Algae in a nature pool or pond: what should you check?
Start by finding out what has changed. The appearance of the algae, recent weather and the way your system is running give more useful clues than choosing a treatment at random.
Updated
Start with the appearance of the problem
Algae attached to stones or plants are different from green water throughout the pond. Aquascapeâ„¢'s guide to identifying algae distinguishes string algae from suspended algae. Identifying the appearance is a starting point, not a complete diagnosis.
Take photographs from the same spot and note when the change began. Is it concentrated near a waterfall, on the bottom or across the water? Has the colour or smell changed suddenly?
Look for what has entered the water
Check for leaves, cut grass, soil washed from a bed or recent work beside the pool. In a fish pond, record feeding and changes in the fish population too. A recurring problem after rain calls for a look at the surrounding ground as well as the filter.
Remove accessible loose debris according to the care plan. Avoid making several changes at once: you want to understand what helped and whether the cause remains.
Check collection points and circulation
Compare the current water level and flow with the normal operation shown at handover. Is a collection basket full? Is the return flow different? Has a pump stopped or been switched to a different setting? Follow the equipment instructions before opening or cleaning components.
Mechanical collection and biological treatment have different jobs. Read how nature-pool filtration works before assuming that every part of the system should be cleaned in the same way.
Separate advice for swimming water and fish ponds
A product sold for an ornamental pond is not automatically suitable for a swimming pool. Nor can a fish pond's care routine simply be copied into a bathing installation. Before using an additive or changing treatment, check the intended use, the system instructions and the cause of the problem.
Plant choice and quantity also belong to the individual design. Adding an unfamiliar species or shading the whole surface is not a universal remedy.
When the water needs assessment
Appearance alone cannot establish whether water is suitable for bathing. Follow your monitoring plan and seek an assessment if quality is uncertain, especially after an unexplained change. Keep your observations, recent maintenance and equipment details together so the person assessing the system has something concrete to work from.
Prevent the same problem returning
Use the seasonal care guide to plan debris removal and routine checks, then adapt the schedule to your own installation. Repeated problems need an explanation, not just repeated treatment.
