Algae in outdoor water fountain?

Algae growth is indicates a lack of oxygen. I would suggest you check or place an aeration pump in the fountain to overcome the problem.

As a Grounds Manager I oversaw a large (huge) fountain on a College Campus. Algae was always a problem. I had it drained, treated with Chlorine, scrubbed, etc. Two weeks later it was the same. It had three pumps and a cascading waterfall. Oxygen was not the problem.

I went to our Biology Facility and found that my problem was not being in full sun, being out of sun, Chlorine levels, rather the general PH of the water. I then went back to a Pool I worked at and received the same answer. I also found out that the base of the pools color was key.

The over-the-counter chemical you use is probably intended to make the general color of the water blue. That will basically block the sun from generating most algae. Large swimming facilities use a PH test in which they can control the Chlorine and Alkalie to make the water unlikely to produce algae. The combo does not promote active fish life, however, it does help in elimination of the problem.

Many people will write telling you to use Koa/Goldfish. Great choice. Instead, try this simple remedy! Either replace your liner with the lighest blue or a white liner! Test the PH about twice a week and adjust with what is necessary. You will find the Chlorine is less than needed. Remove any/all plants you may have installed in the pond. Surround the fountain with plants versus installing the plants in the pond.

Good Luck, I am at gjgjobs@yahoo.com.

I assume your outdoor water fountain doesn't contain plants or fish. As you're calling it a fountain, I'm also assuming it aerates (keeps the water moving), which does help control algae.

I have an outdoor bubbling urn (3 feet high) and a small outdoor waterfall fountain (about 20 galloms). I splash a little household chlorine bleach (about 1/4 cup) in the larger fountain occasionally and this kills the algae. The bleach hasn't seemed to harm the tubing or the pump; I've had the fountain about 5 years.

Regarding chlorine bleach/water solutions, they are considered "neutralized" after about a week, so you must add the bleach regularly.

If you have fish or plants, don't use bleach. In my 800 gallon pond with waterfall, plants, and fish, I use either MicrobeLift or PondZyme to control algae. They are beneficial enzymes/bacteria which "eat" pond wastes and are available at home improvement and pond stores.

You will need to put bleach in it for the purpose of mosquito larvae control. They have a chemical out there that will also help with clarity of the water and it does real good. Just about any place has it. Lowes I know has it for sure. The pump you will need to place level on a piece of foam or something and make sure that the water level is above the pump at all times. In the summer months you have to add water to the fountains and ponds every few days or more often depending on the weather of where you live.

Keep the water circulating,and replace evaporated volume.