How To Winterize Fountains With Inground Basins

During the winter months, outdoor water features are exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Without any proper care and maintenance These extreme conditions can cause significant damage to your fountain's components, including pipes, pumps, and basins. It is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your outdoor water feature in order to avoid any damages or cracks and other damage to the fountain's structure.

By winterizing your fountain properly, you can enhance its longevity and ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

You can easily winterize your outdoor fountain by:

• Cleaning any dirt, debris or leaves accumulated in or around the fountain
• Draining the fountain completely
• Removing the pump and other accessories and storing it indoors
• Adding a protective cover to prevent any water accumulation in the fountain or water feature.

However, the process of winterizing fountains with inground basins or disappearing basins is quite different.

How is winterization of fountains with underground basins different from ordinary outdoor fountains with above ground basin?

For fountains with basin and pump installed on the ground level, it is recommended to drain the fountain, basin pump and all the water supply lines completely. any water left in the fountain/basin freezes and turns to ice. Draining the fountain and basin prevents any ice formation in the fountain or basin, as water freezes and expands, it can lead to damages, or cracks in the fountain structure.

For fountains that have underground basin, it is strongly recommended to not drain the underground basin for the winter. We suggest to keep the basin atleast 75% filled. Keeping your underground basin filled with water prevents heaving in Frozen Soil. 

When freezing temperatures hit, the soil surrounding the basin freezes and pushes the basin outwards i.e. towards the ground level, potentially causing damage to both the basin and its components. Hence, Frozen water inside the basin helps the basin to retain shape and structure. Counterfeiting the effects of the frozen ground.

What is a disappearing basin?

Some fountains are accompanied with basins that are supposed to sit beneath the fountain i.e. in the soil. These basins are installed below the ground level and they cannot be seen once the fountain structure and all the accessories are installed. Such fountains with inground basin are commonly referred as disappearing basin fountains.

Here are a few examples of disappearing basin fountains or fountains with underground basin.

Galaxy Blue Tuscany Triple Vase Fountain Kit	Yellow Onyx Sphere Fountain Kit	Green Marble Triple Stone Columns Fountain Kit

How to Winterize fountain with disappearing basin?

Winterizing your outdoor fountain is always a good idea in order to ensure the longevity and functionality as well as to prevent any potential damage that can be caused by the harsh climate.

Unlike traditional fountains, disappearing basin fountains have the basin and the pump installed in the ground which make the process of winterizing these fountains quite different.

Here are the quick and easy steps to winterize fountain that has an underground basin.

• Remove any leaves and debris from the fountain
• DO NOT drain the basin for the winter
• Draining the fountain
• Removing the pump and other accessories and storing it indoors
• Adding a protective cover to prevent any water accumulation in the fountain or water feature.

Remove any leaves and debris from the fountain

The first and foremost step to winterize any fountain is to clean the fountain.  A lot of time dirt, debris or leaves get accumulated in or around the fountain due to the fall season. We recommend cleaning the fountain and the surrounding thoroughly.

DO NOT drain the underground basin for the winter.

Do not drain the basin for the winter. As the basin is installed underground, it is best to keep the basin filled with water and let it freeze in order to avoid heaving during the freezing of the soil.

In freezing conditions, the soil freezes while applying on the basin from all sides which tends to push the basin outside to the ground level. It may result in damage to the basin and the components inside it.

It is recommended to not drain the water in an underground basin. Frozen water inside the basin helps the basin to retain shape and structure. Counterfeiting the effects of the frozen ground.

Draining the fountain

It is recommended to turn the fountain off drain the water from the fountain but not the underground basin. Remove any water from the pipes and tubing as well. Water logged in any part of the fountain can expand and can cause pressure and cracks on the fountain.

Removing the pump and other accessories and storing it indoors

Ensure that the fountain pump and other removable components such as pipes and tubing are dismantled and stored indoors. This will prevent any potential damage that could occur due to freezing temperatures.

Adding a protective cover to prevent any water accumulation in the fountain or water feature.

Last but not the least, cover your outdoor fountain using a good quality water-resistant cover. Water accumulating in the fountain during winters can lead to a freeze and thaw cycle which is bound to cause damage to the fountain. Covering your fountain with a water-resistant cover prevents water from the fountain ensuring its safety.

Bottomline:

By following these winter care tips for fountains with inground basins, you can protect your fountain from the harsh winter conditions and enhance its longevity. Remember to always check your fountain regularly throughout the winter and address any issues promptly. With proper maintenance and care, your fountain will continue to bring beauty and tranquillity to your outdoor space for many years to come.