A fountain adds a sense of tranquility and peaceful beauty to your yard. Unfortunately, algae -- a common problem in water features -- can quickly mar your fountain's appearance. While algaecides may help, many common ingredients, such as copper sulfate and potassium salts of fatty acids, are toxic to dogs and other pets. If you have a dog who likes to drink from your fountain, try a nontoxic approach to preventing algae from forming.
Use Distilled Water
The water that comes out of your tap may be rich in minerals that can encourage algae growth, as well as other common fountain problems, such as slime development, hard water deposits and foamy water. Instead of using tap water, try filling your fountain with distilled water, which has no minerals, and therefore is less likely to lead to algae blooms.
Change the Water
As the water evaporates from your fountain, minerals, dissolved organic matter and other contaminants are left behind. Over time, this organic matter concentration builds up, even though you top off your fountain's water level. This buildup often leads to algae blooms. To bring down the concentration of dissolved contaminants and keep algae out of your fountain, perform a partial water change at least once every six months. During the water change, remove approximately 15 percent of your fountain's water and replace it with fresh water. Discard the contaminated water you remove from your fountain, pouring it down the drain before your dog can get to it.
Sunlight is a main contributor to algae growth. By reducing the intensity of the light on your fountain, you remove a major factor in your algae problem. If you can, move your fountain so it's always in shade. If that's not possible, add floating decorations -- such as artificial pond plants -- or living pond plants that float on the fountain's surface and add shade. Shading 70 to 80 percent of the water surface is the goal.
Mix in Aquatic Dye
Fountain dyes make the water look blue. You may have seen this at hotels or golf courses. Aquatic dyes also reduce how much sunlight gets through the water -- shading the water from the inside as opposed to on the surface. This can help control algae. While not intended for human consumption, many dyes sold at garden centers are nontoxic and safe for animals. Check the label, as dye concentration varies widely by product, and verify that it's safe for dogs.
- Oregon State University Extension: Backyard Ponds and Water Features
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Water Gardens – A Low Management Approach
- Today's Homeowner: Removing Foam From a Garden Fountain
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Muddy Water, Surface Films, Foam and Slimes
- University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program: Water Gardens
- Old House Web: How to Maintain and Care for Backyard Ponds and Water Gardens
- National Pesticide Information Center: Copper Sulfate
- National Pesticide Information Center: Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images