How to Maintain Your Garden Fountain

A garden fountain can be any size or style.

A beautiful, bubbling garden fountain is an attractive addition to any yard. To make sure that your water fountain is running for a long time, it's important to keep the fountain clean and functional. Following a regular maintenance routine can keep you garden fountain in tip-top shape for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine

Instructions

1. Check the water level in the fountain at least twice a week. You do not want to let the pump run dry. In hot weather, or if you use chlorine in the water, check it more often.

2. Clean your outdoor fountain at least once a month or even more often if needed. Follow manufacturer's directions for use of cleaning agents otherwise just use a small amount of chlorine to eliminate algae and rinse all areas well.

3. Remove any leaf or plant debris or dirt regularly from the fountain to keep the pump clean. Check it at least weekly for leaves or other debris. If your fountain is in an open area where the wind can blow in debris, you should clean it more often.

4. Drain the fountain of water before the first freeze of the season. In a cold-weather climate you need to drain the fountain of all water. This includes draining any water from the basins and the pumping system. Follow manufacturer's directions for correct winterizing. You might want to flush with a winter anti-freeze agent.

References

• Kansas State University Johnson County Extension: Simple and Low Cost Water Features