Solid granular stabilizer is best added by placing it in a sock or nylon and hanging that sock in front of fast moving return(s). Shaking and squeezing the sock while in the pool water will help the stabilizer dissolve faster.

Alternatively, the sock can be placed into the skimmer basket BUT it should only be left in there if the pump is continuously running and not turned on and off by a timer. CYA is acidic when it dissolves into water and so it is not a good idea to leave the sock in the skimmer without the pump running.

Pouring granular CYA into the pool directly, or into the skimmer as recommended on stabilizer bottles, is not recommended as it takes a long time to dissolve and the granules can sit against the pool surface creating locally low pH levels.

The pump should be run for 24 hours after adding solid stabilizer and you should avoid backwashing/cleaning the filter for a few days if stabilizer was added to the skimmer.

CYA - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

With adding a sock with cya to the skimmer is there any worry of localized ph drop and corrosion of pool equipment such as copper heaters or is the acid too weak for that to occur with pump running? Also if you have a vs pump should you run it at your usual max for the 24 hours? Ie I run mine anywhere from 25-45 gpm

 

[PoolStored]

With adding a sock with cya to the skimmer is there any worry of localized ph drop and corrosion of pool equipment such as copper heaters or is the acid too weak for that to occur with pump running?

No worry, yes weak.

Also if you have a vs pump should you run it at your usual max for the 24 hours? Ie I run mine anywhere from 25-45 gpm

I run mine slow 24/7, adding CYA or not.

 

[Newdude]

With adding a sock with cya to the skimmer is there any worry of localized ph drop and corrosion of pool equipment

Not with the pump running, but SVRS pumps hiccup, VS pumps trip GFCIs, or a car accident around the corner can knock out power while you're at work and won't even know. If you're home all day to keep an eye on it, it's ok to do.

But personally I see zero benefit to putting acid through the equipment when hanging a sock or a Tshirt takes but 5 minutes, including the walk out back.

 

[Getitrite]

Many years ago, when you could still get a human to answer support calls, I spoke with Hayward about (I can't remember the topic). After I explained my regimen - long before I knew about TFP, pucks in the skimmer, etc- he said "Treat the water, not the equipment." Ever since, I have avoided adding any chemical adjustments through the skimmer (except DE when priming the filter). Seemed like a logical bit of advice. Just my personal preference now.

 

[Bob2010]

Not with the pump running, but SVRS pumps hiccup, VS pumps trip GFCIs, or a car accident around the corner can knock out power while you're at work and won't even know. If you're home all day to keep an eye on it, it's ok to do.

But personally I see zero benefit to putting acid through the equipment when hanging a sock or a Tshirt takes but 5 minutes, including the walk out back.

This may be a dumb question but I have an auto cover and it’s hard for me to leave the pool open for long periods of time so if doing the sock method how long does it usually take say 1 pound of cya to dissolve with this method?

 

[mknauss]

how long does it usually take say 1 pound of cya to dissolve with this method?

After the sock is hanging in front of a return for 30 minutes to an hour, you can squeeze the product out in a few minutes.

 

[NicoleLove2Swim]

Sorry but in my bit of experience the sock method is the way to go. I've tried mixing in a bucket of water prior to adding to pool and it just doesn't dissolve, never again, only the sock LOL.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I love how he removes the skimmer and pump baskets to protect them from the CYA, and make it easier for the CYA to get into the filter which costs 50x more than those baskets.

 

[V___25]

To me, the wet CYA in a sock kinda feels like that squishy sand stuff when you squeeze it - why in the heck would I want to put that directly into my skimmer and equipment?! People are crazy.

 

[kul]

I use the sock method. Since I’m not the most patient person, it doesn’t take long because I start squeezing intermittently right away.

 

[Bvacchiano]

I put it in a skimmer sock in the skimmer. Wait 1 hour. Go out and squeeze it ALL out. Easy. “Get in, get out, get on with your life”. This mess about hanging in front of a skimmer,etc waiting for it to dissolve is a complete waste of time…