Algaecides

Whether you own a pool, a pond, or some other water property, you'll have to deal with algae sooner or later. Algae are small microorganisms that form naturally in water. When abundant, they can turn the water green or be seen floating on its surface.

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

What are Algaecides?

Algaecides are pesticides designed to kill or slow down the growth of algae on a water body. They can have different active ingredients, but most contain some sort of metal chemical compound, such as copper (copper sulfate or copper chelate). Other algaecides use sodium carbonate, peroxy hydrate, silver, or ammonia as the active ingredient.

Algaecides can be liquid and sprayed directly onto the water surface to treat floating algae or injected into the water. They can also be dry granular formulations spread over the water surface to kill or suppress algae growth.

How Do Algaecides Work?

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

Copper absorbs into the algae cells, and since copper is toxic to algae, the cells burst and kill the algae. 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 algae control methods 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. This is why algaecides are not recommended for very small ponds, as they 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 water body needs to be healthy and thrive.

Algaecides should also be considered a last resort for treating water bodies. For example, if using an algaecide in a pool, you could use 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 can lead to costly results, so follow the label carefully before applying. Be cognizant of aquatic life (fish, etc.) in your water body, 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.

Wear personal protective equipment before 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 working 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 rather than all at once to give the pond a chance to recover from the oxygen depletion.

Featured Products

Cutrine Plus— is a liquid algaecide used to control various types of algae. The double-chelated formula and the active ingredient copper control planktonic, filamentous, and benthic forms of algae. It can effectively control algae on top of and on the bottom of the water. Cutrine Plus is safe in ponds and lakes 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.