Outdoor Water Fountain Care & Maintenance

Tranquility Fountains & Home Decor

The sound of trickling water from a fountain adds a sense of peace and tranquility to your outdoor space. Outdoor water fountains rely on submersible water pumps to constantly circulate the water in the fountain, preventing algae, mineral and calcium buildup. Even with a constantly running water pump, your fountain can accumulate mineral deposits and debris, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it operating smoothly. Follow these steps below to help keep your outdoor fountain running smoothly, properly, and for a longer time:

1. Check the water level frequently and make sure the pump is covered by water at all times. 
2. Use distilled water, if possible, to help reduce mineral buildup on the pump and in the water.
3. Remove debris, such as leaves, insects, dirt, etc, from the fountain and the pump area with your hands or with a net. This will help keep the pump circulating properly and keep it from clogging. You can use a toothbrush to scrub any areas of the pump that have algae or other mineral buildup, and you can use a stiff bristled brush to scrub the rest of the fountain. To also help keep algae under control and from forming, you can use our FounTec Algaecide and Clarifier as directed under the Fountain Accessories & Care Products tab on our website.
4. It is a good idea to remove the water from the fountain about once a month, or when the water appears dirty, to keep the water cleaner, or you can use our all natural products such as Fountain Fresh or Large Fountain Cleanser offered in our store under the Fountain Accessories & Care Products tab to help keep your fountain maintained and cleaner longer, with less frequent water changes and buildup. 
5. If you have birds that flock to your fountain often and/or have a bird bath fountain, you may want to take the time to clean the water out of the reservoir daily, or at least every other day, and/or use our Bird Bath Cleanse product to keep these fountains more sanitary due to bird debris. These products are all natural, but you still want to read all labels to make sure everything is safe for wildlife, birds, pets, etc.
6. If you need to winterize your fountain, it is always best to drain the water before the temperatures drop to below freezing. The cold temps will cause the tubing in the pump to contract and can cause damage. If possible, it is always best to disassemble and move your fountain into a garage or shed, once drained. If this is not possible, you can always cover your fountain with a cover of some type to keep it protected from moisture and climate damage. If you don't have a cover, then make sure you put some kind of blankets, towels or absorbent material in the basin of the fountain to keep water from building up and freezing because it can cause the fountain to crack.
7. Sometimes outdoor fountains can fade or peel in certain situations such as extreme heat, direct sunlight, chemicals in city water, or even salty sea air, therefore, as a precaution, we suggest our paint sealer/finisher specifically for fiberglass or resin materials.

Taking care of your Outdoor water fountain can keep it looking great and enjoyable for many years to come!