Steps to Prevent Mid-Summer Algae Blooms
As the temperatures rise around the country this time of year, you may find that your pond is looking more green than usual. This is because warm temperatures, along with organic matter and excess nutrients in the water can create the perfect environment for very rapid algae growth.
To keep a clear pond, especially at this point in the season, you need to be proactive about making sure you are taking the right steps to keep algae away. Keeping your pond clear of algae is similar to weeding your garden; you need to keep up with it, or it will get out of control. We recommend treating every 3-4 weeks to keep your pond looking great!
Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.
1. Using an algaecide regularly
Using an algaecide, like our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it is grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen® is sprayed over the algae or can be applied with the TORMADA® remote controlled application boat. Mizzen® can help clear up your pond in as little as 7-14 days, with full results seen in a month. Algae can re-grow rapidly, even within a few days, so make sure you have enough Mizzen® on hand for a second treatment or spot treating throughout the season. One gallon of Mizzen will cover 20,000 square feet, and is $34.95. Mizzen® is also available in smaller sizes or gallon packs.
2. Use a nutrient reducer as part of your treatment plan
Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear® and PhosControl® can reduce the organic matter in your pond that weeds and algae feed off of. When used in conjunction with an algaecide, you will be reducing existing algae and making it harder for it to regrow. SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that eat away at the nutrients in your pond, and it can help improve your pond’s water clarity. PhosControl® contains aluminum sulfate that binds with phosphorus (which algae feed off of) making the phosphorus unavailable for the algae. Monthly treatments with these products is recommended.
3. Consider aeration to help keep water clear
Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases trapped in the water that are aiding in algae growth. Lake Restoration offers Vitaflume® floating aerating fountains in 3 different sizes and can move 7,000-10,000 gallons of water per hour. Fountains keep water moving so that algae mats cannot form like they would in more stagnant waters. Aerating fountains help your pond “breathe,” and they also look great as a centerpiece. Vitaflume® starts at $975 and offers optional spray patterns and lighting so you can customize the look of your centerpiece.
4. If you also have weeds, we recommend using the following products for an overall healthy pond:
Dibrox® herbicide: controls floating and submerged weeds like Eurasian Watermilfoil and duckweed.
Mizzen® algaecide: to control filamentous and planktonic algae in scum.
SparKlear® or PhosControl® nutrient reducers: to reduce algae fuel and sludge, and improve water clarity.
Sapphire Bay® Pond Dye: to give your pond a pleasing blue color.
*for lakes and dock and swim areas, use Mizzen®, Dibrox® and MuckMaid® pellets.
Following these steps will help improve your pond’s health over the hottest months of the summer when algae growth is rapid.