Green water and tufts of hair algae growing in ponds are problems that every pond owner has to battle at one time or another. There are various ways to prevent unsightly algae growth in a pond though, and the sooner during the pond season you do it, the better.
Conditioning
When opening your pond in spring, make sure you add a water conditioner to any water you add from the hose. Most municipalities add chloramine to tap water, which never dissipates, and which also provides an excellent food source for algae.
Adding barley straw to a pond at the beginning of the season is also wise. It comes in bail, pellet, or liquid form. As barley straw breaks down, it creates enzymes that help to keep water clear.
Phosphate removers, whether in liquid or pellet form, will also help fight algae in ponds. Phosphate is one of the main nutrients that algae uses for food, so removing excess phosphates helps to kill algae.
There are also products on the market that dye pond water blue. These liquids are usually added once a month, and are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effective at preventing algae. The blue dye in the water reflects sunlight so that it does not penetrate the surface of the water, which prevents algae from turning the sunlight into the energy it needs to spread throughout your pond.
Plants
Adding plants to a pond is always a good idea. Pond plants help use up the nutrients in the water that would otherwise feed algae.
Cover plants like water hyacinths and water lettuce provide shade from the sun to pond water. Without sunlight, algae can't grow, so getting a few floating pond plants not only looks nice, but helps keep your pond crystal clear.
Filtration
Just as with fish tanks, adding carbon to a pond filter will help remove excess nutrients that can feed algae. Carbon usually only lasts for a month, so changing them regularly is essential for clean water.
Though pricey, a UV sterilizer added to a filter greatly reduces algae. As the water passes through the sterilizer, a high powered bulb fries any harmful molecules passing by it, including microorganisms like algae.
Snails and Fish
Snails will eat any algae growing on the pond liner surface, rocks, and other ornaments in your pond. Depending on the type of snail, and the climate zone in which you live, the snails may not survive the winter. You can bring them inside during the winter months if you live in a cooler climate, or trade them in at the store where you bought them.
People also add common algae eaters like Plecostemus to their outdoor ponds, but again, these fish can not tolerate cold temperatures, and need to be moved in the winter.
Regular Maintenance
Any debris or sludge should be removed from a pond, as things like fallen leaves break down into nutrients that feed algae. You should have a skimmer or net on hand to remove anything that falls into your pond. You can also buy a pond vacuum that hooks up to your hose and allows you to siphon up any sledge sitting on the bottom of your pond.
Ponds really highlight any outdoor garden space, and create an ideal environment for relaxation and summertime enjoyment. Taking a few steps to ensure that your pond does not become overrun with algae at the beginning of the season, as well as with a bit of regular maintenance, will keep your pond water crystal clear.
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