Why is the pool water different colors?

by | Apr 25, 2018 | Pool Maintenance

Resolve to have a more energy efficient pool

Have you ever seen the overhead shots of beautiful waters? How clear they are? How pristine… how different the water colors are? Why is the pool water different colors? This is something the swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pools, Inc. in Memphis, TN get asked all the time.

You may also wonder why your pool water doesn’t look the same as the pool water in the photos in your pool contractor’s look book or the pool water in your friends’ swimming pool.

Why is the pool water different colors?

There are myriad reasons. Here are a few.

  1. The pool building material plays a role. Whether you’ve built the pool from gunite, vinyl liner or fiberglass will have an impact on the color of the pool water. Ask your friends what their pools are constructed with then see if that might be one of the differentiating factors.
  2. How deep is the water? It will look darker the deeper it is. Shallow water will allow you to see the pool finish itself through the pool water and that will play a role in the “color” of the pool water.
  3. What color is the pool itself? The color of the tiles or the vinyl liner or the fiberglass will all play a role in the color of your pool and again, this will also change depending on the depth.
  4. What’s the weather? If it’s sunny, the water will take on a more “sparkly” finish and that will enhance the color of the water itself. The sun will reflect on the water and the surface of the pool to bring forth colors. The time of the year and the strength of the sun will lead to a color change in the pool water.
  5. What’s reflecting on the pool? Is the house reflected in the pool water? Is the pool surrounded by trees or other outdoor accessories? The way in which the sun and shadows hit the water from these structures will lend to the color of the pool water.

Keep in mind, too that when you’re looking at a swimming pool in a magazine or on a television show or in a move, they have likely been enhanced to bring out the beauty. If you have a specific look and feel you want in mind for your pool and your pool’s water, ask us and show us a photo and let’s work together to make it happen!