2. The use of ultraviolet lights is also an option for keeping larger water fountains algae- and bacteria-free. UV lights are placed at the base of the water fountain. They filter the water by killing the bacteria passing through the ultraviolet lamp located inside the unit. UV lights also get rid of green water by clumping the algae together so the filter can remove them.

Cleaning your water fountain on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do. Cleaning the main fountain unit and its pump will eliminate algae and bacteria and prevent white scale from building up in your fountain, which means to say that it’s the best way to keep your water fountain beautiful not only in the inside but also in the outside.

Water

It is recommended that distilled water be used in your tabletop fountain, as well as all other types of fountains. Tap water, whether from a city source or a county water association, has minerals and other additives to it to ensure its quality for human consumption. These minerals and any additives will damage your pump and often damage the fountain itself by staining.  When purchasing distilled water do not get confused by bottles labeled “drinking water” or any other label, distilled water will be labeled as such and is the only water where minerals have been removed and nothing has been added.

It’s also important that you maintain the required water level in your tabletop fountain. When water is low, the pump does not operate as efficiently and if allowed to operate with a dry fountain will burn up. Water is lost from your fountain through evaporation, so adding water periodically is necessary.

Algae

Water is required for life. Unfortunately this also often means that where there is water, there is life. Often unwanted life grows in fountains like algae. Algae are not harmful and as long as the water in the fountain is not allowed to be stagnant will not produce unwanted odors. However, they do detract from the beauty of your tabletop fountain. In addition, if allowed to grow the pump may eventually become clogged. If the volume or speed of water flowing begins to decrease, it’s likely that the pump needs to be cleaned.

Cleaning

Periodically you should clean the fountain and the pump. Occasionally, if algae have been allowed to grow unhindered, it may be necessary to empty the tabletop fountain and thoroughly clean each part.  A soft damp rag is generally all that is necessary, but if you choose to use cleaners be sure to use only those intended for fountains. It’s also a good idea to sterilize your fountain after cleaning it. This can be done by dipping all the parts, including the pump, in a mild chlorine solution.

Proper care of your tabletop fountain will ensure that it is enjoyed for years.

Will you use sculptures? Will you opt for framed prints or actual drawings and paintings? Have you considered using an “art” wall water feature instead? This is something that comes with a range of benefits that include the ability to enhance your décor, and also the ability to calm and relax you every time you are in the room.

How can an art wall water feature do that much? Let’s say that you are a huge fan of paintings that use a lot of vibrant color and some abstract imagery. You can go ahead and purchase a framed piece, but if you opted for an art wall water feature, you’d get the art plus the features of the fountain too.

How can water run over the surface of a painting or print? Actually, the best designs use an impervious substance like Lexan (a type of durable acrylic) to which the print or image is mounted. The water pours down one side of the surface and the image remains totally protected on the back side of it.

This means that you can rely on your art wall water feature to be beautiful at all times, but you can also count on it to supply you, and all of your visitors, with the gentle and soothing sounds of water.

You can also opt for an art water feature that doesn’t use a print, but instead relies upon more sculptural features to create its effects too. These might include fountains that use a panel of embossed or sculpted metal over which the water glides and drips, or they might actually be structural pieces themselves. This could include everything from large slabs of stone that have been carved and equipped with fountains that come right through the rock and run smoothly down the surface, or it could mean large collections of pebbles that are mounted to look like a river bed and over which the water drips and flows.

The key to selecting art water features is to ensure that they work in a complementary way with the rest of the décor. This ensures that they are visually as well as audibly soothing.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.