dual ponds image by Andrew Kazmierski from Fotolia.com. UV (ultraviolet) light is used in many industries to sterilize products. While UV light has the ability to kill some bacteria, there are many misconceptions regarding UV and its ability to kill algae in ponds. Although UV light produces cleaner looking water, all algae in a pond cannot be destroyed. Algae control in a pond environment is dependent upon the type of filer, the UV light wattage and the rate of algae production. Overall, if the UV light destroys algae faster than the algae turns the water green, this is enough to keep the water from becoming green and murky from algae overload.