Water in its purest state is colourless. What you usually see in the pool colour is an optical illusion. It is a result of how water bends the light that enters the pool and reflects the pool finish. However, various factors can influence its appearance or its colour to the naked eye. Some of these factors are non-controllable, but pool owners can impact directly or indirectly, the general colour of their pool’s waters through some of their decisions in the design phase before installation. Some considerations that need to be undertaken before the installation of their new swimming pool has begun include;
Environmental Factors that affect pool water colour.
- Colour of the Sky
The colour of the sky will influence the amount of natural light that enters the pool area. Sunlight has a broad spectrum of light that hits your pool and bounces back to your eyes. Water reflects the sky above it. Blue clear skies mean blue hues on the water. A grey sky will get you a greyer pool water colour.
- The orientation of the property with respect to the path of the sun.
The colour and angle of the light coming from the sun can have a considerable effect on the pool’s colour. To get full brightness of your pool finish, the pool needs access to direct sunlight on a clear day. When the sun is low early and late in the day, it will result in a much more muted colour.
- Landscaping Surrounding the Pool
A pool surrounded by lush greenery will appear greener, regardless of the pool finish. The green lawns and trees will cast a reflection and affect its apparent colour. On the other hand, if your pool is surrounded by white sandstone, the pool water will look much lighter. If your pool is in the shade, you probably won’t get the colour you might have seen online.
- Pool Chemistry
The colour of your pool water is also influenced by freshwater, saltwater, and its chemical treatments. Murky water can be the result of algae or other organic matter growing in your pool. It could be caused by lack of enough chlorine or the presence of minerals which could have impurities that affect the pool water.
Construction Aspects
- Overall Pool Depth
The size and depth of your pool will affect how much refraction you get from the bottom of the pool. Deeper pools provide a darker, more vibrant hue than the shallow ends.
- Type of Pool Walls
The finish of your pool, E.g. vinyl, fibreglass, or concrete will also influence the overall colour of the water. Darker richer finishes will get you darker hues than white finishes. However, the difference will not be as great as you might imagine.
- Accents
Installation of accents like tiles, stairs, tanning ledges could affect the pool colour with the kind of colour of finish you choose. If you would like stunning and unique effects, you can have artificial lights added. Fountains and waterfalls also affect the reflection of light.
Conclusion
Whether you have a preconceived idea about a preferred pool colour or remain open to suggestions, as a future pool owner, you should consider factors such as depth, shape, interior wall finish, decking, accents, and other water features. A professional pool installation expert will help you configure your landscaping or your property’s orientation to the sun to help you achieve the desired water colour. Ensure to keep the water vibrant and appealing through proper maintenance like balancing the water and start-up techniques used after closure and during the opening of the pool especially after winter.