Apart from heading for the algaecide rack at your local pool shop there are other ways to control pond algae quickly. More importantly you want a remedy that will hasten solving the problem but also provide a long-term solution so that quick-fixes aren't an ongoing necessity.

Algae in ponds only grows for three reasons; too much light, not enough filtration and too much nutrients. When a pond is given all three, algal bloom will blossom so quick that you'll struggle to recognise that your pond even exists.

When setting up your pond it pays to make a few decisions early on. However, when you inherit one - or you didn't make wise choices at the start - getting rid of algae growth can seem like a monumental task. Fortunately it's not a chore that will require copious amounts of effort, time or money. You could have it solved as quickly as this weekend.

Here's how to control pond algae;

• Removing Light - at the outset of your pond construction you should determine a location that is in the shade or receives very little sunshine. It's the ultarviolet rays that help photosynthesise the chlorophyll in algae allowing them to grow. Take the sunshine away and this will greatly reduce the growth rate.

  To remove the sunlight in a hurry, you can instantly cover the pond with a high-UV resistant shade cloth suspended over the pond. Building a pergola and covering it with shade cloth or UV-resistant polymers may be a better long-term fix.

  If the pond is small enough, you could transform the area by providing some large foliage plants that will provide dappled shade for the pond's surface and make an almost instant fix.

• Increase the Filtration - this is another easy fix that can be solved within a weekend. Obviously it depends on how large your pond is but it can usually be overcome simply by adding a pump and fountain to the mix. This will help oxygenate the water halting the stagnation process which algae require to grow.

  Running water is another option recycling the pond's water through a filter system but this will take a little longer to set up. However, it will provide much better long-term solutions.

  Another option is to increase your aquatic plants. Reeds on the banks of your pond will help take away some of the residual nutrients and adequately control your pond algae plus they will help filter the water and oxygenate your pond.

• Reduce the Nutrients - the main source of nutrients comes from over-feeding pond fish. Left over debris from fish feed is high in nitrogen and phosphorous, nutrients that pond algae needs to grow. Therefore, only feed your fish as much as they need and don't become tempted to oversupply.

  Introducing frogs and other aquatic life to your pond will also help reduce nutrient debris - this can come from rotting leaves as well. Increasing your plant life around the edge of your pond will give them some better places to reside and they will help control pond algae naturally.

Controlling algal growth in your pond is not a hard problem to solve and can be fixed quite easily and quickly. While preparing your pond from the outset is the easiest solution to algae problems take heart that even inherited ponds can be remedied without too much fuss.