[page 9]

Proper Care of Pools

Pools should not be shaded too much, as direct sunlight is necessary
to stimulate flower production. Underwater plants thrive best in warm
weather. Running water is not necessary, or even very desirable, because
any excess of cold water lowers the temperature of the pool. The plants do
best when only enough water is added to offset evaporation.

Muck is not good for water plants, as it is apt to be sour. A fibrous
loam, or ordinary garden soil fertilized with rotted cow manure, makes an
excellent bed for the pool. Lime is detrimental to both plants and fish. The
excrement of fish and snails is a natural source of fertility for water plants,
and an adequate amount of animal life in the pool will help the plants is a
flourishing condition.

When an excess of fertilizer is used, a minute growth develops and
hangs suspended in the water, giving it a greenish appearance. In such
cases a few mussels will soon clear the pool by filtering out the vegetable
matter.

Green algae stifles plant growth with its slimy coating, while
rendering the surface unsightly with scum. An abundance of plants will
retard the growth of algae. If the pool is well stocked with snails, tadpoles
and fish, they will feed upon it. Algae can be destroyed by the sparing use
of either copper sulphate, or