Why Is My Pool Water Not Blue? [Ultimate Guide!]


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Most people in the U.S. associate the color blue with fresh water, lakes, and oceans. But did you know that not all freshwater is created equal? There are many reasons why your pool water might not be blue. Here are just a few:

The Sunlight Factor

The biggest reason why your pool water isn’t blue is because there’s too much light falling on it. When sunlight shines on water, it breaks down oxygen naturally present in the air, turning the sky into a breathable atmosphere once more. This is why large open spaces such as the Great Plains become inhabitable during the summertime and why smaller bodies of water such as ponds and lakes become less and less viable as seasons change. The more light there is, the worse the water quality will be, and the less likely it is to be crystal clear. So if you want your pool water to be a brilliant, vibrant blue, you’ll need to consider adding a pool vacuum to your equipment arsenal. Remember to read the owner’s manual before you utilize this device, as there’s a chance you could end up with a nasty bite from one of its two sharp teeth. (Not advisable for children or pets.)

Another way to ensure your pool water remains crystal clear is by keeping an eye on the levels of chlorine and bromine in it. The two will naturally occur together in small amounts, but too much of either one will turn your pool’s water into an unsafe environment for amphibians and fish. Chlorine is good for killing algae and bacteria that may accumulate at the bottom of the pool as a result of heavy use or poor water quality, while bromine is often used in water treatment facilities to reduce organic matter and make water clearer.

Temperature

The temperature at which your pool water is kept is vital to maintaining its quality. Pools should be installed in such a way that they don’t heat up during the day when the sun is beaming down on them. This commonly happens when a pool is placed directly under a sky-lit windows or when it is too close to the ground and is therefore prone to intense heat. The ideal temperature for your pool is anywhere between 69 degrees Fahrenheit and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with the upper limit being determined by your area’s climate. The warmer the pool gets, the more energy the fish have to live, so keep an eye on the temperature and make sure it stays as cool as can be. As you may imagine, anything above 76 degrees Fahrenheit is quite uncomfortable for most living creatures, including humans. Overnight temperatures drop quite dramatically once the sun has gone down, so if you believe there’s a chance your pool could become dangerously overheated, you might want to consider plugging it into an automatic pool blanket, which will help regulate the temperature and protect your pool investment whenever the sun is beaming down on it. (See below for more information on this subject.)

If you live in a particularly hot climate, you’ll need to consider what materials your pool’s coping and lining are made of. Natural fiber liners made of recycled plastic lumber are a popular choice with pool owners who want to keep the appeal of wood but don’t want to be dealing with the maintenance that comes with wooden pools. These fiber liners are more resilient than their wooden counterparts and are better at keeping water in during high temperatures. When the weather cools down, these materials contract, making the pool water appear deeper. This is because the materials allow light to reach the pool water and be reflected back by the surface, giving the illusion of more water than actually exists. Consider installing a pool vacuum to help improve the overall clarity of your pool water.

Avoid purchasing a pool from a manufacturer that does not offer helpful installation instructions. The last thing you want to do is end up with a pool that was poorly designed and improperly installed by someone who does not have your pool water’s best interests at heart. Before you know it, you’ll be asking yourself whether it was all worth it. So do your research before purchasing a pool and be sure to work with a company that has the experience and knowledge to install it correctly.

Catchment

Your pool’s catchment is vital in maintaining its water quality. This is the area surrounding your pool that is designed to collect rainwater and send it to the pool for processing. So if you live in a place where it drops heavily and often, ensure that the area above your pool is protected from erosion. This can be easily achieved by installing a pool terrace, which is a raised area designed to prevent wet soil from being washed down into the pool area. The terrace provides some much needed protection during heavy downpours and is the ideal place for a deck chair or two to catch a quick rest after playing in the rain.

If you live in an area where it usually snows, consider installing a snow plow on the roof of your car. This will make it much easier for you to clear your driveway and paths leading to your home before you can set up your outdoor pool. Similarly, if you live in a place where there are frequent gales and/or high winds, you might want to install a pool windmill to help generate some additional electricity.

If you want to protect your pool from damage, especially during rough weather conditions, you should invest in a pool house. A pool house provides additional living space above your pool and is well suited for hosting outdoor gatherings and enjoying the company of friends and family.

Filtration

The quality of your pool’s water depends on how efficiently it is filtered. The finer the mesh, the more efficient the filtering process will be. However, too fine a mesh could end up in your pool area becoming a hazard to small children and pets. When installing a pool filter, try to choose one that is large enough to provide effective and safe filtering yet does not pose a risk of being swallowed should it be consumed. Always remember to change the filter media at least once every month and clean it with a mild bleach solution to keep the algae at bay. This will improve the overall appearance and freshness of your pool water.

If you want the best possible quality to your pool, you should invest in a pool vacuum. This investment will prove to be extremely beneficial, especially if you are dealing with heavy algae growth in the pool which could potentially clog up the filter system as well as the pool pump.

Light

The amount of light reaching your pool can have a significant impact on its clarity. The more light there is, the better. This is why larger pools with skylights are preferred over smaller ones that are more tucked away, even though the latter may appear to have more appeal. You might want to consider installing a skylight within the near vicinity of your pool in order to provide plenty of natural light for your golden moments.

Just because your pool is not surrounded by mountains does not mean it cannot be aesthetically pleasing. You can still enjoy a spectacular view of nature while taking a swim at the same time. You just need to find a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors in without the worry of your pool area being swallowed up by fog due to poor visibility.

Oxygen

Your blood contains oxygen, which is vital for human survival. However, too much oxygen can quickly turn into dangerous levels of hydroxyl radicals, breaking down DNA significantly. The amount of oxygen in your pool will depend on many factors, including how often you have it cleaned. If you have kids or pets that love to play in the water, you may want to consider purchasing a pool with a built-in decompressor which will help regulate the amount of oxygen present. These decompressors will give you a choice of settings to operate your pool at the correct level of oxygenation for your water quality.

Hopefully, this article has helped clear some of the mystery surrounding why your pool water might not be blue. Chlorine and bromine will destroy the biodiversity of your pool, while heat will cause you to pay for that relaxing afternoon exercise in the form of an uncomfortable swim. All these factors can cause serious damage to your pool and its surrounding environment, so be careful where you put your toes this summer!

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