Outdoor fountains, whether the tuneful splash or the compelling focal point on your patio, have a way of providing calm and quiet to an outdoor setting.
While garden fountains may be a lovely addition to any yard, they do necessitate some care for running smoothly and upkeep to guarantee they can weather exposure to wind, rain, dirt, and debris.
Follow these fountain upkeep suggestions to keep your fountain looking great for years to come, depending on the type of fountain.
Cleaning a Garden Fountain
Cleaning your fountain is one of the most important ways to keep it in good condition. But, before you start cleaning, there are a few things you should consider.
Make Use of the Proper Cleaning Supplies
Fountains are available in a variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel, and ceramic. You should tailor your fountain maintenance care to the sort of indoor fountain you have.
Fountains made of ceramic:
A ceramic fountain may be cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
Clean stainless steel fountains with a soft, dry cloth and a special stainless-steel cleaner, being careful not to harm the surface or water flow.
Copper fountains:
To clean copper fountains, use a good-quality furniture cleaner and a soft cloth, as these fountains typically have protective coatings to avoid oxidization or algae growth.
Stone fountains:
Many stone-looking fountains are made using stone molds or concrete. Soak the stone in water before scrubbing the fountain using a soft-bristled brush, dish soap, and warm water supply.
Fountains made of fiberglass or resin:
Because these materials are more delicate than other fountain materials, clean them with warm water, dish soap, and a soft cloth. If there is limescale, you may need to carefully remove the residue using a soft sponge.
Wooden fountains:
Use dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge to clean your wooden fountain. You’ll want to keep the fountain from drying out throughout the cleaning procedure since it might crack.
If you are unsure how to clean your outdoor garden fountain, it is usually a good idea to call a landscaping specialist. Looking for a landscaping contractor in your area that is also knowledgeable in outdoor garden fountain care.
Fill the Fountain with Water
You’ve gathered your cleaning tools; now it’s time to get to work cleaning. But first, you don’t want water blasting out and spraying you while you’re cleaning it, and you certainly don’t want the pump running without water, as this might wear it down or, worse, create a safety hazard if plugged in. Before you begin cleaning your fountain, drain it, and switch off and unhook the pump.
Get Rid of Any Debris
After draining the water and unplugging the pump, clean up any visible debris from the interior of the fountain. Fountains in the outdoors are continuously exposed to the elements. Whether it’s branches, leaves, or dirt, it’s critical to sweep it out on a regular basis to keep the pump from clogging.
Wipe the Bowl Down
Wipe off the inside and exterior sides of the bowl using a non-abrasive cloth, brush, or sponge. The fountain should then be refilled with the right amount of water and operated as usual.
Wipe out your fountain on a regular basis to prevent unsightly buildup—every four to six months, depending on the season and the aesthetic of your fountain. You should also take a more in-depth approach every few months. Scrub the bowl lightly with a non-abrasive brush and a mild cleaner.
Remove Limescale and Algae Buildup
Algae and minerals in the water, such as manganese, calcium, magnesium, and copper, can cause buildup in your garden fountain. Here’s how to get rid of both of them:
Removing limescale accumulation: To avoid discoloration and mineral development, use distilled water in tiny fountains. Mineral deposits can be removed by cleaning with a vinegar and water combination.
Algae removal:
If your fountain receives a lot of direct sunlight, even a monthly cleaning may not be enough to keep algae at bay. Consult a specialist about algae-fighting solutions that may be added to your fountain’s water, and exercise caution if your fountain’s type of water is accessible to children or pets.
After cleaning, rinse the fountain
It is critical to rinse out the fountain after cleaning it to remove any residual detergent or other cleaning agents, especially if it is a drinking fountain. Turning on the pump in a soapy fountain is an easy way to transform it into a sloppy bubble bath! Rinsing helps keep dogs and children safe from algae removal products.
Rinse the fountain in a sink, bucket, or bathtub to remove soap suds and cleaning materials before placing it in a shaded location to prevent algae blooms.
Thoroughly clean the pump
Don’t forget the pump before you call it a day. The fountain pump should be cleaned every three months to keep it free of debris and obstacles. To discover how to separate the pump, consult your owner’s handbook.
Then soak it in an equal parts water and vinegar. Rinse and reconnect the pump as directed, then refill the fountain.
Fountain Preservation
All of your hard work will be rewarded with a well-kept fountain, but you’ll also want to ensure your efforts last. Follow these precautions to keep your fountain sparkling clean:
Avoid using bleach:
While chlorine bleach may appear to be an excellent way to keep your fountain clean, it is far too corrosive to be an efficient algaecide or pump cleanser. As a result, do not use it to clean your fountain.
Check the water level:
The pump should always be entirely submerged in the water of the fountain. Because water evaporates, you must monitor the water levels and supply water as needed.
Take extra precautions in the winter.
In cold weather, you’ll need to take extra precautions to winterize your fountain. To avoid cracking and freezing, you should move your fountain indoors. If you are unable to relocate the fountain, empty it entirely, wipe it with a non-abrasive cloth, bring the pump inside, and securely cover it with a high-quality, water-resistant cover.
Professional Fountain Upkeep
If you don’t have time to clean your water fountain, hire a local fountain installation or expert landscaper to assist you. Professional fountain care costs between $90 and $180 each month to clean your fountain.
This additional investment may be well worth it, as appropriate fountain care will keep your lovely garden adornment looking great for many years to come!
