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Winterizing Your Outdoor Fountain

Garden fountains are susceptible to extreme temperatures. While many fountains are capable of enduring cold temperatures in general, some special precautions have to be taken. This process is known as winterizing your fountain. If you fail to winterize your fountain then the water could freeze inside of the basin or the pump. The result is that it will crack and damage these vital parts. If you damage the pump, it will have to be replaced. Fountains that have concrete or cast stone parts are also at a higher risk of cracking.

What should you do if you want to winterize your garden fountain? If you have the time, the best thing to do is to disassemble your fountain completely and put it somewhere safe (like a garage) in order to keep it dry and at a medium temperature. Not everyone has time to go through this, naturally. If you cannot do this, then take the faster route as described below.

When it’s time to put away garden wall fountains for the season, first drain all water out of the fountain. Next, take the pump (the most important piece of the fountain) and bring to a safe and warm location. Taking the pump inside with you will reduce the risk of damage. Furthermore, you could use this opportunity to clean the pump and rid it of microscopic impurities like pet dander, algae and other debris.

Some stores sell garden wall fountain covers, though you could use any sort of waterproof protective material to prevent moisture from getting into the fountain. You need to make sure that no water or moisture can seep through the covering, a waterproof tarp would make a good covering.  The most important part to cover is the basin. You don’t just want heavy material—you want absorbent material to absorb any moisture that may get underneath the covering.   Think about material like burlap sacks or even bales of hay can be used to absorb moisture, just be sure to check then periodically and replace as needed.   Even if you don’t want to cover the entire fountain, you should try to fill the basin and any other tiers with something absorbent, even if it’s just a towel or two.

If by some chance water gets into the basin and freezes, then you have to worry about cracking and then leakage later on. If you have a tiered fountain with stackable parts then it’s best to take off each tier individually and put them in a safe place. Remember that even small cracks are enough to ruin your entire garden fountain. What about hair cracks? These will often times develop not because of moisture but because of aging and exposure to extreme temperatures. Note that these types of cracks will usually not affect your fountain.

Last but not least, rid your garden wall fountain of all plants and other debris. Leaving these materials inside the basin or pump could cause rotting. Keep these tips in mind for the next winter season!

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Waterfall Maintenance Instructions

Are you looking for tips on how to keep waterfall fountains clean? The answer is simply: running water. In fact, what might help you to keep your fountain clean is to put your waterfall on a timer. If your fountain waterfall runs on a consistent basis, then it’s much easier to keep track of. Let’s consider some maintenance essentials step by step.

First, try to change the water in your waterfall (as in a complete replacement) once every month. What about waterfall fountain treatment, you ask? It does its job, in that it gets rid of algae, mineral deposits and white scale. However, no treatment available will help you get rid of dust and debris that accumulates in your waterfall pond.

Next, you must keep the water level at its peak. This will mean adding water to your fountain probably on a daily basis. Most people water their waterfall like a plant. Because of evaporation, garden waterfalls empty water on a regular basis. If the temperature is hot and the day dry, then evaporation is accelerated. This action must be done so that the pump is always submerged. When the pump runs out of water it can be damaged in a hurry. Besides, adding fresh water on a daily basis helps to keep the whole fountain clean.

If your garden waterfall is an exterior fountain then you have to protect the basin from leaves and other debris. Not only that, but you have to give special consideration to the pump, the most important piece of the waterfall feature. It’s best to cover the pump with shade cloth screen. Debris can damage the inner workings of the pump.

You must winterize waterfall fountains in the colder seasons. You cannot let the pump freeze, nor can you let water freeze in the basin because of the threat of cracks. If by some chance some water freezes in the basin, then don’t fret. Allow the water to thaw in its own time. Do not break the ice on your own, however.

If your waterfall fountain has been inactive for a few months or even longer, then you may notice problems with the pump. This is not actually the pump’s failure (assuming you took it inside) but the tubing. Whenever this happens, try and use a garden hose to put pressure on the obstruction inside. There may be debris or even an insect nest inside.

Please note that using garden waterfalls indoors can be risky because of uncontrolled splashing. Splashing can harm wooden, tiled or carpeted surfaces. All in all, these garden waterfall maintenance lessons are easy to remember.

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Using Fountain Water Treatments

You will need to use fountain water treatment on a regular basis when you have a fountain or a garden waterfall. These treatments are usually suggested for owners as a temporary solution to the buildup of algae and scale. It is not recommended as a permanent solution; meaning, you must still clean the fountain and replace the water as directed.

Fountain chemicals are best for deferred maintenance and can help to keep the water looking clear and smelling like water (instead of other gross things). Ideally, this treatment allows you to go longer periods of time without cleaning the fountain.  Tap water in certain areas will contain high levels of calcium, lime and other naturally occurring elements which can cause build up in your fountain basin. If you notice a white powder or a pink slimy substance  on the edges of the basin, this may be a sign of calcium, lime and hard or soft water. These types of issues can be controlled with products containing no more white scale in the name. These products work best if used from the beginning when you add water to your new fountain.   The main way to eliminate many water problems in your fountain is to use distilled water which does not contain any of these minerals.  Make sure you follow the manufacturers suggested dosage for any fountain water treatments you are using in any fountain.

First of all, let’s try and understand why these fountain water treatments are necessary. Ordinarily (and even if you keep the fountain as healthy as possible) you will still have lots of mineral deposits forming in the basin and inside the pump. This usually results from using tap water instead of distilled water. Distilled water is not the same thing as filtered water. Even clean water can still have pollutants in it.

Algae feed on water and grow at a fast rate, all the more so if it is exposed to sunlight. Whenever you notice the water developing a strange smell or see it darkening, this is because of algae growth. While some people may advise you to use bleach to get rid of the algae, this is not commonly recommended. Bleach can actually be harmful to the pump operation and is known to damage some materials, which could be part of the basin.

Algae can be eliminated using fountain water treatment. This treatment is usually called anti-algae treatment and other similar product names. Do not assume that algae can only grow outside. Algae can grow just as rapidly in interior rooms. Algae grow faster with tap water but it can still grow if you use distilled water. Whenever you get the feeling that the water is “slimy” then the algae has spread rather far. All it takes is a few drops of fountain water treatments to destroy algae and prevent the growth of it. Adding a few drops of fountain chemical treatment per gallon is more than enough. Keep this practice up once a week for the best results.

Keep in mind that it’s not always practical to use distilled water with larger basins. Some owners would rather just buy anti-white scale water treatment than have to worry about using large volumes of distilled water.

Using this special treatment, you can prevent the growth of algae and bacteria and keep your fountain or waterfall smelling fresh!

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Top 10 Fountain Care Tips for Long Lasting Beauty

You sure do love your outdoor fountain, don’t you? Such a beautiful piece of work is not a common thing. However, maintaining such a fountain can be challenging. Don’t worry though—we have simplified all you need to know about outdoor fountain maintenance to ten simple points. Here they are…

1. Use water treatment once a week.
This is actually the most important step if you want to keep the water clean and healthy. Using this special treatment can kill off algae, scale and rid the water of mineral deposits. Remember that these microscopic pests can damage your finish.

2. Add water to outdoor water fountains every day.
Your fountain cannot function without fresh water. You must maintain the proper water capacity in order to prevent the pump from burning out or suffering other damage. Check the water level daily. Be sure that the surface is always above the pump. A good standard to work from is to keep the water surface an inch below the basin’s rim.

3. Keep the pump clean from debris.
Clean the pump piece regularly and thoroughly. This will prevent all sorts of debris from compromising the performance; from pet dander to dust to airborne pollutants.

4. Replace the water of your outdoor water fountain once a month.
You must replace the water completely once a month in order to protect the fountain from dust and other deposits and impurities. Ignore this step and the fountain may start to smell sour.

5. Clean the outdoor fountain itself once every three months.
This means disassembling the parts and giving careful attention to each piece. The manufacturer’s standard is a full cleaning once every three months. Scrub the inside and the outside but only use cleaning supplies that will be gentle to the finish.

6. Read the manufacturer’s notice for additional maintenance directions.
Not all fountains are created the same and some require special attention.

7. Do not add any foreign substances to outdoor fountains.
Be careful about adding any foreign substances to the fountain water. Foreign substances, harmless to you, could still potentially affect the pump, the finish or even the inner workings of the fountain.

8. Winterize your outdoor water fountains.
In order to avoid cracking, drain your fountain in the winter and take out the pump. Cover the basin with absorbent materials or a fountain cover.

9. Get rid of accumulating trash.
Debris like leaves, branches, mulch and other natural or unnatural materials can affect the performance of the pump. Even organic materials can release bacteria into the water and this will cause some smelly side effects. You can also buy special pond filters that catch these items.

10. Do not let water splash indoors.
Try and keep the surface level at just the right place—about an inch from the basin rim. Splashing water from outdoor water fountains can damage some surfaces like wood and tile. In fact, waterfalls and heavy splashing outdoor fountains are not recommended for interiors.

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Stainless Steel Fountain Care

If you have a fountain basin made of stainless steel, or have other parts on the feature made of this special material, then you will have to take precautions. A stainless steel fountain is well regarded for its attractive look, its clean look and its very modern appearance. As if an effervescent fountain weren’t lovely enough, when you add the shine of stainless steel you get a dazzling focal point. Stainless steel is the preferred material for high-end businesses and contemporary decoration.

A stainless water fountain has a smooth and non-porous surface. This is excellent for a fountain because it makes it much harder for bacteria and other microscopic threats to survive. Stainless steel also has good resistance to corrosion. Of all the materials you could use to build a water fountain, stainless steel is one of the best options. This is a material that many call maintenance-free.

Not quite—there is some maintenance involved in caring for stainless water fountains. However, they are easy to remember. Stainless steel must still be kept clean, just as all fountains. Steel is not resistant to dust, algae and mineral deposits. In order for this material to retain its powerful resistance to corrosion, it must be kept clean. This is especially important when your water may contain rust which may cause corrosion in thinner gauge stainless steel.

When you are trying to clean your  stainless steel fountain be sure to wipe with the grain, as opposed to against. This will ensure that the sheen of the surface is kept. It’s best not to use soap for cleaning, although Windex is relatively harmless. Some experts advocate using club soda or vinegar as alternative and safer solutions. You definitely want to avoid chlorine-based cleaning solutions like bleach. These chemicals can be damaging. Always check your maintenance tips that are included with your fountain for proper cleaning of your stainless steel fountain.

A stainless steel fountain may be stainless but you can still leave fingerprints on them. In order to remove these markings, use a slightly wet sponge or a microfiber cloth. You want to avoid any cleaning tool that is abrasive because this could easily destroy or mar the finish. Avoid steel wool or scouring powders like the plague! While all stainless water fountains are bound to splash, it’s not a good idea to let beads of water accumulate outside of the frame of the fountain. Try to dry the area as much as possible.

A stainless steel fountain makes for a popular attraction for a business or for a home. These pieces are contemporary, elegant and without equal. All water fountains require water replacement, full cleanings and chemical treatment. Make sure your fountain has a long life by maintaining it regularly.

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How to Change the Water in your Fountain

While you are not required by law to change your garden fountain water, you will really suffer the consequences when the basin becomes dirty. Most fountain specialists recommend that you change your pond or fountain water every 4-6 months. This does not refer to the process of adding water, which should be done on a more regular basis. This refers to emptying out the fountain, cleaning the fountain pieces, and then replacing the water. You are also advised to clean the pump and get rid of all the debris that has floated into the rotors.

How should you go about replacing garden fountain water? It mostly depends on the type of fountain you have as well as the size of it. If you have a smaller basin then you could just poor the water down the toilet. (Try not to use the sink as the water could be filled with algae and leave behind a bad odor) Some fountains actually have a drain plug feature which makes it easy to activate the drain and let all the water flow into the ground.

If you have a smaller fountain then by all means disassemble the garden water fountain completely so you can thoroughly clean it. You could also use an extra pump to remove the water from the basin or use the existing pump that re-circulates the water. Remember, as long as the pump is below the surface, you are not damaging the garden water fountain. All you have to do is attach a long tube to the pump and then lower it into the basin. After you have cleaned the basin you can add water back to the fountain using a garden hose or pumping in distilled water.

There is another method of replacing water with garden water fountains and this is called siphoning. In this manner, you get rid of garden fountain water the same way you would replace the water in a fish tank. You get a plastic tube (appropriate to the size of the basin) and then put it inside the fountain. You take the other end and suck the water out as if you had a giant straw. Of course, once the water reaches your mouth you want to let go and let the water flow into a bucket or a container. Remember, if the basin or container is lower than the fountain gravity is on your side. Just make sure that the tube is clean and please do not drink the water! There are more bacteria and chemicals in there than you care to know!

Garden water fountains are easy to assemble and disassemble. Replacing the water is just easy. Before long, you can have a completely clean and fresh waterfall or fountain running!

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Fountain Maintenance and Care

Fountain water treatment is an important part of owning a fountain. How much maintenance work are you looking at for an average size fountain? You might be surprised to know that water fountains do not require heavy maintenance. Once these features are set up, you will only have to clean the fountain, replace the evaporated water and apply fountain water treatments on a weekly basis.

You will have to ensure that the water level is at its peak. The pump must always be submersed in water if it is to function correctly. There is no given standard here. The amount of water the fountain loses in a day can change, as it is affected by heat and aridness. The more humidity is in the air, the less water the fountain will lose. Rather than add a few gallons every other day, it’s best to add just a little bit of extra water on a daily basis. Just think of it as another plant to water!

Applying fountain chemicals treatment rids your fountain of algae, mineral deposits and white scale. This is not intended to be a replacement for a thorough cleaning; just a temporary solution. When you apply water treatment on a weekly basis, you do not have to constantly clean the fountain or replace the water. Of course, fountain water treatment can only work to a point. Use only a minimal amount of fountain water treatments when the time comes; just a few drops will suffice for a gallon of water.

Eventually, you have to clean the entire fountain area (usually every quarter, or sometimes twice a year). Cleaning the fountain and water replacement are both important. Fountain chemicals can build up in the basin and in the pump. Once they start building up inside the pump, the device is at risk of being damaged. The absolute worst thing you can do is to try and keep the pump running when it is not underneath the water surface. Remember that the water cools the pump and maintains the temperature.

How can you clean a pump and get rid of fountain chemical pollution? First, unplug the pump and then remove the debris on the outside. You can scrub the piece using a clean rag. If you are having difficulty getting out the algae, then soak the outer piece in vinegar. Next, remove the pump cover. Pull out the impeller and remove any debris that you see. Now re-cover it and restart.

Fountain chemical pollutants can affect the safety of your water feature. Regular maintenance is important to a fountain’s long life.  Always refer to the manufacturers suggested cleaning and maintenance included with your fountain before cleaning or adding anything to your fountain.

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Acrylic Fountain Care

Acrylic fountains add a certain elegance and visual charm to any water feature. The look of acrylic is modern and artistic. Just imagine what a nice feeling it would be to have aesthetic beauty along with the soothing sound of a waterfall or water fountain nearby?

Is it practical to buy  an   acrylic water fountain? Is there any special maintenance involved? An acrylic water fountains does have some special maintenance requirements. Let’s consider these one at a time.

First of all, you have to keep the fountain clean. No fountain is resistant against dirt, dander, debris, algae and mineral deposits. You must clean the fountain on a regular basis and also replace the water regularly. You must add new water to the fountain to account for evaporation on a near daily basis. In between cleanings, you can use water treatment to get rid of a lot of harmful chemicals.

When it comes to actually cleaning an acrylic fountain, as in cleaning the acrylic basin or piece, you must use proper cleaning solutions. Plastic polish is recommended and it is available at most hardware stores. Before you start cleaning the fountain (and this is recommended at least twice a year) you must empty out all the dirty water. When it is empty you can proceed to wipe it with a soft cloth or a chamois. Use a generous amount of plastic cleaner and wet both the material and the cloth. Please make sure that check your included manufacturers cleaning instructions before using any type of cleaner on your acrylic fountain.

Acrylic is not like stainless steel—it can scratch easily. It’s comparable to silver in this way. If you get a scratch on the fountain then you can use scratch remover polish as well as a cloth to clean. If the scratch is especially deep then polish will not do the trick. You may have to get a complete restoration kit in order to successful remove the spots.

When cleaning an acrylic water fountain avoid using harsh or abrasive products. This includes window cleaning fluids, scouring substances, gritty rags, household cleaners, lacquer thinner, benzene, ethyl gasoline, alcohol, acetone, and carbon tetra chlorine. In other words, whatever you can think of in terms of ordinary house cleaning supplies is probably too harsh for acrylic fountains. Stick with the polish recommended or with a special kit made for cleaning. If you use an abrasive cleaning tool then you may damage the finish. You must also be careful to keep acrylic water fountains away from heat sources or flames.

All those high maintenance quibbling aside, there really is nothing as beautiful as a glossy, spotless acrylic water fountain feature!

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How to Remove Stubborn Algae from a Fountain

Algae is one of the biggest problems that can arise with your fountain. While chemicals and cleaning are often enough to eliminate the problem with little effort required, the simple fact is that once you have stubborn buildup it can be hard to eliminate. Fountain algae problems can require a bit of intensive treatment in order to fully eliminate them, but once the problem is under control, maintenance should certainly be enough to keep the problem from recurring.

One thing that should always be kept in mind when treating your fountain is to read all of the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions carefully. Pumps can require different methods of disassembling, and different building materials can react differently to certain cleaning chemicals. Make certain that you understand what limitations face your fountain cleaning efforts, and contact the seller or manufacturer if you have any questions. While fountain chemicals are typically safe for most models, you will certainly want to eliminate any chance that your cleaning methods will harm your fountain.

Once you know what chemicals and additives are safe for your fountain, it is time to clean it. This certainly begins by unplugging the pump and draining the fountain. For larger fountains, a wet dry vacuum will do the job quickly. Rinse the fountain with fresh water, and clean the pump with a toothbrush, taking care to remove the outer cover. Cleaning all spouts and tubing is highly recommended, and a pipe cleaner can be an excellent tool to help you do this. Cleaning any holes in the fountain that create small water streams can also prevent clogs from algae.

Once the tubing has been cleaned, you can work on cleaning out fountain algae within the fountain itself. Dish soap can be an inexpensive way to clean, but it must be rinsed very thoroughly. Without proper rinsing, the soap will cause bubbles to form in the water and can be unhealthy for your pump. Take time to use a toothbrush to clean rough surfaces and to get into all crevices on the fountain while cleaning. White vinegar is a great way to clean algae and is much safer for your fountain than bleach. Soaking rocks and other fountain components in vinegar before washing can help to make algae removal easier.

In short, removing stubborn algae can be easy, if time consuming. Fountain chemicals added to the water after cleaning can help prevent future growth. Cleaning your fountain requires care and diligence, and taking the time to use soft materials is important. Your fountain is designed for beauty, relaxation, and a long life, and when you take the proper steps to eliminate algae, you can certainly enjoy all of these things much easier.

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How to Prepare Your Water Garden for Winter

Garden water fountains and ponds require maintenance throughout the year to keep them beautiful and healthy. When winter approaches, and the first freeze is on the horizon, you will find that there are steps you will need to take in order to keep your pond or fountain healthy. These simple steps will protect fish and plants, alleviate the risk of a cracked fountain, and ensure that the winter does not have a negative effect on your water feature.

Before the first freeze, it is important to remove any debris from your ponds or garden fountains. This is especially true if you have fish or other creatures living in your water feature, as sticks, leaves, and other organic matter gives off toxic gases during decomposition, which presents a health risk to living creatures. As a layer of ice forms over the top of your fountain, these gases will escape much slower and removing as much unnecessary organic matter as possible is crucial. By taking the time to do this, however, you can help keep your plants and fish safe throughout the winter.

If you have a garden water fountain, you will certainly want to turn the pump off throughout the winter. The water is likely to freeze, which will quickly destroy your fountain. For ponds, however, the pump can continue running to circulate the water. Keep your flow adjuster set to the lowest setting possible and keep the pump level with the end of the tubing, or a couple of inches below the surface. Keeping the pump elevated prevents it from warming only the surface water, which would leave the bottom of the pond too cold for your fish to survive.  You can check with any online retailer for a pond heater and thermometer in order to keep your fish and plants healthy through out the winter months.

You will certainly want to take steps to ensure that your pond never freezes completely. This can be accomplished by simply pouring boiling water at the edge of the pond to make a place for the pond to release gases. Breaking the ice will harm fish and possible even the fountain, so the boiling water method is always the best choice. Once the temperature in your pond or garden fountain reaches forty-five degrees, you will also want to stop feeding the fish, as their metabolisms will slow down.

These steps are designed for people in areas where freezes are likely. For people in milder areas, many plants can remain in the pond. Tropicals must always be removed, but many other plants will survive simply by being placed in the deepest part of the pond as long as there are six inches of ice or less. Maintaining your fountain through winter can seem like a great deal of work, but the benefits are certainly greatly worthwhile.

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