Fountain Algae
 

My front yard fountain with the warm weather has developed a light (green) algae cover at the bottom. I have been adding algaecide clarifier that does not stop the problem. It was suggested to try hydrogen peroxide which also doesn’t work. I know I will probably have to drain the fountain, clean the bottom and refil, but I don’t want the same problem to start all over again. Any suggestions to remedy the problem will be appreciated.

Hello...we were having the same problem...I did not want to use the algaecide because birds bath and drink from our fountain. I scrubbed the fountain after my husband took it all apart, so we again started with a CLEAN fountain. I read about the hydrogen peroxide so wanted to give it a try cause said safe for critters. That was all about one month to six weeks ago. Every time I add water I add some peroxide, at least one cup , and to this day the fountain has stayed CLEAN and CLEAR...so happy. I think the trick was that I started with a fresh scrubbed fountain. Hoping this also helps you!

stop using it as your bath tub... :a040:

One small tablet pool chlorine, we use it on ours

Bleach wash rinse

I agree and do the same thing. If any birds are stupid enough to drink from it, Darwin has just done the avian gene pool a favor:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Try putting a chlorine tablet in the bottom, once it is cleaned.

Wish someone had already suggested that :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Wash it clean, put about 10 pre-1972 pennies in it.

Need to change the water. Clean surfaces. Add new water.

Algae can be controlled by removing the phosphates in the water. A pool store sells such products.

Clorean

I use 2 products made by Fountec. First is their Algaecide/Clarifier. One drop per gallon of water each week. Second is their Scale/Stain Remover. One tablespoon per month. The water in our fountain stays crystal clear, with no algae or white scale buildup. Sold in 8oz bottles (Amazon) which will last a long time.

T
 

I had several fountains up north. Try adding vinegar after a good cleaning, it's safe for birds and critters.

The chlorine evaporates from the water, so the birds aren’t getting any when they drink it.