Fountain Care Tips For Beginners
If you have an outdoor fountain, it must be maintained and cared for correctly. This will ensure that the beauty of your space remains intact even after adding this feature to enhance its appeal! Maintaining a beautiful and functioning fountain can be difficult for those who don't know what they're doing, but we've got all the tools necessary.
Our Cleaning Guide
Here are some simple fountain care tips for beginners to keep your fountain pristine for years.
Do water treatment once a week.
When you want your water clean, the most important thing to do is to use the right treatment. This will kill off algae and scale and get rid of mineral deposits that could damage any finish in the process - don't forget about this step!
Adding this special treatment to your water can kill off algae and scale while removing mineral deposits. This will keep its health of it at an optimum level for years!
Make sure to use the right cleaning products.
You can find a variety of fountains to fit any need. Some are made from metal, while others offer more aesthetic appeal with their color and material choices; even one looks like it was crafted out of stone.
The type you choose will depend on how often you plan on using your fountain and its durability--a copper design will resist corrosion. Still, it might require extra care in maintaining its shine due to painted surfaces, whereas stainless steel requires less upkeep because oils don't buildup easily here, unlike ceramic which tends to gain brown tones over time.
Cleaning tips by fountain material
- Copper Fountain- To keep your copper fountain looking newer and longer, use a good-quality furniture cleaner and a soft cloth to clean it. These will help protect the metal from oxidization which can lead to discoloration or other damage over time.
- Stainless Steel- Cleaning the surface is important to maintain its beauty. Use a soft, dry cloth and special stainless steel cleaner; make sure you don't scratch it.
- GFRC- These materials are more delicate than other fountains, so use warm water and dish detergent to keep them that way. If you notice any limescale on your nib or feeding system,, gently rub it off with a soft sponge until everything looks clear again!
- Cast Stone- Moisten the stone with water and scrub it using a soft-bristled brush, dish soap, or old clothes. Fountains can be made from different materials, such as concrete, but they all have one thing in common: They need to be cleaned occasionally!
Clean your water pump appropriately.
The pump is a vital part of your fountain. You should clean it every three months to ensure everything stays clean! First, follow the owner's instructions on how to detach or attach them, then let them soak in a solution made with vinegar mixed into it (one part each). Once rinsed off, return to their respective spots - this time filled only halfway so as not to overfill any pots/tubs.
Remove any debris or foreign object (trash) on your fountain.
When you've cleared out all the water and dirt from your outdoor fountain, it's time to give that pump some tender loving care by removing any obvious debris. Outdoor fountains are constantly exposed, so make sure they don't get clogged up with leaves or branches.
Make sure to add water everyday.
Your fountain is only as good of a job as the quality water it provides. To maintain this, you must check daily to ensure enough capacity for your pump not to burn out or suffer other damage! A good standard to work from when maintaining fountains is an inch below where they meet with their basins - so keep an eye on these levels if you want to see how things go before getting too far.
Change your water at least once a month.
The fountain is like a living thing, so replace the water once monthly. If you don't do this step and leave it without any maintenance for too long, then there's a chance that its smell could become unpleasant.
Winterize your fountain
To avoid cracking, drain your fountain in the winter and take out the pump. Cover it with absorbent materials or a cover that will keep water from evaporating before you need to use it again.Check out our winterizing guide here
To Sum It Up!
You can't go wrong with a fountain! They're not only beautiful, but they also provide years of entertaining and educational fun. A great way to add some life to your property is by installing one today--you'll be glad you did.