Should cyanuric acid be used in hot tubs or spas?
Cyanuric acid is a stabilizer. It is typically sold anywhere that you can buy pool chemicals and is designed for pool use. It reduces chlorine loss caused by the sun’s ultra-violet rays. It is not required for, and should not be used it, spas.
At even moderate levels of cyanuric acid, the amount of time it takes chlorine to kill pseudomonas aeruginosa (the bacteria that causes hot tub itch) can be as much as a hundred times as long as in a hot tub or spa without cyanuric acid. For this reason, the Pennsylvania Department of Health does not recommend the use of cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine in any hot tubs or spas. How does one test for cyanuric acid? Any pool operator who is interested in using cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine should purchase a cyanuric acid test kit from their pool chemical supplier and be sure that they understand how to use it properly. The best way to manage the problems that come with too much cyanuric acid is to avoid them by testing the cyanuric acid level regularly and ensure that they never exceed 80 ppm. Cyanuric acid levels should be tested at least once a week. Never add more cyanuric acid before checking the current level. My pool as cyanuric acid levels above 80 ppm, how can I reduce
