What property of cyanuric acid helps stabilize chlorine in swimming pools?

Cyanuric acid serves a critical role in maintaining the effectiveness of chlorine in swimming pools by preventing UV degradation. Chlorine, while an effective disinfectant, can be susceptible to breakdown when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. Without the presence of cyanuric acid, a significant portion of the chlorine can be lost in just a few hours of direct sunlight.

By stabilizing the chlorine, cyanuric acid acts as a shield that helps protect it from the harsh effects of UV radiation, allowing the chlorine to remain effective for a longer period. This stabilization is vital for maintaining proper sanitizer levels, ensuring the pool remains safe and clean for swimmers. Therefore, the unique property of cyanuric acid that contributes to this stabilization is its ability to prevent the degradation of chlorine when exposed to UV light.