Prevent and get rid of algae on your dock

How to Get Rid of Algae on Your Dock

An Algae free dock or pier is vital for a beautiful waterfront, not to mention safer for you and your family.  Piers are a great place to entertain your guests. Did you ever notice your guests soon find their way down to the pier? Your guests can’t resist the water.

image of Typical Plastic decking

Typical Plank         decking

Algae buildup on your boat lift, decking, and accessories is unattractive and slippery. 

One of the biggest appeals of a dock or pier for many boaters is getting away from day-to-day life. We all want to enjoy and connect with nature. 

That could be as simple as taking in the scenery, fishing, or watching wildlife. 

It’s also the reason everyone must do what we can to keep the waterways healthy. That way, we can all enjoy nature’s beauty for years to come. 

It’s essential to clean algae when you see it. It’s even more critical to prevent it from growing in the first place. 

First, it’s essential to understand how mold and mildew form in the first place. To do that, we recommend that you follow this link:

https://wisconsinpws.com/cleaning-wood-decking/

Dealing with algae, mold, or mildew doesn’t mean investing in expensive solutions. 

Removing moisture and the “food sources” mentioned in the article, go a long way to cut mold and mildew.

With these three tips, you can do it yourself.

Invest in the Right Dock

No dock will be immune to algae growth. Anything exposed to water will be affected by algae. But, aluminum boat lifts and docks can help cut algae growth. Aluminum is better at resisting algae growth than other materials like wood. Additionally, aluminum is easy to clean.

Choose Safe Products

When cleaning your dock and boat lift, use a non-corrosive cleaning solution. Cleaning can be as simple as using baking soda or a few drops of water-based dishwashing liquid. You already have these in your home. 

The EPA’s Sager Choice Standard can help determine which products are best to use. Unfortunately, only a government bureaucrat can understand the standard without rolling their eyes. The government does not endorse products by name, so you have to make the judgment yourself.

Pick something:

Biodegradable:
Phosphate-free:
Having a neutral PH: and
Rub the surface of your dock and lift down
with a soft cleaning pad or brush.

When done, rinse with clear water or blast the dock surface with a pressure washer.

KNOW WHAT TO AVOID

Some cleaning products have environmental and health risks. Thus, it’s essential to watch what you put in the water. Ordinary household cleaners will increase nutrient pollution in lakes and streams. The result is algae blooms and oxygen depletion, which hurt the water and wildlife. In general, you should avoid any cleaning products that contain these hazardous ingredients:

              • Ammonia
              • Antibacterials and disinfectants
              • Butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, or monobutyl
              • Chlorine bleach
              • Petroleum solvents
              • Phosphorous and phosphates
              • Phthalates

Major pollutant

Proper Fueling 

Carefully refueling a boat keeps oil and gas out of the waterways. It’s illegal to discharge petroleum products into United States waters. 

It’s against the law to use chemicals to disperse a spill. Dispersants cause the petroleum to sink to the bottom. It then permanently damages the bottom sediments.

Sewage Treatment

We know no one wants to think about sewage, but it’s an essential part of human and waterway health and safety. 

It’s also illegal to discharge untreated wastewater on inland waters. 

Use onshore facilities whenever you can. Dispose of human waste in:

1. Porta-potties:
2. Composting heads, or
3. An installed toilet with a required
marine sanitation device.

Waste Management

For all other waste, recycle what you can and properly dispose of what you can’t. 

Recycling materials like plastics, paper, metal, and glass keep them out of landfills and off our beaches. 

We now know that plastics in the water are a significant pollutant. Plastics are already affecting the waters of the Great Lakes.

Dispose of all waste materials properly. Make sure nothing goes overboard, including cigarette butts. Provide waste and recycling containers on your boat and piers. 

Keep everything tied down when you’re moving on the water or the highway. Participating in a cleanup event accessible only by a boat can also be a rewarding day to protect the water. 

Walking your shoreline and picking up these materials can help the environment.

Boat Maintenance and Cleaning

Prepare a comprehensive boat maintenance checklist. Changing engine oil and checking your fluid levels keep your boat running smoothly. This, in turn, makes it less likely to pollute. 

Check for leaks from steering cables, drips from your oil changes, or fuel from leaky fittings. All these contaminants can find their way into the bilge. 

Change engine oil and other fluids carefully. Dispose of used filters, oil, absorbent pads, and rags properly. 

Keep your boat clean, and avoid soaps and harsh cleaners. Save heavy-duty pressure washing for designated wash-down areas at boat launches.

Yes, keeping the environment clean involves some work.

Your property is expensive because it’s on the water. Why let waste products deteriorate the value of your property. A little work goes a long way toward keeping the water beautiful for future generations.

ShoreMaster and PWS have been here for years, and we plan on being here for many more. We want you to enjoy everything nature has to offer. Let’s all work towards the same goal – a clean environment.

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

 PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, County road MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

Please use face masks


The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

 Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.

Our display yard is OPEN 24-7

                                      Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

 PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless. 

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!

Sue, Shoreline work, Door County

Dave, DJ, Jack, Curt and all,

Thank you so much for the great work you did to protect our shoreline.  It looks really great – or even better.    It is now holding after the additional rock.

We appreciate your problem-solving skills along with your expertise at designing a plan and placing the rock.  We appreciate the stair steps too!  All best wishes for a good holiday season and a healthier and safe 2021!!

Sue

ONLINE POWER BOATING CLASSES

FREE Online Power Boating Classes

This is a reprint of an article published by ShoreMaster Marketing

                                 Power Boating

 

Do you have a New Boater or Need a Refresher Course?

 Do you have a young boater in your family that’s ready to get started on the water? Are you looking for a refresher course to keep your own skills fresh?  The BoatUS Foundation can help you with boating courses.
 

BoatUS Foundation is an organization that strives to keep waterways as safe and clean as possible. They do this through education and support for partner organizations. 

 Among their offerings for residential boaters are boating safety classes. This is the only organization that offers free courses tailored for each state.
 

Are Power Boating rules different for each state?

 
Each state’s course will look a little different. The estimated course time, nature of the lessons and tests, education requirements, and certificate info will differ between states because of the laws and regulations. Yet, each of the courses has been recognized and approved by NASBLA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and each state’s boating license agency. Which means you’ll get the exact training you need for your water.
 

Are the classes accessible from the internet?

The courses are very accessible. The lessons, quizzes, and exams are all online, which means you can take them anywhere. 

 Complete the class at your own pace to help you stay on the right course for your next season of safe boating.
 
BoatUS Foundations website has all the information you need to know about your state’s boating safety course. This includes questions and answers about each class found on the FAQ page.
 
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, we want to make sure that your time on the water is as memorable as possible.  Plus, we want to keep it memorable for all the right reasons. We encourage safe boating and shoreline habits. 
 

Have a safe and enjoyable boating season!

 

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

    Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, Cty MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

 

Joan P. Door County Peninsula

Thanks again, Jerry, for the good work your crew does!  Have a safe and healthy winter.  Talk to you as we approach spring.

Best Regards,

Joan P.

Why are Welded Boat Lift Frames better?

Why are Welded Boat Lift Frames Superior? 

   Welds on Vertical Lift Frames

     Welded boat lift frames are superior to the typical bolt-together structures found so frequently. There are several reasons for this. 

    Most of them center around the reduced maintenance, superior strength, and durability of welded lifts and canopy frames.

    You spent good money when you bought the boat lift or canopy. Shouldn’t you get the best one available?  

     Why would you want to spend a weekend checking and tightening the nuts and bolts on your boat lift or canopy? We’re pretty sure you don’t. 

   In that case, why not purchase a high-quality boat lift or canopy, which has most of its critical components welded together.

    ShoreMaster welded boat lift frames and canopies leave you free to enjoy your time away. Why waste any time tightening nuts and bolts. Your time is too valuable.

    Quality starts with state-of-the-art welding.

Welded Frames = Less Maintenance

    ShoreMaster welded boat lifts save you time because they require less maintenance and give you more strength.

Welded Boat Lift Frames Stay True and Square 

     Bolt-together boat lifts eventually become loose due to everyday use and prolonged periods of heavy waves striking the frame. Corrosion of the hardware only accelerates this process. 

    If you neglect to tighten a loose bolt on your boat lift, other parts of the boat lift such as the cables, pulleys, winch, or other components can wear prematurely. 

    A loose bolt will result in the frame shifting, which may result in a costly repair. 

   Loose bolts make it extremely difficult for you to discover the source of the failure.

How do you know when you have loose bolts?

    A simple test is to push on one corner of the bat lift. If there is excessive movement in the frames, in particular forward and backward, you have one of two situations:

  1.  One of more bolts are loose; or
  2.  The lift is not sitting firmly on the bottom.

What about a canopy frame?

    A welded boat lift canopy frame can save you hours in assembly time. Using just five bolts for a welded frame vs. dozens of nuts and bolts makes sense. A welded canopy frame adds more strength and rigidity to the entire boat lift also.

     When it comes to assembling a boat lift, or canopy, you’ll be glad that you choose a welded product over a bolt together product. 

    Also, welded products take less time to assemble than a bolt together product. 

    Consider for a moment just one person can complete the assembly of a ShoreMaster canopy frame in as little as 30 minutes because the canopy frame includes only four all-welded components; two canopy ends and two canopy sides. Other manufacturers have dozens of parts that need bolting together.

    ShoreMaster welded boat lifts do not require replacing frame parts caused by unusual wear due to loose, missing, or corroded welds. A bolt-together frame cannot say the same thing. ShoreMaster adds thick reinforcing plates on the frame structure when using bolts structure.

A Welded Boat Lift Offers Higher Resale Value

     Because welds are permanent and require no maintenance, you will find that your welded-together boat lifts are more valuable at resale time. Welds will not rust or corrode like hardware. Potential buyers will be wary of the impending costs to replace worn out or corroded hardware.

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

    Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, Cty MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

 

 Please use face masks

The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

    Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

 Our display yard is OPEN 24-7 

 

                          Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number when you inquire.

    We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.  

What can YOU do? 

    Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phones. When you see our staff and crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!