Steps to Prevent Mid-Summer Algae Blooms

As the temperatures rise around the country mid-summer, 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 two to four weeks to keep your pond looking great.

Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.

Use an Algaecide Regularly

Using an algaecide, like our copper based Mizzen algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it has grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen is mixed with water and sprayed over the algae directly. 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 approximately a half acre. It is also available in smaller sizes or gallon packs, with bulk pricing starting at eight gallons.

Use Nutrient Reducers

Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear and PhosControl, can reduce the nutrients and phosphorus in your pond. 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. Add these products about a week after your algaecide treatment to dissolve and bond with the nutrients that were just released from all the dead algae.

Consider Aeration

Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases between the water and the air. 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. Lighting can even be added so the fountain can be enjoyed all day and night!

Following these steps will help improve your pond’s health over the hottest months of the summer when algae growth is rapid.