Whether you have a small indoor water feature or a larger pond in your courtyard, you may battle to keep it clean and hygienic. Water plus sunshine equals algae, along with scale and discolouration – all bent on making your pond less than perfect.
In the spirit of keeping things as simple as possible, we’d like to highlight three easy ways to keep your pond clean with less elbow grease.
Copper Coins
Copper sulphate is sold by pool companies to combat algae, which gives us a hint as to where this is going. Yes, copper kills bacteria and will inhibit the growth of bacteria in a water feature. Many old wells, pond and water features had copper coins thrown into them for this reason.
U.S pennies made before 1982 are 95% copper and will start to break down as the water and sunlight act of them. In South Africa, the 10c piece is a copper coated nickel coin which will do the same thing until the thin outer layer of copper has been dissolved. Using copper piping will also have a positive effect on the algae levels in your pond.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the unsung heroes of the cleaning world. Made from acetic acid, it is a fiercely effective cleaner able to dissolve mineral deposits and grease, and even kills bacteria and mould.
If you want an effective, natural cleaner for your pond, then use vinegar to wash the piping and the basin. Not only will it clear algae build up but will remove limescale and stains in the pond. A quick rinse with water afterwards and you’re done.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has been around for decades as a disinfectant, an antiseptic, mouth wash, hair bleach and all round cleaner.
Yes, it can certainly be used in your pond to keep the water fresh and algae at bay. Make sure that you get the mix right if animals drink from your water feature though.
If you have fish, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended.
So there you have it. Three household products which you can safely use to keep your pond or water feature clean and algae-free.