~ jan wrote:
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
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us

Another idea might be to buy the air-bubble solar pool covering. Pretty
cheap and pretty blue. Cut it to fit inside the outline of the pool and
the water tension will keep it from flying off in a big wind. It is so
tight to the water that evaporation would be minimal. If you are
running the pump at all, there should be enough O2 for mosquito fish

BTW, jan, your friend that turned her swimming pool into a koi pond, is
she on this list or does she have pointers on the net or would she mind
some questions?

Chip