How to Clean & Maintain Outdoor Fountains

Choose a design for your outdoor fountain that will protect the pump from debris.

Outdoor fountains are enjoyable and add to the ambiance of any garden or yard. A number of factors come into play when it comes to maintaining an outdoor fountain. Maintenance of running fountain accessories plays a major role in the upkeep of a healthy outdoor fountain. Fountains need a pump, regular cleaning and attention. The reward for properly caring for and maintaining your outdoor water feature is a clean, well-running fountain to enjoy for many seasons.

Things You'll Need

• Fountain block or bleach
• White vinegar
• Net
• Air pump or compressor
• Scrub brush
• Rag

Instructions

The Fountain Pump

1. 

   Water fountains are made of various materials.

   Keep the pump protected from the elements. The pump will be mostly maintenance-free, but keeping leaves, dirt and debris out of the pump will help it run more effectively.

2. Skim the water with a small net to clean items from the fountain. Removing items such as leaves, feathers, sticks, dirt, and other debris that wind may carry into the water will help prevent the pump from clogging.

3. Disconnect the pump once a week. Using an air compressor or air pump, clean the pump by blowing free anything that may be trapped within the pump.

The Water

1. 

   The water color in your fountain could indicate problems such as algae in the water.

   Change the water in smaller fountains once a week when you blow out the pump. Water in larger fountains doesn't have to be changed as often. Once a month is sufficient for a large fountain.

2. Add fountain block or a small amount of bleach to the water each time you switch the water out. Enzymes can be purchased for fountain water that won't harm animals or the fountain structure. Bleach can harm animals who may drink the water and can also harm the fountain's surface, if too much is used.

3. Watch the water color and be aware of any changes. If you notice algae growing in the water, change the water and add enzymes or a little bleach after cleaning the pump and the fountain.

The Fountain

1. 

   Keeping the fountain clean is vital to the fountain's success.

   Wipe the fountain down with a rag after removing the water for changing. If you change the water weekly, this should be done weekly, as well.

2. Scrub the fountain with a scrub brush. Be sure to clean all of the bird droppings and debris out of the bottom of the fountain. For hard to clean debris or any white residue, which sometimes occurs in fountains (called white scale), try using white vinegar and scrub the area diligently.

3. Rinse well with clean water. Drain the rinse water before adding the water that will be used as fountain water.

Winterizing

1. 

   Drain your fountain and cover it, before winter freezing can damage it.

   Drain the fountain before winter freezing begins. Most fountains contain fiberglass, which can withstand the cold. But, if water left in the fountain freezes, it could crack the fountain.

2. Unplug the pump and store it indoors.

3. Cover the drained fountain for the winter.

References

• Serenity Health: Outdoor Water Fountain Maintenance and Care
• Buy Outdoor Fountains: William's Useful Advice To Follow If Purchasing Large Outdoor Water Fountains
• All Fountains: Outdoor Fountain Maintenance