How to Make Farm Pond Water Turn Blue

Published: Nov 19, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

The dye reduces the amount of sunlight that enters the pond thus controlling the quantity of plant life (including algae) that grows in your pond. Dying your pond blue does not cause any adverse reactions to fish or humans and is relatively simple to implement.

  1. Buy your pond dye. Blue pond dyes are available from many different companies even though the ingredients in the dyes are generally the same. Pond dyes can be found at many farm and tractor stores or from various online merchants. Read all directions and warnings on the label of the container before use. Be sure to follow the directions accordingly. Never use the blue pond dye in any other way than its intended purpose.

  2. Wear rubber gloves when working with the blue pond dye. Wearing rubber gloves will protect your hands from staining. If dye comes in contact with skin, wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

  3. Pour the blue pond dye into various areas of your pond. This will ensure an even dispersion of color. Apply at a rate of 1 quart of pond dye per 1 surface acre of water 4-6 feet deep. This may vary depending on the brand of pond dye you have purchased. For detailed instructions based on the brand you bought, follow the directions located on the back of the container.

  4. Apply more pond dye to your water when you start to notice the color fading. The dye typically lasts three months but could fade sooner depending on rainwater dilution and biodegradation.

  5. 48 hours after the initial application of dye, lower a weighted white object attached to a string into you water. Measure how far down the white object goes until it is no longer visible. This allows you to get a reading of how much blue color is present in the water. Every two to three weeks lower the weighted white object down into the water in the same spot that you took the initial reading. If you have to lower the white object farther before it is no longer visible, then it is time to add more dye.

Things You Will Need

  • Blue pond dye
  • Rubber gloves

References

Amanda Flanigan

Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.