What is the role of cyanuric acid in pool maintenance?

Cyanuric acid plays a crucial role in pool maintenance primarily by stabilizing chlorine. Chlorine is an essential disinfectant used to keep pool water clean and sanitized. However, when pools are exposed to sunlight, UV rays can quickly break down chlorine, reducing its effectiveness. By adding cyanuric acid to the pool, it forms a chemical bond with chlorine, which protects it from degradation due to sunlight. This prolongs the life of chlorine in the water, ensuring that it continues to effectively kill bacteria and keep the pool safe for users.

Additionally, while adjustments to water hardness, algae removal, and pH levels are important aspects of pool maintenance, they do not involve the specific function of cyanuric acid. Thus, the responsibility of cyanuric acid in stabilizing chlorine is what makes it vital for maintaining proper sanitation in the pool.