The appearance of a domestic water body often affects the appearance of the nearby home. A private lake maintained with pond dye, algaecide, and other maintenance strategies is a great place for afternoons of fishing, parties on summer evenings, and even wedding receptions, but a lake that lacks maintenance is only fit for “frog gigging.” When homeowners stop maintaining a lake, it only takes a few weeks for the water to change from beautiful to brackish; and the decline detracts from the appearance of surrounding property.
Maintaining Ponds and Lakes
Pond and lake maintenance techniques range from installing special filters to applying pond water dye. To get the best results, the key is to choose techniques that address the needs of a particular body of water. With that said, the techniques below significantly improve the appearance of most ponds and lakes.
Applying Algaecide
Not all lakes and ponds need algaecide, but those that have not been maintained usually do need it. The classic sign of excess algae is masses of green sludge floating at the surface. If left unchecked, these masses coalesce to form a large mass that covers a pond or lake’s entire surface. Applying regular doses of algaecide prevents algae buildup from happening.
Applying a Sludge Digester
Many lakes develop a layer of sludge at the bottom that causes them to smell like rotten vegetable matter, encourages weeds and algae to grow out of control, and produces oxygen swings that can harm plants and fish. Sludge digester—an organic product that is not harmful to fish, humans, animals, or plants—helps prevent these problems. Before applying the product, property owners should calculate the amount that is needed based on the volume of the lake.
Applying Colorant
Pond dye does what no other maintenance measure can: it changes the color of the water. In addition to beautifying water, it also inhibits the growth of algae by limiting the UV rays it receives. Available in aqua, blue, dark blue, and black, Pond water dye lasts six to eight weeks. It is non-staining and does not harm fish, humans, animals, or plants.
Implement a Filter
Several types of filters are available for lakes and ponds, from floating vacuums to stationary pumps. Filters are used to remove particulate matter and excess nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. In doing so, they make the water less murky and reduce the need for algaecide and herbicide. Property owners should consult a lake maintenance company before they select a filter.
Does Your Lake or Pond Appear Murky?
If so, Aquadye has pond water dye that will solve the problem. Available in aqua, blue, dark blue, and black, our eco friendly pond dye is the ideal finishing touch for lakes that are free of excess algae, weeds, sludge, and particulate matter that make bodies of water smell bad and appear ignored. In combination, the maintenance strategies listed above can turn a private lake from an eyesore into a place that is perfect for summer fun.
One Comment to “Pond Dye and Other Maintenance Strategies for Lakes and Ponds”
Posted September 13th, 2012 by Stan at 6:29 pm
I have a small pond, about an acre. Your 1 gallon product says it treats 2 acres, but what is the shelf life? Can I use in the fall and then the following spring?