- Maintaining healthy levels of chlorine will keep your pool water pristine.Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
In a swimming pool, you will generally find three types of algae: light green, dark green and black. Each kind of algae can be killed by super-chlorinating your pool with a chlorine shock treatment. For light green algae control, add one pound of shock treatment for every 10,000 gallons of water. For dark green algae, three pounds of shock treatment is needed; and four pounds per 10,000 gallons of water will kill black algae.
Chlorine shock treatment can be found in most home-improvement stores for around $2 to $4 per pound. Never add shock treatment to a skimmer with an automatic chlorinator, as this will cause toxic fumes to be released. Instead, dissolve each pound of shock treatment into a gallon of water, and dump them into the pool separately. - Large algae blooms in ponds can quickly decrease oxygen levels in the water.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Because there are usually sensitive animals living in decorative ponds, natural algae control methods are generally preferred over their chemical counterparts. One of the best natural methods of algae control is to introduce snails and algae-eating fish into a pond. These animals will spend the bulk of their time actively hunting down algae and will contribute to the overall ecosystem of a pond.
Barley straw bales are another widely-used algae controller. These bales usually are anchored to a rock on the bottom of a pond, and contain microbes that digest algae. Barley straw bales that will treat 2,000 gallons of water can be found for around $27 each. - Algae blooms are one of the most common problems aquarium enthusiasts deal with and can destroy an entire aquarium if left unchecked. The easiest way to control algae in an aquarium is by regular cleanings and keeping the tank out of direct sunlight. For an aquarium that already suffers from an algae bloom, most pet stores carry algae control products.
Introducing snails, shrimp, plecostamus and/or other algae-eating fish can prevent large algae blooms by their continuous feeding. - The best method of algae control is to prevent it before it has a chance to get a foothold. Using tarps during the hottest part of the day will help keep algae and other microbes from multiplying in a pool water. Maintain proper chlorine levels in pool water at all times, keeping in mind that chlorine evaporates at one ppm per hour when exposed to direct sunlight. Keep all filters changed and cleaned regularly to prevent algae growth within the filters.
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