When you have water in a small quantity, it is clear and colorless. However, when you have a large body of water like a swimming pool, it takes on a color as it interacts with light.
The color of your pool tells you a lot about the health of the pool. It will show you when there are issues with the pool and if you need to treat it. If you have ever seen your pool water color change, there is no need to panic. This article answers all the questions about changes in your pool water color and how you can handle the situation.
What Influences Pool Water Color?
A lot of factors cause changes in your pool water color. One factor that affects the color of your pool is algae in it. It could also be because of heavy metal presence in the pool.
The size of the pool and its depth can also affect the color. A pool that is bigger and deeper has a darker hue than a smaller and shallow pool.
Look at the ocean. For instance, the water in the shallow area close to you is usually clear. However, the farther and deeper part of it has a blue color. Shallow areas of your pool would have a different color from the deep area.
A chemical imbalance in your pool could also affect the pool water color. When there is pollen or metal in the pool, they interact with the chemicals in the pool and emit materials that alter the chemical balance of the water.
Sun exposure can also cause a change in the pool water color. Other environmental factors such as trees and foliage can cause the water color to change as some organic substance from the environment could react to the chlorine in the pool. Sometimes, the dye used in finishing the pool leaks into the pool water. The dye could also cause the water color to change.
Colored pool water: Is it dangerous?
It is not healthy to swim in colored pool water. The more you leave the pool unattended, it becomes worse. When the pool water color changes, it has become a dirty-looking pool. It will not only be disgusting but could also be harmful to users of the pool.
A discolored pool is a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will grow in it and give room for more discoloration of the pool water.
When the pool water color is green
Your water could turn green when there are algae in it. It could also show that there is copper in the water. Copper oxidizes in chlorinated water and produces a green color.
The pool’s water color is brown
Brown pool water often shows iron in the water. When the iron mixes with water, it would rust and produce the orange-brown color.
The pool’s water color is purple
A purple pool water often arises when there is magnesium or manganese. When there is magnesium or manganese and you add chlorine to the water, it will change the color to a purple hue.
The pool’s water color is black
When the water is black, it simply means that there is silver in the water. Silver oxidizes when placed in chlorinated water. It is like the effect that water has on silver jewelry and makes it change its color.
The pool’s water color is cloudy
Cloudy water often occurs when there is a problem with the filter. You might need to check the filtration system to rectify any issues with it. Clean out the filter and ensure it is in good working condition. The problem could also be because of inorganic waste in the water.
The pool’s water color is red
Iron can also cause your pool water to turn red. A reddish-brown in your pool shows that you have a lot of iron in it. You can fix it by reducing the iron-level in the water and cleaning it.,
How to treat discolored pool water
When you notice a change in the pool water color, the first step should be to understand why the color changed. Look at the situation critically. If the water color changes completely, you might need to drain it. You can also check the pH level of your pool to understand the problem better.
Shock the pool by adding chlorine. Add a lot of chlorine to the pool beyond the usual quantity. The chlorine will disrupt the nucleus of the algae, stop it from multiplying and kill it, eventually. After shocking the pool by adding chlorine, use the filter to clean the water.
You would need to do this several times to achieve the desired effect. Filtering the water for at least 24 hours after treating it with chlorine is better. Scrub the pool thoroughly and run the water again. Continue to do this until you have clear water.
How to Prevent Discolored Pool Water
One way to stop your pool water from getting colored is to test the water as regularly as possible. Testing it every day or once a week is okay. Remember, the frequency of testing will help you detect changes in the water on time and address them immediately.
It is not all about testing frequently. As you test, be proactive about issues that arise. Mere testing will not solve or prevent a change in your pool water color if you do nothing about it. Ensure that you maintain your water balance.
Talk to a professional
Call on a professional pool washer to look at your pool. You can also sign up for a pool maintenance service, so you don’t have to bother about it. Transfer the responsibility of keeping your pool in good shape to these experts, knowing that your pool is in safe hands.You could spend a lot more on fixing the problem of colored pool water if you try to do it yourself. You would also engage in a lot of trial and error to figure out what works. So, in the long run, it is cheaper to get someone who knows what to do to maintain your pool. Get professional pool cleaners in California.