Garden Fountain Maintenance Tips
Garden fountains are a wonderful way to provide a stunning focal point as well as the soothing sound of flowing water in any outdoor space. They're available in thousands of different styles, sizes, materials, colors and price points - anyone can find an outdoor fountain that will fit their needs perfectly. If you're purchasing a garden fountain for the first time, or you have one at home that's been running for a while, you may be concerned about maintenance: what is required to keep it running properly? How much time and effort do I have to put into keeping it clean and sanitary? The truth is, maintaining garden fountains is easy and won't take much of your time at all. Here are a few simple steps to keep your fountain looking and running like new for years to come.
Keep the fountain water and pump clear of debris. You can cut down on the amount of fallen leaves and other debris that ends up in your fountain by placing it so that it's not underneath any tree limbs. Try to scoop debris out of the water every few days; if you let it accumulate, it can cause murky water and clog the pump. To clean the fountain pump, unplug it and pull it out of the fountain. An old toothbrush or textured cloth can be used to gently remove algae and debris from the outside. Then, remove the cover and do the same with the interior parts.
Prevent algae and mineral deposits with water treatments. Over time, algae can appear in your fountain, causing unattractive slimy build-up which clogs the pump and has an unpleasant smell. This can be avoided altogether with a product called No More Algae for Fountains. This economical water treatment removes current algae growth and prevents it from reappearing. You only need a few drops per gallon of water in the fountain basin once per week, so the bottle will last a long time.
Scaly white or pink deposits may also form on your fountain due to hard water. One way to prevent this is to fill the fountain with distilled water only, but it's not always practical for larger fountains. That's where No More White Scale for Fountains comes in: it removes existing mineral deposits and keeps new ones from forming.
Make sure the water level doesn't get too low. During the summer, particularly in dry climates, water in garden fountains can evaporate quickly. If there's not enough water in the fountain to cover the pump while it's running, it can burn out and stop working. Simply top off the water as needed.
Read the manufacturer's care guidelines. In the box your fountain comes in, you should receive an instruction sheet or booklet that contains maintenance information along with the setup instructions. This information can be very valuable to keep your fountain working properly and maintaining its beauty over time. Different materials require different care; there are some types of cleaners that should never be used on materials such as copper, stainless steel, and cast stone.
For additional care guidelines based on material, check out 'Fountain Maintenance' page of KineticFountains.com's Buyer's Guide, as well as the 'Cast Stone Fountain Information' page.
