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.

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.

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

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!