Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some collections/items with longer leadtimes have a rush option.  This will put your order at the top of the queue.  

Some items area already made and just need to be packaged.  Please contact us via chat, email or phone so we can help determine what is possible to rush out.

Most of our items sadly cannot be customized, except for the color.  However, the good news is we have a large selection to choose from, so normally we can find something that is pretty close to your needs.   If you have specific dimensions in mind, please email us at info@outdoorfountainpros.com or call us at 1-888-562-7602.

Some products from our collections can be shipped to Canada. However, we primarily ship within the Lower United States.

Please arrange delivery through a reputable freight forwarder if you reside in Alaska, Hawaii, or outside the U.S. Use their address as the Shipping Address and coordinate with them for the final delivery to your location.  We will ship for free to your freight forwarder (within the lower 48) and from there your freight forwarder will handle the final delivery.

Consider where you would want to place an outdoor water feature. Would you want it to be an accent in your space, or a focal point? Depending on where you'd like to place the fountain will determine the size of fountain you will be looking for. There are many fountains that can utilize small spaces, like wall fountains or corner fountains.

For a focal point, we recommend one of our large outdoor water features. Many customers decide to add a fountain to enhance curb appeal and add class to their space.

The next thing to keep in mind is the fountain design or style. Are you looking for something more modern, or a classic, traditional style fountain? For help finding recommendations, give us a call. We are happy to help!

When your item(s) ships out really depends on collection and inventory levels.  Some items can ship out within a week, others will can take up to 8 weeks.

We recommend reaching out via email, online chat, or phone to inquire about leadtime of the item(s) you are interested in.  

If for some reason the leadtime doesn't work for your schedule, we can usually find a similar item that can, so please contact us so we can help you with the process.

Our 3rd party freight carriers have a top-notch damaged delivery rate of just 2%. Please refer to our Damage Policy if your garden ornament arrives damaged.  We will also send you detailed instructions via email after your order.  For any quesitons please give us a call or send us an email.

Typically water features with spills and tiers will make the most noise.  Look for larger or multiple spills, these fountains will make the most noise if that is what you are looking for.

Collections to look at:

Tiered Outdoor Fountains

or

Large Outdoor Fountains

Softer sounding fountains would be our bubbler fountains where they typically just have water bubble out the top of the water feature with very little spill.

Heavy items are shipped on a pallet through 3rd Party LTL carriers, akin to large furniture deliveries. You can expect a call from the freight carrier to confirm the drop-off date and time. 

Smaller items are delivered via common carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS. 

For more details, please refer to our Shipping Information.

Yes, you will receive tracking details via email once the tracking number is generated and available. This occurs when the carrier arrives at the design studio and scans the pallet or parcel.

The majority of the time, our third party carrier will be able to take the item off their truck with a liftgate service (included with your free shipping), even most of our Larger Outdoor Fountains will work with a liftgate service, however if you are unsure please give us a call and we can help you with any information you might need to take delivery of your larger items.

Cast stone concrete items are stained rather than painted. Stains are designed to enhance and showcase the underlying concrete craftsmanship rather than conceal it. 

No. Chlorine will slowly eat away at the cast-stone concrete and cause the fountain to crumble over time. We never recommend using chlorine or other harsh chemicals, like anti-freeze. These can harm your fountain.

Yes. You can use one part water and one part white vinegar to kill algae. You can also use a soft bristle brush to scrub away any remaining algae gently. Afterwards, clean the area with water and drain the fountain before refilling it with clean water.

To begin with, choose a natural concrete product that has not been treated, stained, or sealed after molding. When ordering your cast stone ornament, select "Natural" from the palette; it will appear white or gray.

Explore the two aging methods below. The Natural Aging Method allows you to observe nature's process over time.

**Natural Aging Method:** 
To promote moss growth, thoroughly wet the piece and brush it with plain yogurt containing active cultures, beer, buttermilk, or sour milk. Ideally, place the item in a shaded area and repeat as necessary. 

**Painted Aging Method:** 
Brush the surface with diluted, water-based paint and wipe off any excess with a rag or sponge. Choose a dark green hue for a mossy effect or dark brown for an aged stone look. You can even mix colors to achieve your desired effect!

Yes, it's a widely accepted best practice to enhance the aesthetic of landscaping.  Use a conduit so that you can easily add/remove the cord in the future wihtout having to undig your cord each time.

Most fountains use a minimal amount of electricity, although this will vary based on the size of your fountain pump. The larger the fountain, the larger the pump. Regardless, you should not notice a significant increase in your power bill.

Nope. Our water fountains are recirculating, so they do not need to be connected to a water source to run properly. However, you will need to check your fountain's water level from time to time to ensure there is plenty of water in the basin. If it seems to be running low, add some more water with a bucket or hose.

That being said, many of our fountains do have the option of an Autofill System, where they can be connected to a water source if preferred.  Typically these are connected to your drip line system or a hose.  If you have a water source nearby we highly recommend installing the Autofill System.

With proper maintenance, your fountain can last for many years—possibly even decades. It’s a worthwhile investment that adds elegance and tranquility to your outdoor space. Just be sure to care for it regularly and winterize it each year to keep it in top condition.  For more help on winterizing your fountain check out our blog post here.

The sound of a fountain largely depends on its size and design. More interaction between water and the fountain's features, like splashing from one basin to another, results in a louder sound.  Look for fountains with tiers, spills, basins.

For an indoor fountain, you will want to look for fountains that are wider.  Surface material, doesn't matter much. The sound is created when it drops from the surface into the basin.  If you want more noise, have less water in the basin.  Less noise?  Keep more water in the basin.

Add water to your fountain is pretty easy.  A hose that can reach or a bucket will usually do the trick.  Pouring into the basin while the fountain is off is the best way to make sure you don't overfill your fountain.

Send us a quick email at info@outdoorfountainpros.com.  Include your order number so we can quickly find the correct model to send instructions for.

Generally, yes.

If available, please email a photo of your garden ornament or water feature to info@outdoorfountainpros.com, including the model name and palette color. Allow us a day or two to get pricing.  

We normally don't offer free shipping on replacement pieces/parts so please include your shipping address in your email so we can get a more accurate quote for you.

Absolutely! Please email info@outdoorfountainpros.com with the name of the part and its finish/color. 

Need assistance identifiying the part? Send us some pictures, and we’ll help identify your fountain and its color.  Measurements are also helpful.

No. Installation is very simple! The fountains typically come disassembled, usually on a pallet. For help installing large or heavy outdoor fountains we recommend working with a local contractor or landscaper.

Absolutely! The pump will make sure to filter out any unwanted materials. The fountain water isn’t meant for drinking other than by birds and small animals.

You can leave fountain pumps on constantly. They are specifically designed to run for hours or days at a time. Just ensure the pump is permanently fully submerged in water. However, we recommend turning the fountain off if you are away from it for several days.

Fountains are not only beautiful décor, but they can also provide stress relief and relaxation. They can also drown out unwanted sounds by providing the calming sound of water to your indoor or outdoor space.

A standard 120v, 3-pronged outlet is all you need, as it is the most common household outlet. Many customers report success with a smart plug and its accompanying mobile app, which provide more direct control over the feature. 

Indoor and outdoor water features connect to a standard outlet. 

Yes, finishes on your fountain will fade over time.  This is part of the agining process.  Some customers enjoy this aging process, others do not.  If you would like to restain your fountain, Behr has a concrete stain you can match your color.

No. Both Indoor and Outdoor Fountains are very easy to maintain! A standard fountain with usual elements should only be cleaned 2-3 times yearly, including the clean-out you perform when winterizing it. However, if you notice algae, dirt, and other debris forming in your fountain, we suggest cleaning it immediately. Leaving it too long can decrease the life of your pump.

This is NOT recommended. Avoid using a power washer. Instead, use a gentle garden hose with Dawn dish soap and an environmentally friendly fountain additive. A power washer will strip away any color stain, returning the ornament to its original concrete state.

If you reside in a freezing climate, even occasionally, it's wise to winterize your fountain. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare.

To achieve optimal results, outdoor fountains should be cleaned weekly. Infrequent cleaning may lead to dirt and grime accumulation, making cleaning more challenging and potentially affecting the fountain's appearance and function.

Regularly inspect your fountain and remove yard debris, such as leaves, grass, and twigs, that could obstruct water flow. If your fountain is exposed to significant sunlight, consider using an algaecide to inhibit algae growth.

Use a soft sponge to clean the fountain basin and replace the water a few times each year. For more detailed care instructions for your outdoor fountain, refer to How To Clean Your Outdoor Fountain on our website.

Outdoor water feature stains naturally age over time, with increased exposure to the elements speeding up this process. The areas of the cast stone piece that are most exposed will start to lighten, highlighting the colors in the detailed grooves. After several years of exposure, a paint touch-up may be necessary for pieces you want to maintain in a solid color. Behr (found at most Home Depots) has a concrete stain that you can use to help freshen up your water feature's color.

To eliminate and prevent algae growth in your fountain, consider using a product called Fountec, you can purchase it here.

Its a concentrate and depending on the size of your fountain will last a few months.  It is safe for animals and birds

Water features are quite simple to maintain, but they require some regular upkeep. This includes monitoring the water level and adding water as necessary, setting a regular cleaning schedule, and ensuring the pump is functioning properly.   

The appropriate water level for your fountain depends on its size, type, and evaporation rate. Ensure that there is enough water to cover the pump, which is designed to operate completely submerged. Running the pump for a prolonged period without adequate water flow and coverage is not advisable.

Moving water is a natural humidifier and evaporates more quickly than still water. In the initial days and weeks of using your fountain, monitor the water level to assess the evaporation rate. This observation will guide you on how frequently to refill the water.

Vinegar is a nonabrasive cleaner, which may require multiple applications in severe cases. If you still see white marks, it could be efflorescence, a natural process where salts appear on the cast stone over time, resembling a fine white powdery coating. If this seems to be the situation, please take some photos and email them to info@outdoorfountainpros.com. We will then send you a recommendation for an efflorescent cleaner.

Wind is a major cause of water loss. It may look like seepage or a leak when it blows water onto nearby surfaces.

Actual seepage cases are rare, typically indicating a hole through a fountain's wall, likely from a noticeable external impact.

**Seepage Test:**  
1. Fill the basin to the top.  
2. Turn off the fountain for 24 hours.  
3. There is no seepage or leak if the water level remains stable or nearly stable.

**Common causes of water loss:** wind, wildlife, evaporation from sunlight, low humidity, and arid climates.

Have you noticed small divots on the surface? These are normal and reflect the traditional method of creating concrete ornaments. 

These divots are actually air pockets, showcasing the sand and stone content in the cast stone concrete. 

Like the rest of the surface, these pockets are treated with a waterproofing seal.

If your fountain has been off for some time and the water is stagnant, it will develop an unpleasant smell due to bacteria growth. To fix this, either change the water or, if that’s not possible, use a fountain cleaner as directed in your user manual and operate the fountain.

If the base leaks but no crack is visible, let the fountain sit for a week; a crack will show up as white. This helps confirm the presence of a crack. Always maintain the water level at 3/4 full to account for evaporation. A pinhole leak can be sealed with Clear Silicone II on the inside.

You can also check your rubber stopper (where your pump cord exits the water).  Usually you might need to add some extra silicone to the edges to make sure its water tight.

If excess water is on one side and the other is dry, the water distribution unit may be unlevel. Use a level to check its flatness. If one side is lower, use the included small metal shim or any thin metal or plastic piece to lift the lower side until it's level. If the problem persists, contact us for assistance.

Ensure your breaker hasn't tripped and needs resetting. Your water feature requires a standard outlet. We advise against plugging your water feature into a GFCI-protected outlet behind it, as the reset button will be hard to access if it trips.

Here are two important considerations for first-time shoppers:

**Hard Water**  
Hard water contains minerals that can lead to black or brown iron deposits on surfaces and may cause staining to flake. Installing a filter attachment on your garden hose can help mitigate hard water issues.

Important Note:

While the concrete stain is designed to age naturally with sun and rain exposure, flaking is not a normal part of this process. Common causes of flaking include:  
- Damage from raccoons, squirrels, or chipmunks  
- Hard water, as mentioned above  
- Harmful hail  
- Pool chemicals and other unapproved treatments  

If you hire a landscaper, ensure they do not treat water with chlorine or other chemicals.

**Pump Care**  
Fountain pumps are designed for continuous operation, only needing to be turned off for cleaning or during extended absences. Running water effectively deters algae and mosquitoes. It's recommended to clean the pump monthly. To minimize maintenance, consider using a mesh barrier bag for the pump.

To protect your fountain from heavy winds, seal the top to the basin using Silicone II sealant, available at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Step 1: Level your fountain first.
Step 2: Apply silicone to the bottom of the top piece by gently tipping the fountain. Fill all openings with silicone once the fountain is upright. Silicone II serves as an adhesive and can support up to 800 lbs of water.

Water is essential, though not always practical. Fountains can develop algae due to water deposits and other environmental factors. In hard water areas, a water clarifier can assist with mineral deposits. Using an algicide like Fountain Fresh is effective for keeping water clear. Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, as they can damage the fountain finish and harm wildlife. To tackle mineral deposit buildup, a vinegar and water solution can effectively remove stains.

Use distilled water to fill your fountain and maintain the water level whenever possible. If distilled water isn't available, opt for filtered water. Tap water contains minerals that can accumulate in your fountain, leading to more frequent cleanings and putting extra strain on your pump. 

Check a few items first if your water feature pump is silent when activated. If it still won’t start, contact us for assistance.

Your fountain simply needs more water. Insufficient water can cause the water to appear soapy or milky. As you add more water, the color will become clear again.

Since pumps can be interchanged with another pump of the same connection size, you can consider researching solar options after properly setting up and measuring your system.

Amazon has a good selection of solar pumps.  Here are some tips to help you find the correct one:

1. match up the GPH or LIFT to your fountain/fountain pump.  Most Amazon listings will give this.
2. look over the reviews to make sure its a durable pump
3. you might consider getting a pump that has a battery pack so that it can operate after the sun goes down

It is advisable to use the pump size recommended by Outdoor Fountain Pros for the fountain, which is indicated in gallons per hour (GPH). If you wish to modify the fountain's flow, inspect the pump for a dial that may allow adjustment. Loosening the hose clamps will increase the water flow through the pump.

You can buy replacement bulbs from a certified parts dealer. For specific replacement instructions, refer to your user manual. For additional information, contact us.

Most pump cords average between 6 feet all the way up to 16 feet.  If the product listing doesn't list how long the pump cord is please give us a call and we can help get this informaiton for you.

**Frequency**  
Clean the pump every 1 to 3 months, depending on the amount of insects, fallen leaves, and debris. In heavily wooded areas, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Tiny snails and dead flies can quickly clog the filter, even if not visibly noticeable.

**Pro Tip:** Use a pump sock to prevent debris from clogging the filter.

**Accessibility**  
Most fountain pumps are easily accessible, usually concealed in a concrete box that blends with the fountain's color. This design keeps them out of sight when standing near the water feature. 

Ensure your water level is correct. It should completely cover the pump but remain below the fill line. If the water is too low and the pump sucks in the air, it will produce a loud noise and may overheat. Just add water to the correct level to stop the noise.

You also want to make sure your pump isn't vibrating against something, sometimes putting a sponge or rubber pad between the pump and the surface it sits on can make a huge difference.

Give us a call, we can look up your order and get the correct size pump ordered for you.

First, turn off the water feature. Locate the fill line in the tray and ensure you do not exceed that line while filling.  Adding water while your indoor fountain is in operation will most likely cause it to overfill.

If one side of the water distribution unit has more water than the other, it may not be level. Use a level to check its flatness. If one side is lower, use the small metal shim provided with some water features, or any thin piece of metal or plastic, to raise the lower side until it is level. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer for help.

Check if your breaker has flipped and needs a reset. Your water feature operates on a standard outlet. Avoid plugging it into a GFCI-protected outlet behind the feature, as resetting the button can be challenging if it flips.

Most water features have a 4-way pull chain that controls the settings: lights only, pump only, both, or off. Pull the chain to check the current setting.

Many features also include a dimmer switch for light adjustment. Experiment with the dimmer along with the pull chain settings, and try different light bulbs to verify their functionality.

If your water feature doesn’t have a pull chain or dimmer, look for a rocker switch in the top center to control all functions.

Each water feature includes all necessary hardware for installation on a wood-studded drywall. For metal studded, stone, or tile walls, you'll need to buy appropriate screws and anchors at a hardware store.

Position the outlet at the center of your chosen area for the water feature. For convenience, consider connecting the outlet to a light switch for easy access to turn the water feature on and off. 

Made-to-order products are non-returnable. Shortly after placing your order, materials are requisitioned and teams begin work on your custom piece. By ordering made-to-order items, you are hiring an artisan team to create your unique ornament.

Ready-to-ship products can be returned if they are clean, unused, and in their original packaging. You will need to cover the return shipping costs.

For detailed return requirements, please refer to our Return Policy.