Fall Fountain Maintenance: Get Ready for Winter

Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes the reminder that freezing weather is just around the corner for many of us. Outdoor fountains can be susceptible to a few problems throughout this season and into the winter, such as clogged pumps and cracks caused by the water in the fountain basin freezing. Keeping your fountain safe from these issues is simple.

Remove all the accumulated debris from your fountain regularly during the fall. With all the dead leaves and other plant matter blowing around, you could end up with a lot of rotting plant material in your fountain basin. Not only will this not smell very good, it can damage your pump and stain the surface of your fountain, depending on what kind of material it's made of.

If you live in an area where freezes are very rare, you don't have to do much more to your fountain for the upcoming winter. Keeping the pump running will be enough to protect your fountain from occasional surface freezes. Outdoor fountains are made to withstand harsh weather conditions including rain and wind, so you don't need to take any additional steps to keep it safe.

However, if it gets cold enough for water to freeze into solid ice overnight, it's important to take a few simple steps to protect your fountain from possible cracking. Here are Kinetic Fountains' top tips for winterizing outdoor water fountains, from our Fountain Guide:

• If possible, the best case scenario would be to disassemble your fountain and place it in a shed or garage to completely protect it from damaging weather. If it is not possible, you will want to follow the instructions below.
• Prior to the first freeze of the season, drain your fountain of all water.
• It is preferable to remove the pump and bring it indoors if you can. This is a great time to clean your pump, removing any algae, pet dander, or other debris that may have accumulated over time. Submersible pumps can be stored in a bucket or tupperware container filled with water in a warm indoor spot so that the seals and gaskets do not dry out.
• You may wish to purchase a fountain cover, or cover your fountain with a tarp or other protective material, which can help keep moisture from accumulating. Fill the basin of the fountain with an absorbent material such as burlap sacks or blankets to absorb any condensation that can accumulate and freeze during the winter season. This is the most fail-safe way to protect your fountain from winter damage.
• If you are not planning on covering your fountain, it is absolutely imperative that you fill the basin and tiers, if applicable, with an absorbent material such as burlap, blankets, rolled towels, etc. When water gets into the basin and freezes, there is a very good chance that the tiers will crack if they are not protected. If your tiered fountain has stackable parts that are not cemented together (such as our Cast Stone Fountains), we recommend taking off the top tiers and placing them in a garage or shed where they won't be exposed to snow and ice.
• These tips will help to ensure that your outdoor fountain lasts for many years to come. Many concrete and cast stone fountains will develop tiny hairline cracks over time after exposure to the elements; these cracks are completely natural and will not effect the functionality of your fountain.

Never put antifreeze in your fountain water! It could be a serious danger to children, pets and wildlife.

For an array of beautiful indoor fountains, outdoor fountains and fountain accessories, see KineticFountains.com.