How to Winterize a Garden Fountain

In order to keep a garden fountain functioning and looking beautiful for years to come, winter care is important. Before the first freeze, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that your outdoor fountain won't crack and the pump won't get damaged. It is easy to winterize your garden fountain with just a few simple steps.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Burlap Sack or Old Blankets
• Fountain Cover or Tarp
• Plastic Container

1. Disassemble your fountain and place it in a garage or shed to protect it completely from damaging weather, if at all possible. If that's not an option for you, continue with the following steps.

2. Drain all the water out of your fountain prior to the first freeze of the season.

3. Remove the pump from your fountain and bring it indoors. Now is a great time to clean your pump to remove any debris that may have accumulated throughout the year.

4. Store your fountain pump in a bucket or plastic container of water. Keep it in a warm indoor spot to keep the gaskets from drying out.

5. Cover your fountain with a tarp or a fountain cover. A fountain cover is made to fit over a garden fountain to protect it from moisture.

6. Fill each fountain basin with burlap sacks, old blankets or other absorbent materials to keep condensation from accumulating and freezing inside. This prevents the fountain from cracking due to expansion and contraction of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the nature of the materials, hairline cracks will occasionally appear in concrete and cast stone fountains. These cracks are usually superficial and won't cause leaks.