Atlanta Pools: Is Cheap Acid Shock Crashing Skin?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 30, 2025

The shimmering turquoise of a backyard pool on a sweltering Atlanta afternoon is pure bliss. But that bliss can quickly turn to misery if your pool chemistry is off, leaving you with itchy skin and burning eyes. Many Atlanta homeowners, in an effort to save a few bucks, reach for the cheaper, off-brand muriatic acid at the local hardware store, thinking it’s all the same. But is it really? Let’s dive deep into the murky waters of pool chemistry and uncover the truth about cheap acid and its impact on your skin.

The core issue revolves around pH and alkalinity. Muriatic acid, regardless of brand, is used to lower both in your pool. The problem isn’t necessarily the fact that you’re using muriatic acid, but the quality and concentration of the acid, and how it interacts with Atlanta’s particularly hard water.

Cheap muriatic acid often contains more impurities than pool-specific brands. These impurities can include metals and other chemicals that, while harmless in small quantities, can build up over time and contribute to skin irritation. Think of it like this: you’re not just adding acid; you’re adding a cocktail of unknown substances.

Atlanta’s water supply is known for its high calcium hardness. This means it contains a significant amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium. High calcium hardness makes it more difficult to balance your pool’s pH and alkalinity. You’ll need more acid to achieve the desired levels, and the impurities in cheap acid will become even more concentrated.

So, how do you know if your pool chemistry is the culprit behind your itchy skin? The first step is to test your water. Don’t rely solely on test strips; invest in a good liquid test kit or take a water sample to a local pool supply store for professional analysis. Look for these key indicators:

High pH: Ideally, your pool’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Anything above 7.8 can cause skin and eye irritation.
High Alkalinity: Total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). High alkalinity can make it difficult to adjust the pH.
High Calcium Hardness: While not directly causing irritation, high calcium hardness can exacerbate pH imbalances. Aim for a range of 200-400 ppm.
High Cyanuric Acid (CYA): CYA is a stabilizer that protects chlorine from sunlight. However, too much CYA can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness, leading to the need for more chlorine and potentially more acid to balance the water.

Let’s say you’ve tested your water and found that your pH is 8.2, your alkalinity is 150 ppm, and your calcium hardness is 450 ppm. This is a recipe for itchy skin! Here’s a DIY-friendly approach to balancing your Atlanta pool:

Lower Alkalinity First: This is crucial. Use a pool-specific alkalinity reducer (sodium bisulfate). Follow the product instructions carefully, adding the chemical in small increments and retesting after each addition. Don’t just dump the whole bottle in!
Adjust pH: Once your alkalinity is in the correct range, you can adjust the pH using muriatic acid. Again, add it slowly and test frequently. Remember, it’s easier to add more acid than to remove it.
Address Calcium Hardness: If your calcium hardness is consistently high, consider using a calcium hardness reducer or partially draining and refilling your pool with fresh water. This is a longer-term solution.
Monitor CYA Levels: If your CYA is too high, the only effective solution is to partially drain and refill your pool.

Now, let’s talk about safe acid handling. Muriatic acid is corrosive and can cause serious burns. Always wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves when handling it. Never pour water into acid; always pour acid into water. This prevents a potentially dangerous reaction. Store muriatic acid in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from children and pets.

A common mistake is adding too much acid at once. This can cause the pH to plummet, leading to other problems. Another pitfall is neglecting to test the water regularly. Pool chemistry is a dynamic process, and it’s important to monitor your water parameters frequently, especially after heavy rain or periods of heavy use.

Consider the case of Maria, a homeowner in Roswell, GA. She had been using cheap muriatic acid for years, thinking she was saving money. However, her family started experiencing skin irritation after swimming. After testing her water, she discovered that her pH was consistently high, and her pool contained elevated levels of metals. She switched to a pool-specific brand of muriatic acid, started testing her water more frequently, and adjusted her chemical balance accordingly. The skin irritation disappeared.

The bottom line? While cheap muriatic acid might seem like a good deal, the potential for skin irritation and other problems isn’t worth the risk. Invest in pool-specific chemicals, test your water regularly, and follow safe handling procedures. Your skin (and your family) will thank you. Remember, a balanced pool is a happy pool, and a happy pool means happy swimmers in Atlanta.