4 Algae Control Methods to Control Algae Blooms in Lakes

Excessive algae growth in lakes can damage the water quality, clogging filters and turning the water green. There are four common methods you can use to keep lake water healthy and well-balanced: chemicals, mixing, aeration and ultrasound. Choosing the right method is one of the best ways to maintain satisfactory water quality.

Chemicals

Using chemical intervention requires treating lake water with a variety of additives, such as lanthanum, alum and various others. Great care must be taken if you choose to use chemicals for lake algae control because using the wrong amount can result in toxins being released into the water. The long-term effects of chemical usage should also be considered.

Aeration

Aeration increases the amount of oxygen in a body of water. It’s an environmentally friendly way to care for lakes and other bodies of water. Using aeration eliminates the need for chemicals, but it can be expensive. Keep in mind that aeration doesn’t kill algae directly; it only makes it difficult for algae to grow. Due to this, using aeration to keep algae blooms at bay isn’t always guaranteed to work.

Mixing

Using mixers in a body of water results in destratification, the process by which water is mixed to get rid of stratified layers. Destratification makes it difficult for algae to grow. While mixing is often effective, the downside of mixing is that it’s rather high maintenance since mixing systems undergo a fair amount of wear and tear.

Ultrasound

When set to specific frequencies, ultrasound waves can control algae growth. Ultrasound waves form a sound layer in the top layer of a body of water. This sound layer affects the buoyancy of algae, causing it to sink to the bottom and eventually die.

If you have algae in your lake and need help getting it under control or are looking for ways to prevent blooms from occurring, consider seeking professional help. Experts, like the ones at The Lake Doctors, Inc., can help ensure that your lake stays clean and clear throughout the year.