On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 18:19:11 EDT, "fpbear" wrote:

dkat, wonderful tips. the water hyacinth is a great idea. I will try that
as well.

And just to add, my friend turned her swimming pool into her koi pond (and
I know you don't want to do that) but, half the pool was covered with water
hyacinth by summer's end, when she lifted them out, no algae was growing on
the sides of the pool where the water hyacinth had been. A swimming pool of
hyacinth, which will grow well with only mosquito fish (they don't eat the
roots) may be better to look at than a blue cover. You will need to put a
line across so there is an open area, as they too can prevent O2 to get to
the water. Perhaps you could consider a small bell fountain on the entry
steps of the pool? ;-) ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us