3 Ways To Get Rid Of Algae In Ponds - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Rid of Algae in Ponds PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Scott Johnson

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

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  • Cleaning Algae with Natural Solutions
    • |
  • Using Mechanical and Chemical Solutions
    • |
  • Preventing Algae from Forming
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Scott Johnson. Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 721,341 times.

A pond can be a beautiful and ornamental addition to a garden or home, but it might lose some of its charm if the water is green and murky with algae. Whether you want a cleaner pond in the long-term with more natural solutions, prefer to use mechanical or chemical solutions to remove algae from the pond, or want to prevent algae from building up, there are several easy options that can help you achieve your goal.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Algae with Natural Solutions

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  1. Step 1 Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. 1 Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. As a living organism, algae draws nutrients from the water in order to live. Add some more appealing plants, such as lily pads, cattails, or watercress, to your pond that will suck up all of those nutrients and stop algae from being able to grow. This can help keep your water clear and make your pond look more interesting.[1]
    • Your local nursery or garden store should have a wide selection of plants perfect for your pond. Ask if you’re unsure about the best types of plant to use.
    • For best results, cover around 60% of the surface of your pond with plants.
  2. Step 2 Avoid overfeeding your fish to stop leftover food from rotting. 2 Avoid overfeeding your fish to stop leftover food from rotting. If you have fish in your pond, you should only feed them the amount of food that they can consume in around 5 minutes. If you feed them more than this, the excess food will drift to the bottom and rot, which can be a catalyst for algae growth.[2]
    • If you’re unsure about how much to feed your fish, check the instructions on your fish food for a rough guide. You should be feeding your fish once a day with a small sprinkling of food. Watch your fish for 5 minutes after you feed them to see how much food is left over and adjust accordingly.
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  3. Step 3 Remove the algae from the surface of your pond with a skimmer or algae net. 3 Remove the algae from the surface of your pond with a skimmer or algae net. The easiest way to clean algae from the top of a pond is simply lifting it up and off. Use a skimmer or algae net to skim the surface of your pond, pulling the algae free and removing it from the pond. This may take a while, but will give you immediate results when it’s done.
    • Although this is a very quick solution, it’s not one that will work long-term. Removing the algae won’t stop it from growing back.
  4. Step 4 Add barley straw to the pond to slowly kill the algae. 4 Add barley straw to the pond to slowly kill the algae. As it rots, barley straw will slowly release small amounts of hydrogen peroxide that will kill any algae growing in your pond. Buy a small bale of barley straw and throw it into your pond when you first notice algae growing in your pond. Over the course of a few weeks, you should notice the algae in your pond disappearing.[3]
    • Use 8 ounces (0.23 kg) of barley straw for every 1,000 gallons (3,800 L) of water in your pond.[4]
    • Barley straw should be available from your local pet shop, as it is used for bedding for a lot of small animals. Otherwise, it may be available at a specialty pond store or online.
    • The amount of hydrogen peroxide released by the rotting barley straw should be just enough to kill the algae, without killing any other plants in your pond.
  5. Step 5 Introduce algae eating creatures to your pond. 5 Introduce algae eating creatures to your pond. Similarly to using plants to prevent algae from growing, there are plenty of animals you can add to your pond that will directly feed of algae. Add a few tadpoles or some aquatic pond snails to your pond and keep an eye on them as they grow. They should begin eating the algae in your pond, as well as bringing a little more life to it.[5]
    • Tadpoles will also eat mosquito and other insect larvae that may settle on the top of your pond.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Mechanical and Chemical Solutions

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  1. Step 1 Install a fine bubble aerator to increase the movement of the water. 1 Install a fine bubble aerator to increase the movement of the water. One of the main causes of algae bloom is the lack of water movement. Purchase a fine bubble aerator and install it in the deepest section of your pond. This will constantly aerate the water, keeping it moving to produce a healthier environment in the pond and prevent harmful algae.
    • Fine bubble aerators should be available from a specialty pond store. If you don’t have one nearby, there are plenty of online retailers that sell aerators.
  2. Step 2 Clean your filtration system once a month to keep the water clean. 2 Clean your filtration system once a month to keep the water clean. If your pond has a filtration system installed but algae is still able to grow, you may need to clean the filter inside the system more often. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your filter at least once each month to prevent algae from forming.[6]
    • A pond filter isn’t necessary, but can be useful in keeping the water in your pond clean.
    • If you have a large mechanical filter, you should be able to clean it by attaching a backwash hose and backwashing the filter until the water runs clear.
    • For smaller filters, remove the filter and clean it with non-chlorinated water to remove any obvious grime, gunk, or algae.
    • Make sure you clean out your pond filter away from the pond. If you clean it too close the pond, everything you remove from the filter will end up back in your pond over time.
  3. Step 3 Use an ultraviolet light sterilizer to destroy algae. 3 Use an ultraviolet light sterilizer to destroy algae. Ultraviolet light is great at sterilizing and damaging a lot of organic materials, including algae. Install a pond filter that has an ultraviolet light sterilizer in your pond to break down and destroy algae as it grows. After 3 to 5 days, your water should be free of algae and clear.[7]
    • Filters with UV light sterilizers will be more expensive than other filters, but also a lot more effective. They should be available from a specialty pond store or online.
    • This is a very effective way to kill algae in ponds, but may also harm beneficial bacteria and other positive organic material in your pond.
  4. Step 4 Treat the pond water with algaecides. 4 Treat the pond water with algaecides. If you can’t clean your water and remove your algae any other way, you can use algaecides to treat the water and kill the algae. Purchase an algaecide or herbicide that contains copper and spray it over your pond to begin killing off the algae. You should see the algae begin to die off within 3 to 10 days from the first treatment.
    • Algaecides and herbicides are made of chemicals that are designed to kill algae, so they will be more harmful than other natural methods used to remove algae. Use algaecides as a last resort. Always consult the instructions on your chosen algaecides or herbicides before using them in a pond with plants or living creatures.
    • Make sure you check with local regulations before treating your water with an algaecide. You may need a permit for some chemicals in some locations.
    • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with an algaecide. Using more than is required may damage your pond or harm any wildlife living in or around it.
    EXPERT TIP Scott Johnson

    Scott Johnson

    Landscape & Design Consultant Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University. Scott Johnson Scott Johnson Landscape & Design Consultant

    Our Expert Agrees: To prevent algae from blooming in the spring and summer, treat your pond each April with an algaecide. If you have fish in your pond, just make sure you choose a product that's safe for them before you use it.

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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Algae from Forming

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  1. Step 1 Build your pond in a shady area to limit sunlight. 1 Build your pond in a shady area to limit sunlight. Algae needs sunlight to grow, so if you’re still in the planning stages of a new pond, consider installing it in an area that only gets a little sun. Try building a pond near a tall wall, or use a shade mat or sail to stop algae from being able to grow.
    • You shouldn’t rely on shade that comes from large trees, as they may drop leaves into the pond. Fallen leaves will eventually rot and let algae grow, meaning you’ll need to clean your pond more often.
    • Shade mats and sails are custom-made barriers that will prevent excess sunlight from getting into your pond. They should be available at specialty pond stores or online.
  2. Step 2 Add a rim or border around your pond to keep out new water. 2 Add a rim or border around your pond to keep out new water. Water that runs off from your garden may contain nutrients that algae can feed on to grow. Build a slight lip rim, roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) high, around the edge of your pond to limit uncontrolled water from flowing into the pond.
    • This will also help keep fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides from getting into your pond through water runoff. All of these can be very detrimental to the health of your pond and the living things in it.
  3. Step 3 Color the water with a pond dye to reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed. 3 Color the water with a pond dye to reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed. There are several dyes, normally blue in color, that are designed to be added to a pond to stop sunlight from reaching the bottom, which will prevent the formation of algae. Purchase a pond dye of your choice and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dye your pond.
    • Pond dye should be available online or at your local specialty pond store.
    • The amount of pond dye needed will vary based on the size of your pond. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-dyeing your pond.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Is there a simple way to get rid of algae in a small non-fish pond? Community Answer Community Answer I have a small reflecting pool with a fountain and I use a chlorine tablet for pools to keep the water clear and algae-free. In spring I use a whole tablet, but during the summer months I break a tablet in half and it will last about a month. It works very well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 40 Helpful 83
  • Question What do I do if my lotus is not flowering? Community Answer Community Answer Do you have it in the proper soil? Have you fertilized it with a pond-safe fertilizer recently? Both will contribute to lotus bloom. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 23
  • Question Can I feed my fish at the same time as I treat the water for algae? Community Answer Community Answer I would not as it takes oxygen to digest the food. Most treatments will lower oxygen levels. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 21
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • If the level of algae gets to a point where the fish are dying, drain the whole pond and scrub it all off. Add new water that has been left for 24 hours before returning the fish. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Some types of algae are actually beneficial for your pond, providing food for fish and controlling nitrate levels. If you're unsure what type of algae is in your pond, look online to identify it and determine if it is harmful or beneficial. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
  • Make sure to properly size your pump, filtration system, and UV sterilizer. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 5
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/BzxPDw6ezEc?t=223
  2. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/fish/nutrition/evr_fi_fish_food
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/BzxPDw6ezEc?t=153
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/1Gh7afyx2qc?t=38
  5. ↑ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1011106417883
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/f41RKJLf3mc?t=120
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/BzxPDw6ezEc?t=94

About This Article

Scott Johnson Co-authored by: Scott Johnson Landscape & Design Consultant This article was co-authored by Scott Johnson. Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University. This article has been viewed 721,341 times. 100 votes - 92% Co-authors: 24 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 721,341 Categories: Featured Articles | Outdoor Water Features Article SummaryX

To get rid of algae in a pond, try planting more aquatic plants in your pond, like lily pads, cattails, or watercress, which will absorb the nutrients that algae needs to grow. You can also throw a small bale of barley straw into your pond, which will slowly kill any algae over the course of a few weeks while it rots. Also, consider introducing algae-eating animals to your pond, like tadpoles and aquatic snails. To prevent algae from growing in the first place, avoid overfeeding any fish in your pond since uneaten food will rot and cause algae growth. To learn how to get rid of algae in a pond using chemicals, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Fekry Ghazal

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    Dec 31, 2016

    "This page is very interesting to me in that it gave me good highlight on how to get red of algae from water ponds,..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Scott Johnson Co-authored by: Scott Johnson Landscape & Design Consultant Co-authors: 24 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 721,341 92% of readers found this article helpful. 100 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote Fekry Ghazal

Fekry Ghazal

Dec 31, 2016

"This page is very interesting to me in that it gave me good highlight on how to get red of algae from water ponds,..." more Patricia Mayfield

Patricia Mayfield

Sep 17, 2017

"This article was very helpful. It gave several solutions for problems we are having with our pond. Thanks!" Vincent Woon

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Feb 18, 2022

"Never knew there are so many possible easy solutions to get rid of algae in a fishpond. Thanks a lot. " Rated this article: Ramod Ayendra

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Oct 11, 2019

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