Question
Good afternoon,
I have a pond that has algae growing on the rocks.  What would be the best way to remove the algae growing on the rocks.  Should I drain the pond and start fresh? Do I use a product to get the algae off of the walls and then vacuum the pond?  Do I pressure wash it instead? (I do not have fish in there at this time).  Which ever action you suggest - how do you recommend I begin the startup of the pond to insure that the pond will stay balanced?   Thank you for your help!

Answer
Check out my page on pond algae at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/algae2.htm
If you drain and clean the pond, it will look cleaner for a short time but then the algae will come back with a vengeance as the fresh water will provide it with more nutrients it was lacking.  Algae lives on light and fish waste (or other waste) in a pond.  Some algae is a good thing.  You say you don't have any fish yet.  Adding some fish and certainly more plants can help reduce the algae. Fish will nibble on algae, and plants compete directly with it.  If your pond is new, then it is normal for it to have a lot of algae the first year and sometimes the second but after that, it should remain clear.  Doing a 100% water change, cleaning, and/or pressure washing will only provide a temporary improvement.  Please see my web site for a lot more details.  Good luck!

Robyn