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Why Is My Pond Water Green? (And How to Fix It)
Green water almost always comes down to one thing. Here’s what’s happening in your pond, and the natural way to get your water clear.
If your pond has turned pea-green and cloudy, you’re seeing a planktonic algae bloom, billions of tiny algae suspended in the water. It looks alarming, but it’s telling you something useful about your water.
Green water = too many nutrients
Algae blooms are a sign that your pond has more nutrients than it can process. Those nutrients come from runoff, lawn fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings, waterfowl and fish waste, and decaying plants. In warm, sunny weather, that nutrient surplus fuels rapid algae growth.
What won’t fix it (for long)
Dyes can shade the water and slow growth, and algaecides can knock a bloom back quickly, but neither removes the nutrients driving the problem. On their own, they’re treating the symptom.
What clears green water for good
To fix green water at the source, you have to bring the nutrient load down:
- Condition the water with beneficial bacteria that digest excess nutrients.
- Aerate to keep oxygen levels up and the biology working.
- Keep nutrients out: reduce runoff, remove leaves and don’t over-feed fish.
Get the nutrients under control and the algae loses its fuel. Learn more about natural water conditioners or the 3-step program.
Written by
Nature’s Pond Care Team
Pond care experts
Practical, chemical-free pond care advice from the team that has been helping pond owners keep their water clear and healthy since 1988.
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Put it into practice
Start with the conditioner, add aeration, and let nature do the rest.
