If you’re thinking about dyeing your lake to improve its appearance, you may have some questions about lake dyes—also referred to as water dyes—before you make a decision. Dyes can significantly improve the appearance of your pond for months at a time. But they also offer other benefits that sometimes go unmentioned. Below, we answer some frequently asked questions concerning the additional benefits of lake dyes.
1. How Long Do the Dyes Last?
On average, a full dose lasts 6-8 weeks. This time period is based on applying a full dose to a pond that has a moderate turnover rate, the rate at which new liquid cycles in as existing liquid cycles out. Because many pond owners enjoy changing their lake’s color from season to season, they consider the dye’s moderate duration a meaningful benefit.
2. How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of dye is relatively stable from supplier to supplier, with a gallon supply that colors 2 acre feet of water generally costing around $50. Dyes come in different strengths that treat different feet acres, but their generally low price means that most landowners can color their pond year round for well under $1,000.
3. How Many Colors Are Available?
The number of colors is potentially endless, but the most popular colors continue to be: aqua, light blue, medium blue, dark blue and black, with black being favored for woodland settings and dark blue being one the most popular colors overall. Many pond owners favor lighter colors for spring and summer and darker colors for fall and winter, the latter of which can raise water temperature and prevent freezing.
4. Does the Dye Stain?
The only thing that the dye colors is water. While it’s tempting to tell a tall tale about aqua colored fish, the fact is: water colorants are food grade dye, making them non-staining to people, animals, fish, or vehicles that come into contact with them after they’ve been applied to a pond.
5. Could Lake Coloring Improve Property Value?
While no colorant can claim to improve property value, it could indeed make a property appear more appealing to its potential buyers. When a lake turns from greenish brown to a pleasant, clean hue, it goes from being a potential eyesore to an attractive feature of most any business or residential property.
6. Does the Dye Control Algae?
When implemented in sufficient quantities, the colorant has the effect of controlling deep growing algae by preventing UV rays from penetrating a lake’s depths. But it doesn’t take the place of algaecide, which chemically prevents the spread of algae. Often, algaecide is applied as a lake maintenance measure, and then colorant is applied to improve appearance.
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