Dear friends,
We would love to hear about your current BioNova® projects. Please send Ryan, ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com, any information and pictures of your projects and we will gladly put them in the newsletter to share with all of the dealers. Thank you and we hope to see your inputs soon!
Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…
Summer Time is Time to Boost Diatoms:
We have talked about diatoms many times before, but an important factor to remember is to keep diatoms feed and thriving. One often-overlooked but highly beneficial strategy to do this is the use of silica-based additives to promote the growth of diatoms, especially during the summer, when temperatures rise, nutrient levels fluctuate, and diatoms start to get out competed from all the other lifeforms.
A Recap: What Are Diatoms and Why Are They Important?
Diatoms are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms found in freshwater and marine environments. They are unique for their silica-based cell walls, called frustules, which give them both structural integrity and a sparkling appearance under a microscope.
In a natural pool setting, diatoms:
- Compete with harmful algae: Diatoms thrive in clear, nutrient-balanced water and can outcompete nuisance algae (like green or cyanobacteria) for nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Enhance water clarity: Diatoms settle on surfaces and in biofilms, filtering and clarifying the water as they feed.
- Support a healthy ecosystem: As primary producers, diatoms are at the base of the aquatic food web, supporting beneficial microorganisms and aquatic invertebrates.
Why Summer Is a Critical Time
During summer, natural pools experience higher temperatures and increased sunlight. These conditions can lead to:
- Accelerated algae blooms
- Reduced oxygen levels in the water
- Greater demand on the biological filtration system
Encouraging diatom growth during this time offers a natural form of biological control that can stabilize the pool’s ecosystem and maintain water quality.
The Role of Silica-Based Additives
Diatoms require dissolved silica (in the form of silicic acid or soluble silicates) to build their cell walls. In many natural pools, silica becomes depleted over time, particularly if diatom populations are already present and active.
Adding a silica-based additive helps to:
- Replenish essential nutrients for diatom development
- Promote steady and sustained diatom blooms
- Prevent imbalances that allow undesirable algae to dominate
Silica-based additives are typically safe, inert, and non-toxic to swimmers and aquatic organisms when applied in correct dosages.
How to Apply Silica Additives in a Natural Pool
Choose the appropriate additive, often available as liquid sodium silicate or powdered silica supplements. There are a few on the market such as Nualgi and Aquaritin.
Apply gradually according to product recommendations, typically at the beginning and mid-point of the summer season.
Monitor diatom activity and overall water clarity to adjust dosage if needed.
It’s also important to maintain proper water circulation and nutrient balance to give diatoms the best conditions for growth.
Incorporating a silica-based additive to support diatom populations is a smart, eco-friendly strategy for managing natural pools, particularly during the heat and stress of summer. By enhancing the biological stability of the system, pool owners can enjoy cleaner water, reduced algae growth, and a more vibrant aquatic environment without resorting to synthetic chemicals.
In essence, boosting diatoms isn’t just about water clarity—it’s about nurturing the ecological foundation that keeps your natural pool thriving all summer long.
Stay Safe and Healthy.
We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.
Questions, Concerns, Thoughts
As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.
Respectfully,
Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707
