How to Care for Outdoor Fountains

Large Outdoor Fountain

Outdoor fountains are a must for every garden. They add to the ambiance of a yard and garden, inviting you to sit and enjoy the beauty that you have created. Hearing the sound of water trickling down into a pool of water speaks to your spirit and beckons you to relax your mind if even for a moment. Caring for your outdoor fountain takes very little time or expertise. It's really just a matter of monitoring the water level, making sure the pump is in good working order,cleaning the sprinkler head or nozzle, and when the season comes to an end either covering it for the winter months or storing it inside from the elements.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Vinegar
• Small bowl
• Plastic tarp
• Bungee cord or tape

Instructions

1. Make sure that you have checked the pump for an on setting and that it is in the correct position. You might have to adjust this once you see how the water flow is. Also, do not plug in the pump until the fountain is filled with water or you could burn out the pump. Once the fountain is filled plug in the pump. It could take a few seconds before the water comes out of the fountain.

2. Check the flow of the water and adjust the pump if necessary. You don't want all of the water splashing out of the fountain. You want a nice gentle flow so that the fountain maintains the water source. The only maintanence that you will have to do as far as the pump is concerned is to make sure that the pump is working and that there is enough water in the fountain.

3. Clean the small sprinkler head or nozzle where the water comes out. Occasionally this sprinkler head or nozzle may become clogged due to the minerals in the water or debris that may have fallen into the fountain.
   Turn off the fountain. Unscrew the sprinkler head or nozzle and soak it in a small bowl of equal parts vinegar and water. This will loosen any minerals or debris from the small holes. Once the debris is removed, screw this back onto the fountain. Turn the fountain on to make sure that the water is flowing correctly.
   The number of times that you will have to clean a sprinkler head depends on the hardness of your water and on the location of your fountain. If it is located under trees it is more likely to become clogged due to falling leaves and seed pods.

4. Empty your fountain for the season and either cover it up or bring it indoors (this will prevent any cracking or breaking due to thawing and freezing.) If you decide to leave it outside, after you empty the fountain and allow it to dry cover it with a plastic tarp and bungee cord or tape the plastic so that it will stay securely in place for the winter.