What is Algaecide?

Algaecide is a chemical treatment for swimming pools, fish ponds and other 'water features' that kills algae. Algae are very small organisms that grow in water or very damp environments. Algae in pools and ponds can cause the water to become cloudy, and in some cases can form a scum over the surface that blocks the sunlight from the water. Algae is the cause of the peculiar 'red tide' phenomenon, in which the ocean appears to be covered in blood. Usually algae is unsightly, yet it can also be dangerous —- certain kinds of algae give off toxins that can be hazardous to humans, fish and plants.

A commercial algaecide is a quick and easy way to remove algae from your pool or pond. When you use an algaecide in your swimming pool, it allows you to use less chlorine for water purification, resulting in water than is more pleasant to swim in, without the stinging eyes and nose that too much chlorine can cause. Regular use of algaecide also prolongs the life of your water filtration systems, as there is less plant material to clog the filters and intakes of your pump.

Select an algaecide with a view to whether you are treating a swimming pool or a fish pond. Some algaecides aren't suitable for use in water which contains living fish, so read the label and follow directions closely. Even too much of an algaecide intended for fish ponds can be harmful to your fish, and change the Ph levels of the water too radically for healthy fish. Algaecide can be purchased online, but to make sure you get all your questions answered, visit a local nursery that supplies water feature materials.

Written by Jane Harmon