I've described a big watersports lake resort community we are building
here .
There will be a strong desire from residents for a nice aqua-blue color to the water. There are two experiences I've had with natural rivers/lakes here in the Rockies that exhibit an amazing natural deep blue color. In both cases the water had a high lime (calcium carbonate) content the reflects the blue light better. This is the same concept behind white swimming pool plaster as well.
Assuming I have the budget for it, would coating the lake bottom with a thin layer of small crushed limestone (pea gravel size with fines) produce a similar result? Both in terms of reflecting blue light off the bottom as well as suspended calcium carbonate in the water?