copper pipe in kiddie/duck pool? Yes or No..

[crtrlovr]

I saw a tip in Birds and Blooms magazine that suggested putting some copper pennies into a birdbath to keep algae growth down. I wouldn't do that with ducks b/c the goobers would probably eat the pennies and the acid would eat off the copper allowing the zinc to leach out & poison them, so I know that's out. However, would a length of copper pipe (too big to "bill" or lift) in the bottom of the pool have the same algae-inhibiting effect? ?? anyone know for sure? or alternatively, how do you keep the algae out of your duckie pool? (it's as much in the shade as I can get it). TIA!

 

[jdywntr]

I tried a penny in my bucket that is attached to my chickens nipple watering pipe. Didn't do a thing, still got algae in a home depot orange bucket.
It would be safe, its used in house plumbing.

I keep algae out of my kiddie pools by dumping regularly. They are gross within 30 minutes so, no chance for algea.

 

[dianaross77]

The only thing I'd be worried about would be the sharp edges but if you put endcaps on it that would solve that problem. You could also look for a small copper pot or jello mold at a thrift store.

 

[Dneill79]

I tried a penny in my bucket that is attached to my chickens nipple watering pipe. Didn't do a thing, still got algae in a home depot orange bucket.
It would be safe, its used in house plumbing.

I keep algae out of my kiddie pools by dumping regularly. They are gross within 30 minutes so, no chance for algea.

Funny, pennies aren’t made of copper anymore. My husband put in about a 4” piece of copper piping in the 5-gallon chicken water and it hasn’t turned green at all. It used to turn green every day.

 

[Sosalty]

Putting copper pipe into 'waterers' has been a must do to keep algae growth and water drinkable for deer as long as copper pipe has been around. Seems to be safe. Along with having your pool in the shade should be effective.

https://535plumbing.com/2021/06/15/safest-pipe-for-drinking-water/

 

[RickMortyDucks]

I saw a tip in Birds and Blooms magazine that suggested putting some copper pennies into a birdbath to keep algae growth down. I wouldn't do that with ducks b/c the goobers would probably eat the pennies and the acid would eat off the copper allowing the zinc to leach out & poison them, so I know that's out. However, would a length of copper pipe (too big to "bill" or lift) in the bottom of the pool have the same algae-inhibiting effect? ?? anyone know for sure? or alternatively, how do you keep the algae out of your duckie pool? (it's as much in the shade as I can get it). TIA!

I tried this and my ducks wouldn’t go anywhere near the pools. In fact, I couldn’t get them into their run because they were so terrified of the pipe in the water. I think they saw it as a snake . So it’s been removed now.