Algae are problematic and nuisance on ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, lawn, patio, and any other unlikely places. These green and slimy organisms thrive under several conditions such as moistness, sunlight, and poor air circulation. It is almost impossible to completely remove algae because the abovementioned conditions are present in almost all households and garden.

These annoying plant-like organisms can dwell anywhere. Did you take a look at your roof, patio, swimming pools, and other areas in your garden? Those areas are just some of the pet-peeves of algae, and they can cause destruction or damages in your home when large algal blooms continue to multiply.

Problem area # 1: Swimming Pools

You might have been planning for a grand pool party, but you are worried that your algae-infested swimming pool will become a word-of-mouth of your guest. Nothing is more shameful than having a greenish pool with unsightly algae suspended on the surface. It will turn off your guests who wish to take a plunge on what they initially thought was an attractive pool. Here are some tips on how you can prevent those nauseating algae.

• Brushing the walls and floors of the swimming pool is the most practical way to remove the algae that stick within the pool’s interior. Doing this can reduce the population of algae in half.

• "Shock" or a highly concentrated chlorine in granule form is used to reduce algae. You can make a solution by dissolving the chlorine in the bucket of water before adding the solution in the swimming pool. The pool filter system must be turned on for a few minutes prior to adding the chlorine shock. Once the chlorine shock has been poured in the pool, the filter system should run for 24 hours to kill all algae suspended in the pool. You may add another dosage of chlorine shock if the water remains green, and if there are remaining algae in the pool. The dead algae will float on the surface of the pond. When algae surface up, you have to vacuum the dead algae from the pool to prevent them from returning.

Problem area # 2: Fish Tank

Algae normally grow in fish tanks and can be a sign that the tank is healthy, but too much algae can kill fish hastily. If you don’t clean it, the algae may eventually occupy the fish tanks and slaughter all the fish. Here are some ways on how you can prevent algae from fish tanks:

• Scrubbing the walls and sides of aquarium can remove the algae. Get a special aquarium scrubber meant for removing algae.

• Keep the mechanical filters working while scrubbing the algae from the sides of the tank.

• Fish tanks that receive too much sunlight are prone to algae growth. It is best to transfer the fish tank in a place with less or no sunlight.

• Overfeeding fish is another contributor of algae growth. The waste coming from fish gives off nutrients that algae love.

Problem area # 3: Garden

Have you ever noticed the clumps of algae that form along the garden particularly in pathways, sideways, concrete, and etc. Aside from becoming unattractive, algae are threat to health and safety of children and elderly people. Controlling algae in garden could be your worst nightmare!

• Hire a professional or a company to have your garden and exteriors cleaned once or twice a year.

• Spend time at least once a week in raking the garden soil that is a favourite hub of algae and moss