Pond Dye Variation in the Same Pond

Finding the right shade of pond dye can be daunting, just like picking out the right paint color.  The same white paint will look completely different from one house to another and the same can be said for pond dye. 

Sanco offers three different shades of pond dye.  Crystal Blue, which is a true royal blue color, Ocean Blue is a turquoise blue-green color and Black Out pond dye gives your pond a deep lake look while mirroring surrounding landscape.

We have discussed pond dye variation from pond to pond (read the full article by clicking on the link).  However, pond dyes can vary from one application to the next in the same pond.  This is often times shocking to a pond owner, but when you consider the variables this should be expected.  We have had several calls this year about adding a second application of dye and it looks different than the first time they added dye.

Well, it is going to…there are an unlimited number of variables that are changing your pond throughout the day.  Here are a couple variables to consider: rainfall, run off, evaporation, time of day (lighting), fish activity, temperature, usage, and the list goes on.

When adding a second application of dye you are most likely going to have dye left in the pond even though it may be difficult to see visually when you add more dye it will intensify the existing color.  The most common complaint is that the color looks a little greener.  Based on timing alone this makes sense.  Most of the time the first application of dye is done in the spring.  The second, about 1 month later when planktonic algae (microscopic algae) starts to grow because water temps are higher and daylight hours are longer.  When you add dye to a pond that has a hint of planktonic algae which is usually a green color, your pond dye will intensify the color of the planktonic algae making your pond appear much greener than it would normally.  The dye is still there, just camouflaged, once the algae dies or is treated the blue color will appear.

Another common issue for blue dye taking on a green tint is when the pond is cloudy or has muddy tint.  This is usually caused by rowdy fish or heavy rainfall in a pond that does not have sufficient rock surrounding the pond.  Crystal Blue will end up looking more like Ocean Blue when applied to a muddy pond.

Most variations are subtle and should be expected.  It is impossible to get the same exact color when applying pond dye into a body of water that is changing constantly.  If the color change is drastic or you fear something is wrong, we are always happy to accept pictures of your pond to help you pinpoint any issues.

For more information about pond dye contact the experts at Sanco.