Algaecides

Whether you own a pool, a pond or some other water property, you're going to be dealing with algae sooner or later.  Algae are small microorganisms that form naturally in water. When they are in abundance, they can turn the water green or can be clearly seen floating on the water surface.

While there are a number of ways you can address the growth of algae on water, one of the most effective options for control is the use of an algaecide. On this page, you can learn more about this chemical type, how it works and its benefits. You can also access this page to shop for our recommended algaecide products.

What are Algaecides?

Algaecides are pesticides designed for the purpose of killing or slowing down the growth of algae on a water body. Algaecides can come with different active ingredients but most of them contain some sort of metal chemical compound such as copper (copper sulfate or copper chelate). There are other algaecides that use the active ingredient sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, silver or ammonia.

Algaecides can come in liquid form and be used as a spray directly onto the water surface to treat floating algae or can be injected into the water. Algaecides can also come in a dry granular formulation to be spread over the water surface to kill or suppress the algae growth.

How Do Algaecides Work?

Algaecides kill algae by disruption of their normal cellular processes whether it be cell division, energy transport or inhibition of the algae cell making new proteins. For example, algaecides that contain copper kill algae where they are applied mostly via absorption.

The copper absorbs into the algae cells, and since copper is toxic to algae, the cells of the algae end up bursting and killing it. Other active ingredients of algaecides kill algae by suffocating the organisms until they are destroyed.

Benefits of Algaecide

Algaecides are a quick and effective means of killing algae on a water body and purifying the water, especially if other methods of algae control do not work.

You should see results of algae depletion within 12 hours of application for most types of algaecide.

Drawbacks of Algaecide

Algaecides that contain copper can reduce the oxygen content in a water body, which can be toxic to aquatic life in the water. This is why algaecides are not recommended for very small ponds as it can be toxic to fish. You should reserve algaecide usage mainly for large ponds and water bodies.

Although algaecides can kill bacteria, they can also kill good beneficial bacteria that your waterbody needs to be healthy and thrive.

Algaecides also should be looked at as a last resort for treating water bodies. For example, if you were using an algaecide in a pool, you could try using chlorine first to address the algae. Letting the aquatic life in the water consume the algae can also help to naturally reduce the algae before turning to algaecides.

Are Algaecides Safe?

Algaecides are safe to use when applied according to the label directions. Misuse of algaecides can lead to some costly results so follow the label carefully before applying. Be cognizant of aquatic life (fish, etc.) in your waterbody as algaecides carry the risk of harming fish indirectly if they are not applied correctly. You may need to treat your pond in sections rather than all at once.

Make sure to wear personal protective equipment prior to mixing or handling algaecide products (wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing, protective eyewear and a safety mask)

What To Expect

Following treatment with an algaecide, the product should start to work immediately upon contact to kill the algae. When applied properly, algaecides can kill algae in as quickly as 12 to 24 hours. In some cases, it would be wise to treat your water body in sections as opposed to all at once to give the pond a chance to recover from the oxygen depletion.

Featured Products

Cutrine Plus - Cutrine Plus is a liquid algaecide used to control various types of algae. The double chelated formula and the active ingredient of copper controls planktonic, filamentous, and benthic forms of algae. It can effectively control algae on top of the water and on the bottom of the water. Cutrine Plus is safe to use in ponds and lakes used for swimming, fishing, and livestock. Results can be seen in as soon as 1 to 2 days. Cutrine Plus also comes in a granular formulation.