How Minerals Keep Your Pool Water Clear All Summer Long

As the summer temps soar, a clear, clean swimming pool becomes the perfect escape – whether it’s your local municipal pool or in your own backyard. But keeping pool water sparkling isn’t just about chlorine – it’s about minerals. From filtration to water treatment, minerals play a crucial role in maintaining clean and healthy pool water, keeping your pool safe and swim-ready all season.

Silica Sand: The Most Common Pool Filter Mineral

Silica sand, made from quartz, is the standard medium in sand filters—the most common type of pool filtration system. Its uniform, angular grains trap dirt, debris, and oils as water passes through, leaving your pool clear and clean.

Silica is durable and long-lasting, typically needing replacement only every 3–5 years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), industrial silica is one of the most used minerals in water filtration across various sectors, including swimming pools.

Why it matters: If you're wondering how to keep your pool water clear, silica sand is your first line of defense.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Ultra-Fine Filtration

For superior water clarity, many pool owners turn to diatomaceous earth. DE filters use fossilized remains of diatoms – tiny aquatic organisms made of silica – to create a powder that coats filter grids and traps microscopic particles as small as 3–5 microns.

Though it requires more upkeep, DE filtration offers some of the clearest pool water results available. It’s a go-to choice for residential and commercial pools that demand premium water quality.

Zeolite: A Natural Filter With Extra Benefits

Looking for a high-performance filter media that also improves water chemistry? Zeolite, a volcanic mineral, is growing in popularity as a silica sand alternative. It filters finer particles and naturally absorbs ammonia, which reduces chloramines – the source of strong pool odors and eye irritation.

Its unique honeycomb structure gives zeolite exceptional filtration and ion-exchange capabilities, making it one of the best minerals for pool filtration.

Aluminum Sulfate (Alum): A Powerful Clarifier

When pool water looks cloudy despite filtration, aluminum sulfate – commonly called alum – is often the solution. Records indicate the use of aluminum for clearing water date back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and even China. Alum binds to fine particles suspended in the water, causing them to clump and sink so they can be vacuumed away. It's a go-to solution for clearing up cloudy pools after heavy use or storms.

Supporting Minerals for Water Balance

Minerals like calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate help maintain ideal water hardness and alkalinity – two key factors that support chlorine efficiency and prevent corrosion or scaling.

Some advanced systems also use silver and copper ions to enhance sanitation naturally. These minerals have antimicrobial properties that reduce algae and bacteria without harsh chemicals.

From filtration to sanitation, minerals do more than just support your pool – they’re essential to keeping it clean, safe, and enjoyable all summer long.

Minerals Make It Happen!