Quick Definition:

Particulate is a general term to describe any foreign material in swimming pool water, usually free-floating and contributing to a cloudy pool.

What is Particulate in swimming pools?

Particulates, or particulate matter, generally describe a variety of very small particles that can either be solid or liquid, such as dust, dirt, and aerosol.  Particulates are naturally found in the atmosphere, and easily find their way into bodies of water.

As particulates are all around us, they wind up in swimming pools and can contaminate the water.  Mold and algae spores, bacteria, organic matter, insects, microbes, and anything else than can be blown by the wind, or ride along with rain or snow can easily end up in the pool water.

Excessive particulate build-up in swimming pools can make the pool water appear cloudy, unclean, and can irritate the skin and eyes.  Bathers in the swimming pool can also contribute to particulates found in the water, as bathers continuously shed skin cells, hair, bodily excretions, and other minute matter.  Public and commercial pools often have signs indicating swimmers first shower before entering the pool water, as this reduces the amount of particulate from entering the pool water.

The potential amount of particulate entering the swimming pool water should be a factor when considering the correct filtering and cleaning systems for your swimming pool.  The surrounding environment should also be a factor, as windy areas tend to blow more particulate in the pool water, and areas with many trees tend to drop leaves and small branches in the water which contributes to the pool water particulate.


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