Stop Algae Growth in Your Indoor Water Fountain

Listening to the soothing sounds of running water is a great way to keep calm during a stressful day or to relax after a long day at work. Enjoying your indoor water feature should be easy. But what happens when you get algae growing in the water? No one enjoys the look or smell of the algae, which can ruin your ability to enjoy it. But, we have found a few simple ways to stop the algae growth.

Algae can grow anywhere there is light and water. Using distilled water in your water fountain will help reduce the amount of algae that grows due to the water being more pure. Distilled water has the sediments and minerals removed, which helps reduce mineral buildup and algae growth.

Another simple way to reduce algae growth is to turn off the lights on the water feature at night, even if the water is left running. Algae requires 8-10 hours of light a day to grow. If you can place your water feature in an area that doesn’t get direct sunlight, as well as turn off the lights at night, this will reduce the amount of light the water feature receives, which will help reduce the amount of algae that could grow.

It will be necessary to clean the water fountain occasionally. If distilled water is being used, an indoor water feature can usually wait 3-4 months between cleanings. If tap water is used, monthly or semi-monthly cleanings may be necessary. It is important to thoroughly wipe down the tray and water surface during cleaning to start with a fresh, clean fountain.

If after following the above suggestions a water features still experiences algae growth, one drop of bleach for every three gallons of water your water feature holds can be added to the tray. It is important more than this amount is not added or it can bleach out the water surface. There is no noticeable scent from the bleach in such small amounts, so the bleach will not detract from enjoying the water feature.

If there is a concern about the safety of bleach to children or pets, oxygen bleach can be used, which is safer than chlorine bleach. It doesn’t contain the same toxic chemicals, making it safe for plants, animals, and humans. Oxygen bleach usually comes in a powder form which is mixed with water before using. The powder needs to be thoroughly dissolved before adding the drops of bleach to the water fountain to prevent the powder from clogging the pump.

With these simple steps, preventing algae growth is easy and will enable indoor water fountains to be enjoyed for years to come. 

Watch our video on how to clean your water fountain.

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