Outdoor water features, such as water fountains, are a great way to add a little peace and serenity to your outdoor space. At the same time, however, it’s important to properly maintain your outdoor water fountain if you want to avoid mineral deposits, algae growth, and other common problems that can detract from the tranquility of your water feature. The good news is that with a little bit of time and effort, you can keep your fountain running smoothly and looking as beautiful as the day it was first installed.
Maintain Water Levels
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to caring for an outdoor water fountain is failing to keep an eye on the water levels. Over time, sun exposure will cause some of the water to evaporate. Failing to add more water as needed could result in a lack of water flowing to the pump. Eventually, the pump could become damaged or otherwise burn out as a result, and your fountain could quickly become overrun with algae and other unwanted growth if not repaired. Fortunately, taking the time to assess the water levels in your fountain and add water a few times a week will help you avoid this problem.
Manually Remove Debris Regularly
It’s a good idea to invest in a small net that can be used to manually scoop debris out of your fountain as needed. This should ideally be done every day, but even taking the time to remove debris a few times a week can make a huge difference when it comes to the health and cleanliness of your fountain. Removing debris regularly will also save on wear and tear for your pump.
Drain and Refill Monthly
This cleaning task is a little more time consuming, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your fountain clean and running smoothly. About once a month, use your fountain’s drain or pump to completely remove the water. Refill with fresh water from a garden hose when you’re done. You should also take the time to drain and refill your fountain any time the water appears cloudy or dirty.
Clean and Maintain the Pump
When you’ve drained your water fountain, it’s a good time to clean the pump. There are many ways to go about cleaning a fountain pump, but perhaps the easiest and most economical is to soak it in a solution of 50% distilled white vinegar and 50% water. This, along with gently scrubbing mineral deposits away using a small toothbrush, is a great way to keep your pump in the best shape possible. Keep in mind that you may need to temporarily remove the pump in order to access all the nooks and crannies that need cleaning.
Scrub and Rinse as Needed
When your fountain is drained, it’s also a good idea to clean the inside of the fountain itself. You can do this using a scrub brush and a mixture of gentle dish soap or detergent with warm water. For deep-set mineral deposits and stains, baking soda can also act as an abrasive to remove them. Just be careful not to damage the surface of the fountain itself with too much abrasion or scrubbing. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the fountain with water when you’re done cleaning it so that no detergent or other chemicals are left inside.
Overall, outdoor water fountains are pretty easy to maintain. Just a little bit of work here and there can keep them in great condition for a long time. If you’re looking to get a new fountain created in your yard or you want an old one replaced, contact Landscape by Design. They offer free consultations for their landscape design services and look forward to helping you transform your home.