How to Clean Garden Fountains

Garden fountains are a peaceful addition to any home landscaping. Unfortunately, if they are not maintained, they can become algae ridden and carry a funky little smell.

Follow these steps to keep your garden fountains looking and smelling beautiful.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. SET UP A MONTHLY AND WEEKLY MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR YOUR GARDEN FOUNTAINS.
   
   You don't have to thoroughly clean your garden fountain every week. However, you will want to remove any leaves, insects, or trash from your garden fountain on a regular basis. Set up a system so that you will not forget your fountain.

2. REGULARLY SKIM OUT INSECTS, PLANT MATTER, AND OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS.
   
   Check your fountain at least once a week for these sorts of foreign objects. Skim the water free of them. Open the pump cover, and remove the pump (after unplugging it of course) and wipe it clean.

3. 

   USE WATER TREATMENT THAT WORKS WITH YOUR GARDEN FOUNTAIN'S MATERIAL.
   
   Every garden fountain has a different material. Check the instructions that came with yours. However, some things are held in common. Most garden fountains will deteriorate if bleach is regularly used to treat the water. Also, animals most likely frequent your garden fountain. So use animal friendly enzymes or other forms of treatment that will not be toxic to animals.

4. WIPE DOWN THE OUTER SURFACES OF YOUR FOUNTAIN MONTHLY.
   
   Birds are a garden fountain's best friends, and most messy visitor. At least once a month wipe down the exterior surfaces which may have become covered in droppings or other filth.

5. CLEAN OUT THE ENTIRE FOUNTAIN AT LEAST EVERY OTHER MONTH.
   
   Some owners put this on their monthly list. It depends on how quickly your fountain becomes dirty and your personal desires for your fountain.
   
   Unplug your fountain. Drain the water and wipe it down using an approved cleaner. Nearly all fountains approve of white vinegar. This can help prevent the white buildup on fountains no one enjoys.

Tips & Warnings

• Some fountains need plumber's putty around the drain plug to prevent leakage. Remember this when refilling your fountain.
• Check the water level of your fountain regularly to spot leaks early and seal with Silicone II.
• Be sure to only use cleaners approved by your manufacturer to avoid premature damage to your fountain.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide.

[cmanny]

on 6/12/2009 Great tips, a dirty fountain can be disgusting. These tips will keep them squeeky clean!! 5*

[dorigillman]

on 6/12/2009 love the pictures

[rh0802]

on 6/12/2009 Thanks for the information. A fountain needs regular cleaning to keep it looking good.

[jull14]

on 6/12/2009 Great information and very helpful, thanks for sharing this wonderful article.