Open system algae ponds aren’t maintenance free—but they typically require a lot less maintenance than closed system algae ponds. In an open system, you’ll need to clean and treat the pond on a weekly to monthly basis. This is a process that usually involves adding specialized chemicals to the water and cleaning out filters, which takes about half an hour per pond to keep each pond functioning well.
Closed system algae ponds will need water treatment and filter cleaning. You’ll also need to monitor water quality sensors and make adjustments to make sure the water is within the parameters you need to keep algae flourishing. There will be pumps and other pieces of equipment to maintain, you’ll need to keep an eye on lighting, and water temperature will need to be monitored and maintained. This is why, for many purposes, open systems are the preferred way to produce algae—it’s much easier and much more cost effective. Closed systems are only preferred where necessary to prevent contamination or to produce a specific kind of algae that requires such careful control.
