Maintaining Your Outdoor Fountain All-Year Round
- The daily dues. You want to check the water level of your outdoor fountain pump to make sure it's not dried up. Regularly drain and refill your pump to prevent stagnant, dirty water.
- The weekly wipe. Prevent dust accumulation by consistently wiping the bowl of your fountain with a special, non-abrasive cloth. This alleviates the danger of clogs and build-up later on.
- The monthly makeover. Wiping is not enough; you need to clean your outdoor fountain every one to three months. What you need to do: check the fountain's manual for its cleaning method. The most common outdoor fountains only require the emptying of the bowl, paired with the lightly scrubbing on the surface. Use a toothbrush and an appropriate detergent that suits the material. If there are any mold and calcium deposits, use filtered water mixed with a cleaning solution. This will help keeping those unwanted bacteria away. Other than being unsightly, these build-ups are also health hazards. Keep your family safe by making sure your fountain is always in its good condition.
Outdoor Fountain Tips Per Season
Winter Care
During the freezing months, your outdoor fountain faces the most dangerous of all weather conditions. That is why winterizing your fountain is extremely important. First things first: remove the plug and drain it. If your fountain is small and portable, store it in a safe area to prevent cracking--especially for those made of marble and ceramics. Store it with a thick, non-abrasive cloth throughout the season as a shield from the drafty climate. For larger installations, make sure that it is completely dried up. Remove the debris and cover the fountain with a thick, water resistant cover.
Spring Swing
It's time to put that outdoor fountain back into view! Clean the debris and build-up; use a hose to strike that unwanted dirt away. At best, wash it with soap and solution to bring back its old shine. After drying, it's time to fill the fountain with distilled water. Add chlorine or treated enzymes to prevent algae and build-up. Put the pump back in, plug and watch your fountain welcome the new season with flair!
Summer Sizzle
The hot, sweltering weather may cause the water in your pump to easily evaporate. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the fountain’s water level to prevent any damages. Check it every other day and add a few measures at a time to keep the water flowing smoothly.
Austere Autumn
Fallen leaves and other debris may cause some damage to your outdoor fountain, and you’d want to prevent that. At best, trim the foliage surrounding the fountain. You should also check the bowl for deposits which may thrive during the season. Drain and replace the water more frequently.
- Tags: backyard garden outdoorfountain tips
- Candace Osmond
