I have two Red-Eared Pond Sliders (ages 11 and 12) who have lived in aquariums for their entire lives. I now own a home with a small pond in the backyard...I have always wanted to give them a pond of their own to swim around in. When I put chemicals in the water to neutralize the chlorine (as I always have in their aquariums), algae grows like crazy. Is it safe for my turtles to use chemicals to keep algae from growing?

I hope they don't leave your pond.

I don't believe in using true algaecides. Some are safe for turtles and some aren't so it's better to not use any. My page on algae is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/algae2.htm
Basically, you want lots of plants, some shade, good bacteria, good filtration, barley straw, and more plants to compete with the algae.

My page on turtle ponds is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/turpond.htm
Johnny is right. If the turtles can find a way to escape, they will try. A turtle pond needs either fencing or high pond sides.

Good luck with the turtles and their pond!

It's alot safer/easier and alot less stress if you bought a UV light to fight the algae. After all those years in a predator free enviornment and bumping into glass walls..good luck with them being outside.