Atlanta homeowners know the joys of having a pool. Cue cool relief in the sweltering heat, a gathering place for family and friends, and a backyard upgrade that brings value and lasting memories. But anyone who owns a pool in Georgia also knows how tricky and time consuming it can be to maintain water quality. Atlanta-specific conditions like hard water, frequent rainstorms, and intense summer heat can all throw your pool’s chemical balance, specifically its pH, out of whack.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about managing pH in your pool, including what it is, why it matters, and how to fix common issues. And if you're ever in doubt, the team at White’s Pools is here to help with expert water testing, equipment checks, and professional maintenance.

What Is pH in a Pool?

Operating on a scale from 0 to 14, pH measures how acidic or basic your pool water is. A pH of 7 is neutral. Pool water should ideally sit between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure safety, comfort, and proper sanitation. Too low? The water’s acidic and can cause damage. Too high? The water becomes basic, leading to cloudy water and ineffective chlorine. Keeping the water at neutral status may seem like an overwhelming responsibility, but with our guidance, the upkeep will become second nature.

Why pH Balance Matters

Maintaining the right pH in your pool is critical for several reasons:

Comfort: Balanced pH keeps swimmers’ skin and eyes from irritation.
Sanitation: Chlorine, your pool’s main sanitizer, is less effective in unbalanced water, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Equipment Protection: Incorrect pH can corrode metal parts and scale surfaces, reducing the lifespan of pumps, filters, and heaters.
Water Clarity: Out-of-whack pH can cause cloudy or green water, making the pool uninviting and unsafe.

What Causes High pH in a Pool?

High pH levels are a common problem in Atlanta due to:

Hard Water: Metro Atlanta’s water often contains elevated mineral content, which tends to push pH levels up.
Heavy Rain: Sudden storms can introduce alkaline runoff into your pool.
Chemical Overuse: Overdosing your pool with certain chemicals, like shock or algaecide, can spike the pH.
Aeration: Water features, jets, and splashing increase CO₂ loss, which raises pH.

What Causes Low pH in a Pool?

On the flip side, low pH can happen because of:

Excessive Rain: Rainwater is naturally acidic, especially in the Southeast, and can quickly drop your pool’s pH.
Overuse of Acidic Chemicals: Using too much pH decreaser or chlorine tablets (which are acidic) can lower pH.
Bather Load: High swimmer activity can introduce organic material and acids that lower pH.
Evaporation & Refill Cycles: Topping off your pool with soft or acidic water can gradually reduce pH.

How to Raise pH in a Pool

If your pH is too low (below 7.2), here’s what to do:

Use a pH increaser (sodium carbonate): This is the fastest and safest way to bring pH up.
Test first: Always test your water before adding chemicals to avoid overshooting the mark.
Add slowly: Distribute the product evenly around the pool and wait a few hours before retesting.

How to Lower pH in a Pool

If your pH is too high (above 7.8), try the following:

Use a pH reducer (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate): These acids help bring the pH down safely.
Dilute carefully: Always follow package instructions and add acid to water, never the other way around.
Circulate: Run your pump for several hours afterward to ensure even distribution.

How to Lower Alkalinity in a Pool Without Affecting pH

Lowering alkalinity without affecting pH can be tricky, but it is possible:

Use Muriatic Acid in a Controlled Way: Add it slowly in one spot with the pump off, allowing it to settle in the bottom of the pool. This targets alkalinity more than pH.
Aerate Afterward: Aeration (like running a fountain or spa jets) helps raise pH naturally without raising alkalinity.

This process may take a few cycles of acid + aeration, but it’s the best method for targeting alkalinity specifically.

Can You Swim in a Pool with High pH?

Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. High pH makes chlorine less effective, which can increase the risk of bacteria and algae growth. It can also cause skin and eye irritation, and lead to cloudy water and scaling on pool surfaces. If your pH is significantly above 7.8, it’s best to hold off swimming until it’s adjusted.

Can You Swim in a Pool with Low pH?

Again, you can, but you probably shouldn’t. Low pH (below 7.2) can cause skin and eye irritation, corrosion of metal pool equipment, and severe damage to vinyl liners or plaster surfaces. Swimming in acidic water isn't pleasant or safe for your pool’s long-term health. It’s best to rebalance before taking a dip.

Seasonal Tips for Maintaining pH Balance in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate brings distinct seasonal challenges that can affect your pool’s pH balance. By adjusting your maintenance routine throughout the year, you can stay ahead of potential issues and keep your water crystal clear no matter the season.

In spring, pool season kicks off with pollen, storms, and rising temperatures. This is the time to give your pool a fresh start. Begin by thoroughly cleaning out debris and checking your filtration system before running the pump. Testing your water chemistry early — especially pH and alkalinity — sets the foundation for a healthy swimming season. Also, remember to test and adjust your pH before shocking the pool, as improperly balanced water can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.

During summer, your pool works overtime. High temperatures, direct sun, and frequent use by family and guests mean your water chemistry can fluctuate quickly. It’s important to test your pH at least two to three times per week during peak season. Splashing, evaporation, and frequent refilling can alter your pH, often pushing it too low, especially if you’re topping off with softer water. Additionally, many homeowners rely heavily on chlorine tablets during summer, which can gradually acidify the water.

Fall in Atlanta brings cooler temperatures and falling leaves, both of which can impact your pool. As usage decreases, you can reduce chlorine levels gradually, but it’s still important to test regularly to keep your pH within range. Leaves and organic debris that settle in the water can break down and release acids, lowering your pH over time. Skimming regularly and keeping up with light maintenance during this transition season will make winterizing your pool much easier when the time comes.

Winter pool care in Georgia is less intensive than in colder climates, but it’s not a time to ignore water chemistry altogether. A properly fitted cover is essential to keep out rainwater, leaves, and other contaminants that could throw off your pH while the pool is dormant. Testing the water once a month is a smart preventative measure, especially to catch any signs of corrosion or scaling that might occur in colder water. Winter is also the ideal time to schedule equipment inspections or make upgrades, so you’re prepared for when pool season returns.

Stay Ahead with Preventive Care

Adjusting your pool care routine with the seasons helps minimize pH swings and reduces the need for major chemical corrections. By taking proactive steps and understanding how Atlanta’s weather affects your pool, you’ll keep your water balanced and swim-ready all year long. And if you're ever in doubt, White’s Pools is just a call away, ready to help with seasonal maintenance, expert testing, and tailored care for your backyard oasis.

When to Call a Professional

If you find yourself constantly battling pH problems, or if you're unsure how to safely add chemicals, it’s time to call in the experts.

White’s Pools has decades of experience helping Atlanta homeowners maintain perfectly balanced, sparkling pools. We offer:

Professional Water Testing: More accurate than DIY strips or kits
Equipment Inspections: Malfunctioning filters and pumps can affect pH levels
Routine Maintenance: Prevent problems before they happen

Need help balancing your pool? Contact White’s Pools for expert pH management and more!