Per Clear Water Troughs: Phone 706-614-0351 , email info@clearwatertroughs.com , website http://www.clearwatertroughs.com. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.

Clear Water Troughs

Cleaning the water troughs is the nastiest job of being a horse owner that Iknow

Tired of scrubbing slimy green water troughs every other week?

InfoHorseTV Facebook 📰 Articles 🧰 Tools

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated June 2026

Cleaning the water troughs is the nastiest job of being a horse owner that Iknow. Then Idiscovered tablets that would purify drinking water for human consumption. Ithought this might be the solution. Itested the tablets for over a year on my water troughs and was amazed at the results. The first summer, Ionly had to clean out my troughs three times during the three months.

Clear Water Troughs
Clear Water Trough's Clear Water Tablets will slow the growth of algae (which turns your trough and water green) keeping your trough cleaner, longer. Clean less and your horses will love drinking clear, clean water!

How Did Clear Water Tabs by Clear Water Troughs Come To Be?

Says Sharon Wood, owner: Ever since I was a little girl I wanted a horse. I use to mow grass in my neighborhood to earn money. I did this so that I could rent a horse at one of two local stables in the Atlanta area to ride. I did this through most of my middle school and high school years. When I went off to college, I made a promise to myself that I would get a horse when I graduated. I kept that promise to myself and I have been a horse owner for over 30 years now.

I have kept my horses at my home or my farm throughout this 30 year period. I have loved every aspect of keeping and taking care of my horses. What I hated was cleaning the water troughs. Cleaning the water troughs is the nastiest job of being a horse owner that I know.

Then I discovered tablets that would purify drinking water for human consumption. I thought this might be the solution. I tested the tablets for over a year on my water troughs and was amazed at the results. The first summer, I only had to clean out my troughs three times during the three months. The tablets made cleaning troughs such a simple matter. No scrubbing or nasty smell was associated with my cleaning process after using the tablets. I was sold. This is how Clear Water Troughscame about.
If YOU Wouldn't Drink The Water In The Trough, Neither Should Your Horse!
Horses want clean water just like you do. No horse wants to drink black, green or yellow stinky water and they never should. Water is what is used to clean the body, internal organs and revitalize the cells. Their body's require clean water just like a human does and clean, cool water is a must for every horse and concerned horse owner!

Are The Clear Water Tabs Safe For Horses?

Yes! Clear Water Tabs are completely safe for your horse, they are even safe for human consumption.! I use them in the holding tank of my horse trailer when camping. They keep algae and bacteria from infesting my drinking water when camping.

Do They Really Work?

Yes, Clear water tabs actually work! If you don't believe us just drop one tablet into your trough and wait. Within 24-48 hour all the algae will die and sink to the bottom of your trough. If your trough has an excessive build up of algae you may need to put a second tablet in to see the results. Our recommendation is to clean your trough with 1/4 cup of bleach in a gallon of water and after rinsing begin using the tablets on
a regular basis.

How Long Does It Take For The Clear Water Tabs To Start Working?

While they start to work immediately, most horse owners visibly see the results within 24-48 hours in a dirty trough. Again, we recommend that you first clean your trough and then start using the tablets so your trough will remain clean it is just the easiest way to jump start theprocess!

How Long Does 1 Tablet Seem To Last?

Usually 1 tablet will last between 3-5 days depending on the time of year and how frequently you top off the water. During spring and summer months you may have to use the tablets more frequently due to longer days, horses drinking more- and more sun.

Do I Still Have To Clean The Water Troughs?

Yes, but not nearly so often and cleaning is a breeze! We recommend that you change the water and spray out your troughs every 3-6 weeks depending on how frequently you use the clear water tablets. The tablets will keep algae out of your troughs but the dirt and food from the horse’€™s mouth will need to be washed out. You will not have to scrub your troughs, only rinse them out and put new water in them.

Do The Tablets Give The Water An Odor That Will Discourage My Horses From Drinking?
No! The tablet has the precise amount of sodium and chlorine that keeps the algae from growing but has no odor which will prevent your horse from drinking. We want your horses to drink so our only goal is to keep the water clean and clear for them.

Which Water Troughs Are Better Suited For The Tablets?

The rubber and plastic troughs are better suited for the tablets. The galvanized or aluminum tanks will have erosion over a long period of time.

How Much Do Clear Water Tabs Cost?

An average of $15-$25 depending on the size of your trough (we have large and small tabs) which ever way you go, you and your horses canafford to have clean, fresh water every day and that is a small investment for peace of mind!

What Do Horse Owners Say About The Clear Water Tabs?

The tablets work great! The troughs are so much easier to clean now. I have been using the tablets for over a year and my horses are fine.
-Sylvia

The water troughs are so easy to keep up now. All I have to do is use the tablets every couple of days. I scoop out the hay and leaves so I can go longer without cleaning.
- Bobby

I've been using the tablets for more than 6 months. I have noticed how easy it is to clean the tanks. Before I started using the tablets I was cleaning my troughs out every 4-5 days. The troughs smelled and it was disgusting! Now I clean my troughs out every 4-5 weeks and they don’t smell and I don't have to scrub them.

- Louise

I felt like I was wasting water by dumping out full troughs of water because of the algae problem. Now that I use the tablets I just top off the water every day and clean the troughs out every 4-5 weeks instead of every 4-5 days.

- Justin

I love being able to see down to the bottom of the horse trough. Before I started using the tablets, my troughs would get so cloudy in between cleanings. When I would clean my troughs out I would sometimes find dead birds and rats. I didn't want my horses drinking dirty unsanitary water so I was always cleaning out my troughs. Now I don't have to worry about finding a surprise in my troughs because now my troughs stay so clean I can always see the bottom of the tank.

- Suzanne

Call To Order Your Clean Water Tabs by Clear Water Troughs Today!

Clear, fresh water is a must for all horses, breeds and sizes. Just as you need clean water, so does your horse! Make sure your horse has access to clear, fresh water with Clear Water Tabs today. We are excited to talk to you and await your call today!

What exactly are Clear Water Tabs?

Clear Water Tabs are drop-in tablets from Clear Water Troughs, Inc. that keep horse water troughs cleaner by decreasing the buildup of algae, the growth that turns a trough and its water green. The tablets slow that growth so a trough stays clear far longer between cleanings, which also conserves water because you no longer have to dump and refill algae-fouled tanks every few days. As a bonus, the tablets also act as an insect repellent for mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies without harming your animals. They ship in a regular jar of 30 tablets, which is over a three-month supply, and a 5-tablet Trial Pack that gives roughly a one-month supply.

What active ingredient makes them work?

The active ingredient in Clear Water Tabs is dichloroisocyanuric acid, sodium salt, also known as Nadcc (sodium dichloroisocyanurate). Nadcc is a bactericidal and algaecidal agent widely used to disinfect and sterilize water, including on farms, in food-processing plants and in other public settings. Each tablet carries a precise amount of sodium and chlorine calibrated to stop algae from growing while leaving no odor that would discourage a horse from drinking. The company notes the tabs are even rated safe for human drinking-water consumption, which is where founder testing of water-purification tablets began.

How do you use them on a trough?

First clean the trough to remove pre-existing algae using 1/4 cup of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water, then rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water. After that you simply drop in one Clear Water Tab every 3 to 5 days, with no measuring and no fuss. One regular tablet treats a 75-to-100-gallon water trough; for a smaller trough use half a tablet, or switch to the Small Stuff Tablets, which are sized for 5-gallon buckets up to 25-gallon containers. In a dirty trough the algae typically dies within 24 to 48 hours, turns brown, sloughs off the sides and settles to the bottom as the water clears.

How the idea came to be.
The founder grew up mowing neighborhood lawns to afford rented stable rides and promised herself a horse after college; she has now owned horses for more than 30 years, keeping them at home and on her farm. She loved every part of horse care except cleaning the water troughs, which she calls the nastiest job of being a horse owner. After rejecting solutions like keeping goldfish in the trough, she discovered tablets that purify drinking water for human consumption, tested them on her own troughs for over a year, and found that one summer she only had to clean her troughs three times across three months, no scrubbing or smell. That result is how Clear Water Troughs came about.

Do you still have to clean the trough?

The tablets stop algae, but dirt, hay, grass, leaves and feed from the horse's mouth still accumulate, so the company recommends changing the water and spraying out troughs every 3 to 6 weeks depending on how often you use the tablets, versus the every-4-to-5-days many owners report before switching. You will no longer have to scrub, only rinse and refill. Using a net to skim hay, grass and leaves further reduces buildup on the bottom. Rubber and plastic troughs are best suited to the tablets, while galvanized or aluminum tanks may show erosion over a long period.

How to order and reach the company.
You can order online through the Clear Water Troughs store, or contact the company directly, with business sales handled. The company is Clear Water Troughs, Inc., P.O. Box 97, Bishop, GA 30621, reachable by cell at and office. Keep tablets out of reach of children, avoid eye and skin contact, do not ingest, do not mix with acid, and do not use with fish or fowl; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. The first regular jar of 30 tablets lasts over three months, making it an easy, low-cost way to retire the trough-scrubbing chore.

Share This Solution

Facebook X LinkedIn Email

The Solution Section (FAQ)

Who is Sharon Wood — and how did Clear Water Tabs come to be?

Per Clear Water Troughs: founder Sharon Wood has been a horse owner for over 30 years. Per Sharon: "What I hated was cleaning the water troughs. Cleaning the water troughs is the nastiest job of being a horse owner that I know."

Per the company: Sharon discovered tablets that purify drinking water for human consumption, tested them for over a year on her water troughs, and was amazed at the results.

What's the result on cleaning frequency?

Per Clear Water Troughs: per Sharon's first-summer test: only had to clean troughs three times during three months. Per the company: "The tablets made cleaning troughs such a simple matter. No scrubbing or nasty smell was associated with my cleaning process after using the tablets."

What does Clear Water Tabs actually do?

Per Clear Water Troughs: slows the growth of algae (which turns troughs and water green) keeping troughs cleaner, longer. Result: cleaner troughs, less manual cleaning, and horses get clear, clean water.

Are Clear Water Tabs safe for horses?

Per Clear Water Troughs: YES — even safe for human consumption. Per Sharon: "I use them in the holding tank of my horse trailer when camping. They keep algae and bacteria from inf[esting] the water."

Why does this matter — clean water principle?

Per Clear Water Troughs: "If YOU wouldn't drink the water in the trough, neither should your horse." Per the company: horses want clean water just like humans do. Water is what cleans the body, internal organs, and revitalizes cells. Their bodies require clean water.

How do I order?

Per Clear Water Troughs: Phone 706-614-0351, email [email protected], website http://www.clearwatertroughs.com. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.

What is the active ingredient in Clear Water Tabs?

The active ingredient is dichloroisocyanuric acid, sodium salt, also called NADCC (sodium dichloroisocyanurate). It is a bactericidal and algaecidal agent widely used to disinfect and sterilize water on farms, in food-processing plants and in other public places. Each tablet contains a precise amount of sodium and chlorine to stop algae growth.

Are Clear Water Tabs safe for my horses?

Yes. The company states the tablets are safe for horses and are even rated safe for human drinking-water consumption, since the formula originated from water-purification tablets made for people. The dose is calibrated to keep algae from growing while leaving no odor that would discourage a horse from drinking. As with any chemical, keep the tablets themselves out of reach of children and do not ingest them directly.

How does one tablet treat my trough, and how many gallons does it cover?

One regular Clear Water Tab treats a 75-to-100-gallon water trough. For a smaller trough you can use half a tablet, or switch to the Small Stuff Tablets designed for 5-gallon buckets up to 25-gallon containers. You drop in one tablet every 3 to 5 days.

How fast do Clear Water Tabs start working?

In a dirty trough the tablets typically begin working within 24 to 48 hours. The algae dies, turns brown, sloughs off the sides of the tub and settles to the bottom as the water clears. The company still recommends first cleaning the trough and then starting the tablets so the trough stays clean from the outset.

How long does one tablet last?

Usually one tablet lasts between 3 and 5 days, depending on the time of year and how frequently you top off the water. During spring and summer you may need to use the tablets more often because of longer days, more sun and higher water consumption.

How many tablets come in a jar, and how long does it last?

One regular jar contains 30 tablets, which is over a three-month supply. There is also a Trial Pack with 5 tablets, which gives roughly a one-month supply for owners who want to test the product first.

What are the Small Stuff Tablets for?

The Small Stuff Tablets are a smaller-dose version made for small containers. They are great for 5-gallon buckets up through 25-gallon containers, where a full regular tablet would be too strong. They are also sold in a Small Stuff Trial Pack.

Do I still have to clean my trough if I use the tablets?

Yes, but far less often and without scrubbing. The tablets keep algae out, but dirt and feed from the horse's mouth still build up, so Clear Water Troughs recommends changing the water and spraying out the trough every 3 to 6 weeks depending on use. Many owners report going from cleaning every 4 to 5 days to every 4 to 5 weeks. You only need to rinse, not scrub.

How do I use Clear Water Tabs from the start?

First clean your trough to remove pre-existing algae by mixing 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water, then rinse thoroughly and fill with fresh water. After that, just drop one tablet in every 3 to 5 days. There is no measuring and no fuss.

Will the tablets make the water smell so my horse won't drink it?

No. The company says the tablet has the precise amount of sodium and chlorine needed to keep algae from growing but produces no odor that would prevent your horse from drinking. The goal is cleaner water that horses still readily consume.

Which kinds of troughs work best with Clear Water Tabs?

Rubber and plastic troughs are best suited to the tablets. Galvanized or aluminum tanks can experience erosion over a long period of time, so they are less ideal for continuous tablet use.

Do Clear Water Tabs do anything besides control algae?

Yes. In addition to slowing algae growth, the tablets act as an insect repellent for mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies, and the company states this does not harm your animals. They also help conserve water, because you no longer dump full troughs of algae-fouled water every few days.

What happens if my trough still gets some algae after using the tablets?

Sometimes a small amount of algae builds up because of excessive heat, increased water consumption or delays in adding a tablet. If you are topping off more often due to higher consumption, increase how frequently you use the tablets. For an excessive existing buildup, you may need to add a second tablet to see the best results; the dead algae will turn brown and settle to the bottom, sometimes giving the water a brief brownish tinge before it clears.

Who created Clear Water Troughs and why?

The company was started by a lifelong horse owner of more than 30 years who loved every part of horse care except cleaning the water troughs, which she calls the nastiest job of horse ownership. After rejecting ideas like keeping goldfish in the trough, she discovered tablets that purify human drinking water, tested them on her own troughs for over a year, and was amazed that one summer she only had to clean her troughs three times across three months. That experience became Clear Water Troughs.

What safety precautions should I follow with the tablets?

Keep the tablets out of the reach of children, avoid contact with eyes, limit contact with skin, do not ingest the tablets, avoid breathing dust from them, do not mix them with acid, and do not use them with fish or fowl. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. For first aid, flush eyes or skin with water for 15 to 20 minutes, move to fresh air if breathing is affected, and for ingestion sip water without inducing vomiting and call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How do I order Clear Water Tabs and contact the company?

You can order through the Clear Water Troughs online store, or reach the company directly. General questions go to [email protected] and business sales orders to [email protected]. The company is Clear Water Troughs, Inc., P.O. Box 97, Bishop, GA 30621, with a cell phone at 706-614-0351 and office phone at 770-207-9980.