Maintaining and caring for an outdoor fountain is important no matter what kind you have.
Outdoor fountains are a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard, garden, or patio. However, its stunning visual appeal and aesthetic value will be diminished if you fail to maintain it correctly.
On top of that, if you don't maintain your fountain, the birds who come to bathe in its running water might be exposed to harmful bacteria.
What to do when you first get a fountain pen?
Therefore, keeping up with outdoor fountain care is crucial. You'll extend the life of your fountain and make it a secure spot for feathery friends to take a dip.
In this piece, we'll address some of the most frequently asked concerns we've had about backyard fountain upkeep and the preventative measures you can take to prolong the life of your fountain.
We'll begin with the maintenance of the fountain's pump, its lifeblood.
The meticulous upkeep of the fountain has resulted in a magnificently functioning multi-tiered fountain.
Best Practices for Water Pump Maintenance
The pumps in outdoor fountains are always exposed to the weather, so it's vital that you monitor their efficiency and clean them on a regular basis to ensure they continue to function properly.
Ensure that your pump is completely submerged at all times.
You should remember to keep your pump immersed in water at all times, except while you are cleaning it.
There is a significant danger of premature failure if you use a fountain pump that is not submerged in water.
Find the sweet spot where your pump is fully buried in the water and the outside fountain has minimum splashing, since the pump will sound louder with less water in the fountain.
When Creating a Water Feature, How Do You Install A Fountain Pump?
The pump in your outdoor fountain has to be kept under water at all times, as was previously mentioned.
Monitor the water level of your garden fountain daily. Water levels won't go down because of the pump, but evaporation will, so keep topping up the reservoir.
Today, solar and electric pumps power the vast majority of outdoor water features. All that's required to use a submersible pump is to put it into a regular power outlet and fill the basin to the top with water.
If your fountain runs on solar energy, check to be that the solar panel is exposed to bright sunshine and that the battery backup is well charged. Our guide on fixing solar water fountains will help you get the most out of your solar water feature.
If you have a solar-powered fountain, regular maintenance is essential.
How long can I leave my fountain running?
The pumps used in fountains are designed to operate nonstop. Turning the pump on and off every day might wear it out quickly.
Only while cleaning the fountain or leaving for an extended period of time should the pump be turned off. Instead of worrying about the water level dropping too low and the pump drying up while you're gone, just switch it off.
When was the last time you cleaned the pump at your fountain?
Even if cleaning your pump as needed is the extent of the maintenance required for a fountain pump, it is nevertheless necessary to do so.
Take the pump out of the fountain and wash it off with a towel to remove any buildup or dirt.
Remove the lid and clean the pump's inside as well. Using an old toothbrush, you may get into any crevices and clean them out.
Maintenance on the pump is quick and easy, and will extend the life of your fountain so that it will continue to look lovely for years to come.
Make Sure That Algae And White Scale Don't Grow In Your Outdoor Fountain.
Algae and white scale are a frequent issue for those who own fountains. Let's investigate why they are showing up in your backyard fountain and how to fix them.
Plant life in a water feature
What Can I Do to Prevent Algae Growth in My Outdoor Fountain?
Without proper maintenance, fountains can get infested with algae.
Aquatic Environment Consultants attributes algal growth to litter, solar radiation, currents, and warm temperatures.
Because of this, you should put your outdoor fountain somewhere that gets plenty of shade. As an added precaution, use an anti-algae cleanser to thoroughly scrub your fountain at least once a month. You can buy a variety of these cleansers on the internet, or you may manufacture your own with the help of this hunker.com tutorial.
Protecting Water Features From White Scale
When there is a high concentration of calcium or lime in the water, white scale forms in fountains. This is to be expected if you are making use of hard water or tap water that is very mineral-rich.
You should only use distilled water in your outdoor fountain to avoid the buildup of white scales. All risk of white scales is removed when using distilled water since it does not include the minerals that cause them.
If you can't avoid using tap water or bottled water, take care to remove the buildup of deposits by using a white scale remover or scrubbing the area with vinegar water and a light abrasive pad.
How Do I Maintain An Outdoor Fountain?
When cleaning a backyard fountain, the first step is to cut off the power, remove the pump, and dump out the water and any ornamental pebbles.
Take out your fountain cleanser and a clean, textured cloth. The finish of your fountain is delicate, therefore you should avoid using any harsh chemicals.
Then, remove any debris, grime, or algae using a scrub brush. Be sure you are cleaning the outdoor fountain's basin and other hard-to-reach areas.
After you've finished washing, give the fountain a good rinsing. You don't want any of the cleaning solution to go inside your pump, so be sure to thoroughly rinse it out.
How Frequently Should I Clean My Fountain?
If you want to maintain the water in your outdoor fountain clear and algae-free, you may need to clean your fountain once a week or more often depending on where you live and where you put it.
To extend the life of your outdoor fountain and pump, it is recommended that you clean it once every three to four months.
outdoor fountain with water cascading down the walls
Which kind of water is ideal for drinking and other uses?
Distilled water, as was previously said, is recommended.
When water is distilled, all naturally occurring minerals and sediments are removed, leaving just pure water. White scale buildup on pumps is commonplace due to minerals and debris in municipal water supplies.
What to Do If Your Fountain Is Leaking
Due to evaporation, the water level in your outdoor fountain will gradually decrease over time, therefore a gradually decreasing water level does not always indicate a leak.
If you suspect a leak in your fountain but can find no obvious flaws, turning off the water supply and letting it rest for a week should do the trick. A crack will seem white if there is one.
A leak inside of a fountain may be sealed with transparent Silicon II. Keep in mind that this is not the case with plastic or metal fountains.
Prepare Your Fountain for the Winter Months
Avoid Freezing the Fountain's Water.
The most crucial preparation you can do for your fountain before cold weather strikes is to empty it entirely.
Frozen water in your fountain's basin or pump may cause irreparable harm to those components and more because of the expansion of water upon freezing.
When caring for a fountain, it's essential to have a cover.
Afford Some Cold-Weather Defense For Your Outdoor Fountain
In order to prevent damage to your garden fountain during the winter, it is recommended that you take it apart and store the pieces in a dry, safe location.
In the absence of a dedicated storage area, an outdoor fountain cover is a suitable substitute. Get a cover for the fountain that will fully enclose the basin and/or the whole thing.
Care and maintenance of your outdoor fountain may extend its life.
Having a backyard fountain in your yard may add a touch of class and elegance to your outdoor area, but it requires regular upkeep to keep it running smoothly and looking its best.
Don't forget to clean your fountain often, keep the pump free of algae, and safeguard it from freezing temperatures, as well as the other recommended practices mentioned here.
Please share your thoughts and insights on maintaining a fountain in the comments section below. If you learned anything from this manual, please spread the word.
Here's hoping your outdoor fountain provides you with years of reliable enjoyment.
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