Underwater PhotographyUnderwater Fashion

Preparing a pool for UW Shoots

© Ken Kiefer
© Ken Kiefer

When most people think about doing an underwater shoot in a pool, they usually consider obvious variables, such as camera/housing/lens/outfits/makeup/etc.  One very important item that might be overlooked is the condition of the pool and it’s water.

Just like we, as underwater photographers, are concerned about the visibility/waves/currents/topography of the ocean – it’s very helpful to know all of the conditions of a pool shoot.  One good thing about swimming pools is that we usually have a lot more control over them that we do over mother nature and the ocean 🙂

I won’t go into a whole lot of chemistry, but most people realize the importance of a balanced pool in general.

For underwater photographers, it becomes even more significant.  Having chemicals out of whack will cause your model’s eyes to burn and make it hard for them to perform at their best.

Keeping the pH and alkalinity at the proper level and minimizing chloramines is key.

© Ken Kiefer
© Ken Kiefer

Some basics for traditional chlorine pools

pH is a measure of how basic or acidic the water is.  Below 7.0 is acidic and above 7.0 is basic or alkaline.  Pools should be between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent corrosion or the formation of scale or calcium deposits.  The human eye has a pH of between 7.4 and 7.5 so that is where I try to keep my pool pH 😉

Total Alkalinity is a close cousin of pH that is a measurement of  all carbonates/bicarbonates/hydroxides and other alkaline substances in the water.  Alkalinity is defined as the ability of the water to resist changes in pH.  It is essentially the buffer to keep the pH from bouncing higher and lower .  Generally want to keep the pool between 80-120ppm.

Chlorine is just one way to sanitize a pool, but it is the most common.  Even saltwater pools use chlorine sanitization, but produced from dissolved salt instead of added through liquid or solid form.  It is recommended to keep a pool between 1.0-3.0 ppm in most cases.

I always try to lower the chlorine level in my pool right before a shoot and bring it back up afterwards.

© Ken Kiefer
© Ken Kiefer

Saltwater pools are usually a little easier on the eyes, but harder on the pool equipment.   The reason for this is the reduction of chloramines in saltwater pools.  Proper maintenance will also reduce chloramines in traditional chlorine pools by shocking the pool with super doses of chlorine when chloramine levels rise.

The clarity of the water is another factor that can cause headaches if not addressed.  The better job you do vacuuming the pool bottom, the less junk you have floating in the water to remove in photoshop!

Scrubbing any algae or stains in the pool is another small task that can pay big dividends for the end product.

When you are shooting in a pool that you don’t have the ability to balance the chemicals or do any maintenance beforehand, there are a few things you can still do to help any situations you might encounter.

© Ken Kiefer
© Ken Kiefer

I always take a few things with me when I’m not at my home pool:  a portable battery operated vacuum, a leaf net and sunglasses.  I try to do the best that I can as far as cleaning the area that I will be shooting.  And, the sunglasses can be used if the water is too harsh for the model’s eyes 😉  I like sunglasses for some looks anyway, but they can save a shoot if the water is not working out.

© Ken Kiefer
© Ken Kiefer

If you have any questions to Ken, or want to share your own tips for underwater pool shots, feel free to comment below!

Ken Kiefer
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