Keeping Algae Out of Fountains Without Harming Dogs

Keep It Fresh

• As water evaporates, the minerals, organic material and other contaminants in the water are left behind. While you may be topping up your fountain as the water level drops, the organic matter and contaminants are still there, and more are added with the new water. The buildup eventually leads to algae blooms. The simplest and most natural way to keep algae out of your fountain is to change the water at least twice a year. If you fill your fountain with tap water, which contains minerals and contaminants that contribute to algae growth, replacing it with distilled water may help prevent algae.

Add Some Shade

• Algae need sunlight to grow, so removing this element can prevent it from forming in your fountain. If your fountain is portable, move it to a shady location to keep algae from forming. If you can’t move the fountain, add artificial plants or another type of floating decoration to the water. These float on the water’s surface, adding shade. However, you’ll need to shade about 80 percent of the water’s surface to prevent the growth of algae.

Color the Water

• Fountain and pond dyes, which are available at garden centers and pond supply stores, add color to your fountain water, but coloring does more than just make the water look nice. Dyes reduce how much sunlight infiltrates the water. The dye shades the water from within, instead of just the surface, and this helps prevent algae growth. The dye’s label will indicate whether or not it’s safe for animals, so verify that the product is non-toxic before using it in your fountain to ensure it won’t harm your dog.

Clean It Up

• While it seems like a simple solution to algae, it’s easy to forget to clean outdoor fountains until a problem like algae occurs. If you clean your fountain every one to three months, you remove bacteria, minerals and organic material that algae thrive on. Turn the fountain off and drain the water, and then clean the basin and the pump thoroughly, but don’t use household cleaner or bleach. These chemicals are toxic to your dog and to wildlife that frequent your fountain, such as birds. Instead, empty the fountain and gently scrub its mineral deposits and other material away with a soft brush. For stubborn materials or algae stains, scrub with lemon juice or vinegar, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.