A chemical compound, typically cyanuric acid (CYA), is added to swimming pool water to reduce the degradation of chlorine by sunlight. Without it, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays rapidly break down chlorine, rendering it ineffective as a sanitizer. This breakdown necessitates significantly increased chlorine usage to maintain adequate sanitation levels.
Its utilization offers substantial advantages. Firstly, it markedly decreases the amount of chlorine required to keep the pool water sanitized, resulting in cost savings. Secondly, it contributes to a more stable chlorine level, preventing drastic fluctuations that can lead to algae blooms or skin and eye irritation. Historically, its value in outdoor pool maintenance became increasingly recognized as the understanding of chlorine photolysis improved.