Pond Algae Solutions: How To Keep Your Water Healthy

No doubt, you’ve heard it said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to finding a pond algae solution, this axiom is definitely a universal truth. Preventing rapid algae growth isn’t as difficult as you might think, and we have a few suggestions that can help.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you have a fish tank, a koi pond or a large pond on your property; algae can grow in any body of water and does. Why does this happen? In order for algae to grow, certain conditions need to be in place. Preventing these conditions from occurring can be one of the best ways to keep your pond water healthy.

Prevent High Water Temperatures

When water temperatures rise, this can cause the rapid growth of algae. It is important to keep an eye on the temperature of your pond water. Keep in mind; you cannot use air temperature to determine the water temperature. Just because it’s 87 degrees outside, does not mean that your pond water is at or about that same temperature.

To check the water temperature of your pond, ideally, you need two types of pond thermometers. A floating thermometer will give you a decent reading of the surface temperature, while a submersible thermometer can provide you with reading deeper down in the water, which is typically cooler.

In general, when the water temperatures start to climb above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, this causes oxygen levels to drop. This can be dangerous for fish, and it promotes the growth of algae. The ideal temperature for a pond is typically about 68 to 74 degrees at most during the summer months.

So how do you keep water temperatures from climbing too high? There are several options. Adding some shade can help, and this is an easier option with smaller ponds and koi ponds, but a shade tree or two won’t hurt a large pond either.

Your pond should have a bottom diffusion aerator installed to keep the water circulating throughout the day. You also can add a fountain for additional agitation, although a fountain alone won’t be enough to agitate a fairly deep pond. These are nice water features, though, and will help reduce temperatures somewhat.

Using a colorant is another option that can act as part of your total pond algae solution, and this is a common practice on golf courses, where shade trees aren’t a feasible option. A large golf course lake might utilize aeration and colorants to help reduce temperatures and prevent algal growth, but a homeowner with a pond also could consider using colorant as well. It can reduce temperatures a bit and enhances the look of the water.

Preventing Too Much Nitrogen & Phosphorus

There are many reasons why a pond might have too much nitrogen and phosphorus, and reducing these chemicals can be an important component of your pond algae solution. If you have too many fish in your pond, the accumulated waste can add too much nitrogen to your water. You may find that you need to rehome some of your fish to help keep oxygen levels at an optimum level.

Runoff from agriculture can also add nitrogen and phosphorus to your pond water. If you have crops or a large garden or a lawn treated with fertilizers that contain these elements, a rain shower can carry them into your pond. Runoff from livestock waste can also cause pond water issues.

Using phosphorus-free or low-phosphorus fertilizers can be one solution, and containing animal waste can also help. Keeping a healthy lawn can be beneficial, as healthy soil is able to soak up rainwater and runoff, preventing it from entering your pond. You can also create a plant barrier around the edge of your pond to hold back runoff. Adding some plants around the pond also helps prevent erosion.

Preventing Sludge Buildup

If the bottom of your pond is squishy and filled with sludge or muck, this also can cause oxygen levels to drop and create a dangerous situation for your fish and other aquatic wildlife, not to mention how unpleasant it is for any humans that might swim in your pond.

With smaller ponds, you often can vacuum out sludge, but with larger ponds and lakes, you might need to hire someone to dredge the bottom and remove the sludge, especially if it has become a big issue. There are also natural products that can be added to the water that help reduce the sludge layer and restore balance to the water.

To prevent a sludge layer from growing out of control, consider spending some time with basic pond maintenance. Grab a skimmer and get out there and remove leaves and debris as much as possible. This can be especially important during the autumn months. Cleaning up those fallen leaves can ensure that they don’t wind up in the bottom of your pond, adding to the sludge layer.

Is Algae Already An Issue?

If your pond is pea soup green, covered in floating organic matter or emitting a horrible smell, you already have a problem and what you need is a quick pond algae solution. At Healthy Ponds, we have easy-to-use, algaecide and herbicide products to keep algae under control as well as products that can remediate an already serious situation.

To find a pond algae solution for your needs, head to https://healthyponds.com/treatment-plan/. We have products for all types of water features, from tiny birdbaths up to golf course-size water features, and we can help you find a safe and effective solution to remediate any pond water issues you might experience. Got questions? Give us a call or send an email and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Healthy Ponds all-natural products do not kill algae or weeds and are not classified as Algaecides or Herbicides.