Why Texas Pools Struggle with High Cyanuric Acid—and How to Lower It Without Draining

If you’re a pool owner in Texas, you know our long, hot summers make pool care a full-time job. One common issue we see across the state is elevated cyanuric acid (CYA) levels—a hidden problem that can throw your entire water chemistry out of balance. If your chlorine doesn’t seem to be working as well, CYA might be the reason why.

Let’s break down why high CYA levels happen, especially in Texas pools, and how to fix them without the hassle and expense of draining your pool.

Why Do Texas Pools Have High CYA Levels?

Cyanuric acid, or CYA, is a stabilizer that protects chlorine from breaking down under UV rays. It’s commonly found in dichlor and trichlor chlorine products—the go-to choice for many pool owners and service providers across Texas.

The problem? CYA doesn’t evaporate or break down on its own. Over time, it builds up, especially in areas like Texas where:

Pools stay open year-round or for extended seasons
Sun exposure is intense and constant
Chlorine demand is high due to warm water temperatures
Weekly shocking and puck use is routine

All of these lead to cumulative stabilizer overload, which makes chlorine less effective and increases your risk of algae blooms, cloudy water, and higher chemical costs.

Why High CYA Is a Problem

Once CYA levels climb above 50 ppm, chlorine starts to lose its sanitizing power. Even if you’re dosing properly, it may not work efficiently. You’ll need more chlorine, more often, just to maintain safe water—costing you time and money.

Common symptoms of high CYA:

Cloudy water
Algae outbreaks
Poor chlorine test readings
High chlorine demand

Traditional Fix: Drain & Refill (And Why It’s Not Ideal in Texas)

Historically, the only way to lower CYA was to partially or fully drain and refill your pool. That’s a huge task in any state—but in Texas, it’s even more of a challenge.

Here’s why draining your pool in Texas can be costly and risky:

Water is expensive in drought-prone areas
Draining during high temps can damage plaster
Time-consuming and inconvenient
Wasteful, especially during water restrictions

💧 Rough Cost of Draining & Refilling a Pool in Texas:

Pool Size	Water Refill Estimate	Cost (Based on $7.50 per 1,000 gallons)
10,000 gallons	Full refill	~$75
20,000 gallons	Full refill	~$150
25,000 gallons	Full refill	~$187
30,000 gallons	Full refill	~$225
Add hauling/pumping costs and time lost	$$$

The Better Fix: Bio-Active Cyanuric Acid Reducer

Instead of draining, try Bio-Active Cyanuric Acid Reducer 8oz—a safe, natural enzyme formula that breaks down excess CYA in your pool water.

✅ No draining required
✅ Eco-friendly and non-toxic
✅ Works in chlorine, salt, and mineral pools
✅ Comes with CYA test strips for easy monitoring

Just pour it in and let your pool’s circulation do the rest.

Rough Cost Comparison

Solution	Average Cost	Notes
Drain & Refill (25K gal)	$150–$250+	Includes water, hauling, time, risk
Bio-Active 8oz	$39.95	Treats up to 25K gallons—no draining

Savings: Up to $200+
Impact: Zero water wasted

How to Use It in Texas Pools

Test your CYA level using included strips.
Balance your pH to 7.2–7.8.
Turn off salt cells or chlorinators during treatment.
Add Bio-Active directly to the pool.
Let circulate for 7–10 days. Retest and repeat if needed.

Don’t Drain It—Fix It

High CYA levels are common in Texas, but that doesn’t mean you have to dump thousands of gallons of water to fix it. With Bio-Active Cyanuric Acid Reducer, you can take control of your pool chemistry and save time, money, and water.