Pond Problems Part 1: The Green Monster—Algae Control Through Balance

New pond, crystal clear—then months later, green cloudiness and hair-like masses take over. That's algae: ancient, essential for life, but not for ruining your water feature.

Balance Is Key

Some algae needed; total takeover unwanted. Sunlight fuels it—full sun encourages growth; shade brings leaf rot. Natural ponds tolerate more; koi hate it.

Solution: Water Movement

Even 1 drip/second breaks surface tension. Better: fountain (easiest) or cascade (prettier). Both oxygenate and disrupt algae.

Rockery Bonus

Build a rockery with excavated soil (keep topsoil separate; subsoil for aquatic plants). Hide pump plumbing in buried conduit.

Cascade Construction

Broken masonry/hardcore for foundation. Pile, let settle 2 weeks… (Continued in Part 2).