Whether you have recently added a new pond or you are one of the lucky ones to already have one on your property, you are aware of how pleasant it can be. From growing aquatic plants to housing beautiful fish, or to just simply have a body of water to enjoy, the options are endless. And the addition of pond dye aka lake dye can even further enhance the appeal.
Natural occurrences such as debris that wash into the water or the growth of algae, may leave your pond smelling and looking not so fresh. Furthermore, it creates a murky appearance that’s not so eye-appealing.
When pond scum or debris causes water to turn green or brown, it may be time to give pond dye a shot.
If you are like most other pond owners, you might have heard myths about the use of pond dye. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of using dye. And, you will find a few other tricks to keep your pond smelling and looking awesome!
Benefits of Using Lake Dye
1 – It Gives the Water A Prettier Look
Like any other body of water, ponds and lakes are continuously affected and changed by the environments around them.
Unless your pond has a concrete or tiled bottom and sides, it most likely has grasses, dirt, rocks and other natural debris like tree branches or muck collected from the bottom. Even a concrete pond collects debris from fallen leaves of nearby trees or dirt from around the edges.
Ponds also acquire debris from the runoff caused by the rain. These are all factors that may affect the color of your pond, turning it brown, green or something in between.
Pond dye is a great solution to this problem.
Regardless of the collected debris, runoff, or other materials, pond dye will keep your pond water clean and healthy color. There are even a variety of shades to choose from like blue or a cleaner version of green.
2 – Pond Dye Helps Keep Algae Under Control
Algae is another natural growth that can cause your water to turn an unsightly color is algae.
Many people assume that algae are a plant that grows only on the surface of the water. However, algae are microorganisms that have the capability to perform photosynthesis.
Algae that develops on the surface of ponds and lakes are more commonly referenced as pond scum. So yes, pond scum is a natural occurrence. However, most of us naturally think of it as a nuisance when it begins growing in backyard ponds or water features.
Pond scum layers the surface, making it difficult to see the water or fish. Furthermore, pond scum is a yucky green color that is unpleasant to look at in a decorative pond.
Pond scum can also have a very undesirable smell. If not maintained, the odor from pond scum can be foul enough to force you out of your backyard and away from your pond until the problem is corrected.
Ponds in public areas or in housing or apartment developments that have pond scum growing have been known to cause an outrage from nearby residents. The last thing you want is to have excessive pond scum that forces you out of your own backyard. After all, a pond should be a place to relax and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoors.
3 – Getting Rid of Pond Scum
Adding pond dye is a simple solution.
The right pond dye formula will help reduce algae growth, or pond scum in your water. Regular treatments will go a long way towards putting a stop to the stink.
Another way to reduce the growth of pond scum is to keep the water moving. Algae will only grow in water that is stagnant. Adding a fountain or aerator along with the use of pond dye will help reduce algae blooms.
4 – No Harm to Your Plants, Fish, or Other Wildlife
Many pond owners are concerned that using pond dye will be harmful to the health of anything living in the water.
Whether you have beautiful koi fish, stock your water with your favorite catch, or you like to grow aquatic plants such as water lilies, the last thing you want to do is harm them.
If you choose the right pond dye for your water, you won’t have to be concerned about killing off anything living in your pond.
Another common concern is whether or not dye will affect the color of aquatic plants or fish. Like many of us learned as children in science class, adding food dye to water and placing cut flowers in the water will alter the color of the petals. However, this only occurs when the stems have been cut.
The plants growing in your pond have their roots intact. Therefore, the dye will not affect their color or the color of your fish.
5 – Choose Non-toxic Options
In addition to the safety of your aquatic plants and fish, dye will not harm any humans that come into contact with it.
As long as you use the proper amount of dye and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, the dye is safe for people. That said, you can continue to enjoy a swim in your pond without concern for your safety.
The Bottom Line Use Pond Dye and Other Tactics to Reduce Algae
Pond dye is a great solution to reduce algae blooms and enjoy a more beautiful pond without causing harm to plants or fish that live in the water. You can have peace of mind when using dye knowing that it is safe for you or anyone else that decides to go for a dip in your pond.
But while the use of pond dye is always a good choice, to ensure that pond scum won’t make a comeback in your pond water, you need to take more than one precaution.
Aeration and fountains are always a good option, as they keep the water moving. And that movement is critical in preventing the growth of algae.
Another option is the use of algaecides. These chemicals help stop algae blooms in its tracks.
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
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