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No matter what type of outdoor fountain you have, it must be maintained and cared for correctly.
Adding an outdoor fountain to your backyard, garden, or patio is a great way to add style and charm to your space. But if you don’t properly care for it, then the beautiful aesthetics and appeal will be lost.
On top of that, failing to care for your fountain can cause health risks in the flowing water that songbirds enjoy to bathe in.
That is why it’s important to perform regular outdoor fountain maintenance. You’ll improve the longevity of your water feature and ensure it is a safe place for your feathered friends to bathe.
In this article, we’ll be going over common questions we have received over the years when it comes to backyard fountain maintenance and the steps you can proactively take to care for your fountain.
First, let’s jump into how to care for the most important piece of your fountain, the pump.
Outdoor fountain pumps are subjected to the harsh elements of nature, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the performance of your pump and clean it periodically.
One of the most important rules to remember when it comes to your pump is to always keep it submerged in water, except when you are cleaning it.
Fountain pumps are specifically made to run underwater and if you let it run dry then you risk drastically shortening its lifespan.
The pump will sound louder with the less water you have in your fountain, so find the right balance where your pump is submerged enough in the water and the outdoor fountain has minimal splashing.
As stated above, you need to have the pump constantly submerged with a consistent level of water in your outdoor fountain.
Take note every day of the water level in your garden fountain. The pump will not cause the water levels to drop, but evaporation will so add water frequently.
Most outdoor water fountains are either electric or solar-powered. If you have an , all you need to do is plug it into a standard electrical outlet and ensure the pump is completely submerged in water.
If you have a solar-powered fountain, then you need to ensure the solar panel is in direct sunlight or the battery-backup has ample power. To learn more about how to operate a solar fountain, check out our troubleshooting guide on solar water fountains.
Fountain pumps are specifically designed to run constantly. It is hard on the pump if you constantly turn it on and off every day.
The only times you should turn off the fountain pump is if you are cleaning it or if you are going to be away from it for several days. It is better to turn it off than to risk the water levels getting low and the pump running dry while you are gone.
Luckily, fountain pumps require little maintenance, but it is still important to clean your pump when needed.
To clean the pump thoroughly, take it out of the fountain and wipe away any debris or build-up with a cloth.
Open the cover and wipe down the inside of the pump, as well. Any hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned out with an old toothbrush.
Pump maintenance only takes a few minutes but it will keep your fountain running smoothly and beautifully for a long time to come.
A common problem that fountain owners run into is algae and white scale build-up. Let’s dive into how these show up in your outdoor fountain and what you can do to prevent it.
Algae growth is common in fountains if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
According to Aquatic Environment Consultants, algae is caused by debris, exposure to sunlight, water movement, and temperature.
Because of this, it is recommended to place your outdoor fountain in an area with amply shade from the sun. Also, make sure to proactively clean your fountain at least once a month with an anti-algae cleaner. There are many types of these cleaners online, or you can also make your own using this guide by hunker.com
White scale occurs in fountains when there is a lot of calcium or lime build-up in your water. This is typical if you are using hard or tap water that contains a lot of these minerals.
The best way to prevent white scales from building up in your outdoor fountain is to use distilled water only. Distilled water doesn’t contain any of these minerals, which eliminates any chance of white scales.
If you must use hard or tap water, then make sure to use a white scale cleaner or grab some vinegar water and a mild abrasive pad to scrub the area with the deposit build-up.
The first thing you want to do when cleaning your backyard fountain is to turn it off, remove the pump, and empty any water or decorative rocks that are in the feature.
Next, grab your fountain cleaner and a textured piece of cloth. You don’t want to use any harmful chemicals as these can damage the finish of your fountain.
Then, scrub away any algae, dirt, or debris. Make sure you are reaching the hard to reach spots, especially in the basin of the outdoor fountain.
After you are done scrubbing, thoroughly rinse out the fountain. Ensure all the cleaning solution is rinsed out as you don’t want these chemicals to get in your pump.
Depending on where you live and where your fountain is placed, you’ll want to regularly clean your fountain to prevent algae from forming and to keep your outdoor fountain water clean.
We recommend cleaning your fountain every 1-3 months to maximize the longevity and performance of your outdoor fountain and pump.
As stated before, the best type of water to use is distilled water.
Distilled water contains no added minerals or sediments, making it pure. Tap water often contains minerals and debris in the water system, which is hard on the pump and leads to white scale build-up.
Your outdoor fountain water level will lower naturally over time due to evaporation, so when your water level drops it doesn’t always mean you have a leak.
If you do think that your fountain has a leak but there are no visible cracks, let it sit for a week without running. If there is a crack, then it will appear white.
To fix a leaking fountain, use clear Silicon II and apply it to the leak on the inside of the feature. Note that this only applies if your fountain is made of fiberglass or stone.
The most important step to take with your fountain before freezing weather occurs is to completely drain it of all water.
Because water expands as it freezes, any frozen water in your fountain can cause permanent damage to your basin, pump, and exterior.
The best way to keep your garden fountain protected in the winter is to disassemble it and store it somewhere that offers protection from the elements.
If you don’t have any storage room, the next best method is to use an outdoor fountain cover. Make sure to get a fountain cover that completely covers the basin and/or the entire fountain.
Backyard fountains add elegant charm and style to your space, but it is necessary to do proper maintenance and care to ensure long-lasting performance and beauty.
Remember to care for your fountain pump, protect it from algae, perform regular cleaning, protect your fountain from freezing weather, and follow all of the best practices mentions in this article.
If you have any questions and experiences about the care and maintenance of your fountain, please leave a comment below. Also, if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share.
Here’s to many years of quality performance, beauty, and relaxation from your outdoor fountain.
Maintaining and caring for an outdoor fountain is important no matter what kind you have.
Outdoor fountains are a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard, garden, or patio. However, its stunning visual appeal and aesthetic value will be diminished if you fail to maintain it correctly.
On top of that, if you don't maintain your fountain, the birds who come to bathe in its running water might be exposed to harmful bacteria.
What to do when you first get a fountain pen?
Therefore, keeping up with outdoor fountain care is crucial. You'll extend the life of your fountain and make it a secure spot for feathery friends to take a dip.
In this piece, we'll address some of the most frequently asked concerns we've had about backyard fountain upkeep and the preventative measures you can take to prolong the life of your fountain.
We'll begin with the maintenance of the fountain's pump, its lifeblood.
The meticulous upkeep of the fountain has resulted in a magnificently functioning multi-tiered fountain.
The pumps in outdoor fountains are always exposed to the weather, so it's vital that you monitor their efficiency and clean them on a regular basis to ensure they continue to function properly.
Ensure that your pump is completely submerged at all times.
You should remember to keep your pump immersed in water at all times, except while you are cleaning it.
There is a significant danger of premature failure if you use a fountain pump that is not submerged in water.
Find the sweet spot where your pump is fully buried in the water and the outside fountain has minimum splashing, since the pump will sound louder with less water in the fountain.
When Creating a Water Feature, How Do You Install A Fountain Pump?
The pump in your outdoor fountain has to be kept under water at all times, as was previously mentioned.
Monitor the water level of your garden fountain daily. Water levels won't go down because of the pump, but evaporation will, so keep topping up the reservoir.
Today, solar and electric pumps power the vast majority of outdoor water features. All that's required to use a submersible pump is to put it into a regular power outlet and fill the basin to the top with water.
If your fountain runs on solar energy, check to be that the solar panel is exposed to bright sunshine and that the battery backup is well charged. Our guide on fixing solar water fountains will help you get the most out of your solar water feature.
If you have a solar-powered fountain, regular maintenance is essential.
The pumps used in fountains are designed to operate nonstop. Turning the pump on and off every day might wear it out quickly.
Only while cleaning the fountain or leaving for an extended period of time should the pump be turned off. Instead of worrying about the water level dropping too low and the pump drying up while you're gone, just switch it off.
When was the last time you cleaned the pump at your fountain?
Even if cleaning your pump as needed is the extent of the maintenance required for a fountain pump, it is nevertheless necessary to do so.
Take the pump out of the fountain and wash it off with a towel to remove any buildup or dirt.
Remove the lid and clean the pump's inside as well. Using an old toothbrush, you may get into any crevices and clean them out.
Maintenance on the pump is quick and easy, and will extend the life of your fountain so that it will continue to look lovely for years to come.
Make Sure That Algae And White Scale Don't Grow In Your Outdoor Fountain.
Algae and white scale are a frequent issue for those who own fountains. Let's investigate why they are showing up in your backyard fountain and how to fix them.
What Can I Do to Prevent Algae Growth in My Outdoor Fountain?
Without proper maintenance, fountains can get infested with algae.
Aquatic Environment Consultants attributes algal growth to litter, solar radiation, currents, and warm temperatures.
Because of this, you should put your outdoor fountain somewhere that gets plenty of shade. As an added precaution, use an anti-algae cleanser to thoroughly scrub your fountain at least once a month. You can buy a variety of these cleansers on the internet, or you may manufacture your own with the help of this hunker.com tutorial.
When there is a high concentration of calcium or lime in the water, white scale forms in fountains. This is to be expected if you are making use of hard water or tap water that is very mineral-rich.
You should only use distilled water in your outdoor fountain to avoid the buildup of white scales. All risk of white scales is removed when using distilled water since it does not include the minerals that cause them.
If you can't avoid using tap water or bottled water, take care to remove the buildup of deposits by using a white scale remover or scrubbing the area with vinegar water and a light abrasive pad.
When cleaning a backyard fountain, the first step is to cut off the power, remove the pump, and dump out the water and any ornamental pebbles.
Take out your fountain cleanser and a clean, textured cloth. The finish of your fountain is delicate, therefore you should avoid using any harsh chemicals.
Then, remove any debris, grime, or algae using a scrub brush. Be sure you are cleaning the outdoor fountain's basin and other hard-to-reach areas.
After you've finished washing, give the fountain a good rinsing. You don't want any of the cleaning solution to go inside your pump, so be sure to thoroughly rinse it out.
If you want to maintain the water in your outdoor fountain clear and algae-free, you may need to clean your fountain once a week or more often depending on where you live and where you put it.
To extend the life of your outdoor fountain and pump, it is recommended that you clean it once every three to four months.
outdoor fountain with water cascading down the walls
Distilled water, as was previously said, is recommended.
When water is distilled, all naturally occurring minerals and sediments are removed, leaving just pure water. White scale buildup on pumps is commonplace due to minerals and debris in municipal water supplies.
What to Do If Your Fountain Is Leaking
Due to evaporation, the water level in your outdoor fountain will gradually decrease over time, therefore a gradually decreasing water level does not always indicate a leak.
If you suspect a leak in your fountain but can find no obvious flaws, turning off the water supply and letting it rest for a week should do the trick. A crack will seem white if there is one.
A leak inside of a fountain may be sealed with transparent Silicon II. Keep in mind that this is not the case with plastic or metal fountains.
Prepare Your Fountain for the Winter Months
Avoid Freezing the Fountain's Water.
The most crucial preparation you can do for your fountain before cold weather strikes is to empty it entirely.
Frozen water in your fountain's basin or pump may cause irreparable harm to those components and more because of the expansion of water upon freezing.
Afford Some Cold-Weather Defense For Your Outdoor Fountain
In order to prevent damage to your garden fountain during the winter, it is recommended that you take it apart and store the pieces in a dry, safe location.
In the absence of a dedicated storage area, an outdoor fountain cover is a suitable substitute. Get a cover for the fountain that will fully enclose the basin and/or the whole thing.
Care and maintenance of your outdoor fountain may extend its life.
Having a backyard fountain in your yard may add a touch of class and elegance to your outdoor area, but it requires regular upkeep to keep it running smoothly and looking its best.
Don't forget to clean your fountain often, keep the pump free of algae, and safeguard it from freezing temperatures, as well as the other recommended practices mentioned here.
Please share your thoughts and insights on maintaining a fountain in the comments section below. If you learned anything from this manual, please spread the word.
Here's hoping your outdoor fountain provides you with years of reliable enjoyment.
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