Care & Maintenance | OutdoorFountainPros.com

We take pride in every product we sell, and we want you to get as many years of enjoyment out of yours as possible. Our guide on how to clean your outdoor fountain walks you through keeping it looking and running its best, season after season.

How to Clean Your Fountain

Plan on a light cleaning every two to four weeks, more often if the fountain sits in full sun or under trees. Unplug the pump, drain the water, and wipe down the basin with a soft brush or cloth. For buildup, a mix of water and white vinegar lifts mineral deposits and grime without harming the finish — avoid abrasive pads and heavy bleach, especially on cast stone, which can stain or etch. Rinse everything well and refill with clean water. Our step-by-step guide, How to Clean Your Outdoor Fountain, covers it in detail.

Managing Algae and Water Quality

Green water and slick surfaces are just algae doing its thing in sun and warm weather. Keep it in check by changing the water regularly, running the pump consistently so the water doesn’t sit still, and using a fountain-safe algae treatment made for outdoor water features. Positioning the fountain out of all-day direct sun helps too. For more, read Remove Algae and Keep Your Fountain’s Water Clean.

Caring for the Pump

The pump is the heart of the fountain, and it really only asks for one thing: don’t let it run dry. Check the water level often, especially in summer heat and wind, and keep it above the pump’s intake at all times. If the flow slows down, the intake is usually clogged with debris — unplug it, pull it out, and rinse the screen and impeller. A pump that’s kept clean and submerged will last for years. A few fountain accessories can make upkeep even easier.

Winterizing in Cold Climates

If your winters drop below freezing, a little prep saves your fountain. Drain all the water, remove the pump and store it indoors (keeping it submerged in a bucket of water is fine and stops the seals from drying out), and cover the fountain or move smaller pieces into a garage or shed. Water left sitting in cast stone, concrete, or ceramic can freeze, expand, and crack the piece — the most common cold-weather damage we see. Our guide Winterizing Outdoor Fountains has the full checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should I clean my fountain?
    • Every two to four weeks is a good baseline. Fountains in full sun or near trees need it a little more often.
  • What’s safe to clean it with?
    • Water with a bit of white vinegar and a soft brush handles most buildup. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and strong bleach, which can damage stone finishes.
  • How do I stop algae from coming back?
    • Change the water regularly, run the pump consistently, use a fountain-safe treatment, and keep the fountain out of constant direct sun.
  • Can I run the pump all the time?
    • Yes. Running it continuously actually helps prevent stagnant water and algae. Just keep the water topped up so the pump stays submerged.
  • Do I really need to winterize?
    • In freezing climates, yes. Draining the fountain and storing the pump prevents cracks and pump damage that are expensive to repair.

Still have questions? Call our team at 1-888-562-7602, Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm MST, or email info@outdoorfountainpros.com. Browse our outdoor fountains or birdbaths anytime.