We have compiled your frequently asked questions about outdoor fountain care and provided the answers in one convenient guide! We think you will find some helpful tips about outdoor fountain maintenance.
How do I clean my outdoor water fountain? Keeping an outdoor fountain clean is a bit more of a challenge than it is with an indoor model. Inside, a fountain is subjected mostly to dust and fingerprints, but an outdoor fountain is open to the wind, leaves, dirt, animals, rain and snow, depending on your geographical climate.
To clean the pump thoroughly, take it out of the fountain and wipe away any debris or build-up with a cloth. Open the cover and wipe down the inside of the pump, as well. Any hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned out with an old toothbrush. Just a few minutes of pump maintenance will keep your fountain running smoothly and beautifully for a long time to come. You can use fountain cleaning and care products
When buying an outdoor water fountains, make sure the water feature that you choose has been made specifically for that purpose. You want to make sure the fountain is up to the wear and tear of outdoor climate conditions. After particularly windy or rainy days, check the fountain for leaves that may have blown into the base. Shut the fountain off and remove the pump for inspection, as well. It’s possible that the pump is getting clogged with debris. Keeping the fountain pump clear and free of leaves, dirt and anything else that might get stuck in it is important for its longevity.
Should I clean my outdoor water fountain every day?
Fountain care takes a little more effort than the traditional in-home fountain. Besides the natural weather elements, there are also birds to consider. They’re beautiful and they add a lot to the atmosphere of an outdoor water fountain, but they make an unsanitary mess. For this reason, if you’ve chosen a garden fountain that will also double as a bird bath, it’s important to monitor the water and change it often.
Are you worried about the health and safety of the wild flocks that gather around your garden fountain? If you’re choosing all-natural cleansing products, you have nothing to worry about. When shopping for outdoor fountain care products and cleansers, read the bottle or the online description to be sure they’re safe to use around wildlife, pets or children.
For the best results and to make sure the birds keep visiting the outdoor water fountain on a regular basis, take the time to empty the water out of the fountain’s reservoir daily or at least every other day. Simply empty the water, brush the reservoir with a stiff brush, rinse and add fresh water. Of course, not everyone has the time to do this every day. If water is going to be sitting stagnant in the water fountain for any length of time, add algae remover or inhibitors to keep the water fresh and clean.
How do I prevent and remove algae from my garden fountain? With a couple drops of algaecide, you can prevent or eliminate algae from ever inhabiting your fountain.
What do I do if I have a leak in my fountain? If the base leaks without a visible crack, please let the fountain sit for one week and the crack will appear white. This is to test that a crack exists. Always keep water in outdoor water fountains three-quarters full as it does evaporate! A pinhole-sized leak can be covered up with clear Silicone II on the inside of the piece. This method applies to fiberglass or stone fountains.
Winter Care - What do I do with my outdoor fountain to prepare for cold winter months? During winter months, before the temperature hits freezing, drain your outdoor water fountain. Unplug the pump, store the pump in a heated area and cover the fountain. The fountain itself will not freeze because most outdoor fountains contain fiberglass and are designed to withstand the cold. You don't want to have water left in your fountain when it freezes as it could expand and contract, causing the fountain to crack. For more detail see Winterizing Outdoor Water Fountains.
How do I repair chips in the stone of my Trevi Fountain? To repair minor chips and scrapes, please use Trevi’s patch and color kit. If you did not receive a kit, please contact Trevi.
How do I insert the rubber plug on the Stone Trevi Fountains? When inserting the black rubber plug, please fill up the space with plumber’s putty for a secure fit.
Water seems to be repelling off my fountain, what can I do? If the water is repelling off the fountain, the problem is the sealer. You can remove it by wiping the sealant off with a damp terry cloth towel. This tip applies to cast stone outdoor fountains that have a sealant or stain, such as the Trevi and Henri Studio garden fountains.
Why aren't the lights in my outdoor fountain working anymore? Once your new outdoor water fountain has been installed in the garden, it’s easy to forget about the necessity of keeping the water clean and clear. This is especially true if you happen to live in an area that boasts a mild and easy climate. In the midst of a rain and wind storm, hail and snow storm or any other natural weather phenomena, you might pause and remember that your outdoor water fountain is going to need some tender loving care. Otherwise, life takes over and you may not think about it all that often. If your outdoor fountain has built-in water fountain lighting, you’ll soon wonder what’s happening when the lights begin to dim. If the water is green and murky, the built-in lighting isn’t going to be able to shine through. Isn’t that why you bought that particular outdoor fountain in the first place? Having built-in water fountain lighting may have been the final selling factor when you were out shopping for outdoor water fountains. Why let the water become so cloudy that you can’t enjoy one of the fountain’s best features? Use specially designed water fountain cleaning supplies and products to keep your fountain looking as beautiful as when you first brought it home. Be sure to take a look at our selection of fountain accessories as well as our fountain cleaners and maintenance products to stock up on supplies to help you maintain your water fountain.
You will find more general fountain answers in our Fountain Care and Maintenance section and view entire Tips and Advice Center for some great fountain tips! If you can’t find the answer you need in our fountain care center, feel free to contact our helpful customer service team. We’re always happy to help our loyal customers learn how to best protect their investments.
Author: Amber Liddell, Net Health Shops, LLC