Algae Removal and Prevention Tips for Your Outdoor Fountain

Outdoor water features help make your home a tranquil retreat with the water's calming sound and movement. A stunning and spotless outdoor water feature is something everyone adores. However, various external circumstances influence the feature's appearance and purity. Algae growth is one of the most prevalent and despised issues.

"Algae" refers to a diverse group of microorganisms that could further produce carbohydrates by utilizing the sun's rays. Wherever there is water, including in ponds, lakes, oceans, and even your home's fountains, you may see some of them. These bluish-green animals can withstand various temperatures, turbidity, acidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations.

What causes algae blooms in your outdoor fountain? When water and light are present, it appears. Algae can develop when exposed to light. Therefore, algae growth is more likely if your fountain is set outdoors with several hours of direct sunlight daily.

The development and buildup of algae can be irritating, reducing your ability to enjoy the fountain and perhaps obstructing its filtration system. Moreover, most algae are toxic, and their rapid growth can lead to a substantial quantity of toxin production, notably in water.

When it concerns your outdoor fountain, having it covered with algae will not only compromise the quality of the water that goes through the pump but will also pollute the air you and your household consume daily. So, naturally, that is the last thing you would want. 

Thankfully, there are simple household techniques to deal with algae issues and keep them from happening in the first place!

Take advantage of these helpful tips to help you remove your outdoor fountain's algae buildup and prevent it in the future.

How to Get Rid of Algae Growth

You must take the time to read the manufacturer's maintenance instructions if you have them. Certain cleaning agents may harm some building components. A smart approach to prevent this is to use a cleaner made especially for fountains. Besides this, there may be a certain procedure that pumps you must dismantle. Contact your local experts if you are unsure how to take care of the cleaning.

1. Scrub the fountain.You should first scrub each part of the fountain properly if you discover that your fountain has acquired obvious algae.

• Take your fountain apart, give each surface a good cleaning with hot water and soap, and then let it air dry before putting it back together.
• Before washing and rinsing the fountain, clean it with distilled white vinegar or a solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
• Clear the surface carefully with bleach.

2. Apply an algaecide. In contrast to preventive measures, you may use algaecides to eradicate current algae growths in a fountain. 

• You may purchase algaecides from specialty shops, online vendors, and home improvement stores.
• Read the product's label for instructions on how to use algaecide properly. The amount of product to be added to the water and how often should be specified on the label.
• Non-metallic algaecides function better in fountains since they are less likely to discolor.

3. Replace with clean water.After cleaning your fountain, make sure to remove any left water, debris, or dirt. Wipe it with a clean cloth and leave it for a few hours to dry before adding clean water.

Maintenance Tips on How to Prevent Algae Growth

You must regularly clean your outdoor fountain to help it stay in good working condition. 

You might want to replenish the freshwater if it looks particularly bad once you have disturbed the algae. The fountain basin is clean after this quick cleaning process, but the filter eventually needs a more thorough cleaning due to the accumulation of algae.

1. Change the fountain water every month. Changing the water every month helps eliminate any already present algae and prevents buildup in the pump system of your fountain.

• Empty your cold water fountain and let it air dry.
• Clean your fountain and, if applicable, wash away any dirt or residue from the surface and any decorative elements like stones before adding fresh water.

2. Brush your water pump. The pump circulates water through the fountain, inhibiting algae's development ability.

• First, use a sponge, a toothbrush with a hard bristle, and distilled water to clean the pump's components.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you need to open the pump to get interior parts. Everything that works for one pump could not work for another because every pump is unique.

3. Submerge the pump in water.If the pump in your fountain is not completely submerged, it will not work most of the time properly.

• Keep the pump submerged to keep water flowing and stop algae from gathering and forming on the surface.
• For the first few days after installation, fill your fountain with water to keep the pump underwater.

4. Give it a deep clean. You might need to perform a deep clean if your algae problem is slightly more serious.

• Remove the filter, and put it aside.
• Siphon, pump or tilt the fountain to remove all of the water.
• Pour hot, soapy water into a mild dish detergent and scrub the fountain basin.

Bonus Tips:

A basic mixture of white vinegar and water is a useful home alternative. Algae respond well to vinegar and are harmless. After cleaning, give the fountain a good rinse. Ensure that the cleaner is safe for the materials in your fountain if you use a commercial fountain cleaner since some cleaners have the potential to harm fountain material.

Use a scrub brush to clean the fountain filter in hot, soapy water. You may remove debris caught on the filter by applying pressure from running water. Let the filter soak in a vinegar and water mixture for a few hours or overnight to remove algae on the tubes.