Say Goodbye To Frequent Cleanings: The Simple Birdbath Addition That Keeps Water Fresh

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Are the neighborhood birds' Yelp reviews on your birdbath dropping? Okay, so maybe the birds are not actually complaining, but they'll definitely appreciate cleaner water. However, taking time to scrub away the algae that often grows in birdbaths isn't always easy or convenient. While you'll never get to completely ditch the cleaning sessions, a Mellbree Birdbath Copper Purification Disk could help cut down the frequency and reduce algae growth in your birdbath. It's available on Amazon for under $15.

Each disk is made of 99.99% pure copper, which has antimicrobial properties that help to purify water. That's why people put pennies in their birdbath. The problem with that practice though is the lack of actual copper in modern pennies — newer pennies only have a 2.5% copper plating with zinc making up the rest. Using the Mellbree purification disk gives you a much higher amount of copper, and each metal round has a decorative image engraved on it, so it looks pretty in the bottom of your birdbath too.

Another advantage of this disk is its three-point support system, which elevates the disk off the bottom of the birdbath. That way, water can touch both sides of the copper disk to maximize contact. It's also designed with a surface that resists weather damage, making it suitable for year-round use. Users think favorably of the product, giving it a 4.4-star average rating with over 5,000 reviews. Overall, reviewers note an improvement in the water quality and cleanliness of their birdbaths with a noticeable decrease in algae. Of course, you can rid your birdbath of algae with different DIY methods, but preventing the slimy green coating is even better.

It's important to note that this copper disk is mainly meant for non-metal birdbaths. You might notice decreased effectiveness in a metal vessel, particularly if the metal surface is scratched or peeling. To install it, remove the blue protective film and position it with the three bumps toward the bottom of the birdbath. It's 4 inches in diameter, so place it in an area that's flat and at least that wide.

Any birdbath benefits from a copper disk to keep the water clean for longer, but it can be particularly helpful if your birdbath is difficult to access. Maybe it's far from your hose or nestled deep in a garden bed. It's also helpful if you have limited mobility and find cleaning the basin difficult or if you're busy with activities and travel and don't have time to clean the birdbath regularly. You'll still need to change the water and clean the basin occasionally, but adding the disk can increase the time between cleanings — from about every three days to every 14 days. Signs that you need to clean the basin include algae growth and visible organic matter, like feathers, leaves, and bird droppings.

You might also consider using the disk if you find algae in your birdbath frequently or if it's located in a spot that encourages algae growth. This includes containers that are in direct sunlight and have no water movement. You could see a decrease in algae growth with the disk, and adding a solar-powered fountain to the birdbath can also help by eliminating stagnant water.