What Is a Pool Stabilizer?

What Is a Pool Stabilizer?

Swimming pool water chemistry requires a delicate balance to kill harmful bacteria and discourage algae growth without becoming too harsh to enjoy. The pH balance, calcium hardness, and chlorination of your pool all impact water quality. And while chlorine often gets all the credit for doing the dirty work, it wouldn’t be able to function without the addition of a pool stabilizer. Explore the purpose of pool stabilizers, how they work, and the different types you’ll find on the market.

What is a pool stabilizer?

Cyanuric acid, or CYA, is an essential chemical that protects chlorine from ultraviolet radiation. Let’s take a closer look at how these water balancers work.

How does a pool stabilizer work?

Free chlorine is the active sanitizing agent in most swimming pools, but it’s particularly sensitive to UV rays. Chlorine breaks down very quickly upon sun exposure, which can render it useless almost immediately without a pool stabilizer. CYA binds to chlorine molecules, which shields them from the sun, so they can effectively sanitize the water for longer periods of time. 

What’s the purpose of a pool stabilizer?

The primary goal of a pool stabilizer is to extend the life of the chlorine in your water. Since it helps maintain consistent chlorine levels, it encourages better sanitation, fewer algae blooms, and less frequent chemical additions to your pool. When we look at the big picture, a stabilizer allows for more efficient pool maintenance. 

When to add a pool stabilizer

You’ll want to add pool stabilizer any time you add water to your pool and when water tests measure low CYA levels. Here are a few instances of when to use a pool stabilizer:

• Filling a new pool for the first time
• After draining and refilling, even partially
• At the beginning of the pool season

  A saltwater pool is stabilized when CYA measures 60 to 80 parts per million (ppm), while a chlorinated pool should contain 30 to 50 ppm cyanuric acid. Read more: Cyanuric Acid: What It Is and Why Your Pool Needs It

Benefits of a pool stabilizer

Now that you understand how stabilizers work, let’s discuss the many benefits of using these chemicals in your swimming pool. 

Reduces chlorine consumption

Without a pool stabilizer, you may lose up to 90% of chlorine in your pool to UV degradation within a few hours of application. CYA extends the duration of your sanitizer, so maintaining your pool doesn’t become impractical or prohibitively expensive. 

Maintains water clarity

A pool stabilizer also helps chlorine effectively break down organic matter, remove contaminants, and prevent buildup that causes hazy, cloudy water. 

Controls algae growth

Algae tend to thrive when chlorine levels drop, especially during summer months when it’s hot and sunny. Unfortunately, this is also when most people want to spend as much time in the pool as possible. Pool stabilizers get rid of algae growth to keep your water clean, inviting, and swimmable.

Reduces bacterial growth

Just like algae, bacteria love warm, wet environments. Pathogens like E. coli can multiply rapidly in water with insufficient chlorine levels. Pool stabilizer supports the bacteria-fighting power of chlorine to prevent illnesses and keep swimmers safe and healthy. Related: Cloudy Pool Water: Causes and Solutions

Types of pool stabilizers

You’ll find plenty of pool stabilizers out there to meet your needs. Here are a few great options to consider: 

Stabilized chlorine

Many chlorine products include built-in stabilizers for a convenient solution. Available in tablets, sticks, or powders, these are ideal for routine chlorination and pools with automatic feeders. However, over time, they may add too much CYA to your pool, so it’s important to monitor your pool chemistry and add stabilizer-free chlorine when cyanuric acid levels become too high. 

Liquid stabilizer

Liquid pool stabilizers are pre-dissolved formulas in a thick, syrupy solution. It disperses throughout the water more quickly than powders, and can be added through the skimmer. This is a great choice for saltwater pools. Thanks to the fast-acting nature of these products, they’re typically more expensive than other options. 

Powdered stabilizer

Granular CYA is the most common form of standalone pool stabilizer. It’s cost-effective and widely available from big-name brands like Clorox. It’s also easy to measure and has a long shelf life, but it takes a while to dissolve and may damage pool surfaces in high concentrations. That being said, the simplicity, availability, and affordability of powdered stabilizer make it a popular choice among pool owners. Related reading: Swimming Pool Chemicals for Beginners

Find high-quality pool products and chemicals at GPS Pools!

GPS Pools is here to help you care for your saltwater or chlorinated swimming pool! Whether you’re simply balancing your pool’s water chemistry or transforming your backyard into a luxurious spa retreat, the experts at GPS can make it happen! Ready to learn more? Reach out today to find out how we can help with routine pool maintenance, deck remodeling, resurfacing, and more!