Algae and Biofilm Primer
Tough. Tenacious. Toxic.
That slimy green film on lakes, ponds, and pools? It’s more than just pond scum. Algae and biofilm—often dismissed as surface grime—are actually complex, stubborn organisms that wreak havoc on water systems and the people who depend on them.
They cloud clear waters, ruin views, create foul odors, and leave behind slippery buildup. So what’s really going on beneath the surface? Let’s take a closer look.
Algae are very much alive—microscopic, aquatic organisms that thrive on sunlight and water. Scientifically, they’re photosynthetic and nucleus-bearing, but unlike true plants, they lack roots, stems, or leaves.
In simpler terms: they’re not just ugly green gunk. Algae come in many forms depending on the environment, but they all share one thing—they’re persistent, fast-growing, and tough to get rid of.
Biofilm is a sticky layer of microorganisms that forms on surfaces in contact with water—think rocks in lakes, boat hulls, piers, and water treatment equipment.
These dense bacterial colonies can clog pipes, degrade water quality, and create foul tastes and odors. Worse, they provide the perfect breeding ground for algae and invasive species.
If you’ve ever slipped on a slime-coated rock, you’ve experienced biofilm firsthand.
Like algae, biofilm poses serious safety, aesthetic, and maintenance challenges—especially when left unchecked.
Biofilm can create an excess of maintenance and cleaning costs, and can even plug up heat exchangers, leading to a loss of cooling efficiency that has been known to increase operating costs.
Biofilm in water can promote other invasive species, such as barnacles, mussels, and oysters; some of the less friendly byproducts can include manganese precipitation and harmful carcinogens.
SonicPure controls algae and biofilm—safely, sustainably, and with no harmful chemicals. High-frequency sound waves disrupt algae cells, causing them to lose buoyancy, sink, and die. These same waves prevent biofilm from attaching to surfaces and spreading.The result? A restored, natural water ecosystem—without relying on toxic treatments. SonicPure delivers effective, chemical-free control that’s safe for aquatic life and the environment.
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