The water’s molecules absorb and scatter the light that enters the liquid. However, depending on the wavelength of the light, water molecules will absorb and disperse it in various ways. The longer wavelengths, including red and orange, are easily absorbed and have a short range in water. Shorter wavelengths like blue and green are less readily absorbed and penetrate the water further. This implies that the water appears blue because blue light is dispersed throughout it.
But what about the pool’s depth? Shouldn’t it have an impact on the water’s color? The water’s color is also influenced by the pool’s depth. The shorter blue wavelengths are more easily diffused when a pool is shallow, which makes the blue color more noticeable. As light must travel a greater distance and is absorbed by the water more, it may look less prominent in deeper pools.
Let’s now turn our attention to the Olympic swimming pools. Why do they move so quickly? The answer depends on a number of elements, including the depth, width, and building materials. In order to reduce turbulence and improve water flow, Olympic swimming pools are typically deeper than conventional pools. Additionally, they are wider to accommodate more swimmers and lessen the likelihood of waves.
Olympic pools are also constructed with materials that lessen drag and turbulence. Swimmers can move through the water more effectively thanks to the walls and floors of the pool being constructed with unique tiles or coatings that reduce friction with the water. By dividing the swimming lanes and reducing waves, the lane ropes also contribute to decreasing turbulence in the water.
As a result of the way water molecules absorb and scatter light, with blue light being the most widely diffused, swimming pools have a blue color. Competitive swimmers benefit from Olympic swimming pools’ reduced turbulence and improved water flow. Consider the science behind a pool’s color and structure the next time you dip your toes in.