Pond dye is a liquid coloring agent designed to enhance the beauty of your pond, provide a natural pond shade, and improve water quality. This guide will teach you all the basics and help you find the right pond dye for your pond or lake. Keep scrolling or select one of the quick links below to jump to the section you want to read.
Benefits of Pond Dye
There are several benefits of pond dye beyond changing the color of your water. While it is great for aesthetic purposes, pond dye also limits sun exposure, protects fish, and promotes a balanced ecosystem in your pond or lake.
Excessive sunlight promotes overgrowth of submerged aquatic plants and algae. Pond dye actively blocks specific portions of the sunlight spectrum, slowing growth and keeping your water clear and clean. Note that pond dyes do not inhibit growth of emergent plants (e.g. cattails) or floating plants (e.g. water lily). For more information on aquatic plants and weeds and how to manage them, check out our weed control guide.
In addition, using pond dye can keep your fish safe in two ways. First, predators that fly above or lurk alongside the pond will not be able to see them as easily, giving the fish time to flee to safety. Second, as temperatures rise, dissolved oxygen levels in the pond are reduced. Using pond dye will keep the water cooler and allow fish to breathe easier during the summer.
Pond Dye Colors
The most popular reason to add dye to your pond is to enhance the natural color and beauty of your landscape. Pond dye colors include bright blue, dark blue, blue-green, blue-black, and black. Because different dyes protect and shade the pond the same way, color choice is a matter of personal preference. However, different shades are better suited to different environments, so it is important to consider your pond's features and what looks natural in your surroundings.
- Bright Blue Pond Dye: Do you have a decorative pond or lake? Try Nature's Blue dye, our customers' favorite choice. It's the ideal color for large ponds that double as a view as it contrasts perfectly with lush green landscaping.
- Dark Blue Pond Dye: Looking for a darker shade of blue? Check out True Blue for a deep shade that will add a pop of color to your pond and really stand out.
- Blue-Green Pond Dye: Ever wanted to come home to a tranquil setting that reminds you of being on vacation? We recommend Caribbean Blue, a special blend of blue and yellow dyes designed to absorb specific wavelengths of light. The result is an aqua blue color that looks perfect with sandy beaches.
- Black Pond Dye: Do you want to showcase your landscape? Consider using Black DyeMond pond dye. Designed to add beauty, this option can turn brown or gray water into a beautiful display. It creates a mirrored surface that reflects surrounding trees and natural rocky landscapes, making it perfect for natural ponds in wooded areas.
- Blue-Black Pond Dye: Do you prefer a more natural look? Try Twilight Blue dye. It maintains a neutral blackish-blue tint that shades and protects your pond without making drastic changes to its natural coloring.
If you are looking for a different shade that's similar to those listed above, it's also encouraged to mix and match dyes to find the color that's right for you. Just remember to follow dosage instructions.
Application Process
Adding dye to your pond or lake is easy. Simply pour the concentrated pond dye into the water in several spots along the pond's edge or toss the easy-to-use, water-soluble pond dye packets in the water. Remember that you can always add more dye, but once it's poured in, only time, evaporation and rainfall can dilute the color. Pond dyes on average will last between 4-8 weeks depending on rainfall.
Knowing how much pond dye to use can be tricky if you don't know the average depth of your pond. Most dyes will treat up to one acre with an average depth of 4-6' deep. If you're unsure how deep your pond is, grab your boat and a weighted string. Be sure to test different areas to determine the average depth, and follow the instructions once you have a good estimate.
If you can't measure the depth, apply a small amount of the liquid dye at a time. Shortly after application, you should see the color spread throughout the water column. Keep adding until your desired color is achieved, and keep track of how much dye you use so you are prepared for the next treatment.
If you notice your pond is full of suspended debris, you may want to try Pond Dye Plus. It contains both dye and the beneficial bacteria that's found in PondClear, so it will both shade your pond and help clear the water. This option is great to use after algaecide or herbicide treatments.
Is Pond Dye Safe?
A common concern with any dye is whether or not it will stain clothing, skin, or other surfaces. In its concentrated form, pond dye can cause stains, so be sure to wear gloves and work clothes while adding it to your pond or lake. After 24 hours, however, the dye will be diluted throughout the pond and will no longer stain.
Once mixed with the water, pond dye is completely safe for agriculture and irrigation purposes. Immediately after treatment, you can use your pond for recreation, fishing and other activities. While it's not recommended for ponds that provide drinking water for humans, it's safe for swimming as well as watering horses, livestock, birds, pets, fish, and wildlife.
Next Steps
Now that you know more about the benefits, color options and application process of using pond dye, it's time to take your own pond to the next level. Browse our selection of pond dyes to find the one that's right for you, or reach out to our customer service team with any additional questions.
Last Updated: February 2, 2023