Maintaining a water fountain ensures its longevity, preserves the soothing sound of moving water, and keeps the feature looking attractive. Routine attention prevents performance issues like a struggling pump or mineral deposits. A consistent schedule, balancing daily checks with periodic cleaning, preserves the aesthetic and functional qualities of the water feature.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance
Simple, frequent checks are necessary to keep the fountain operating smoothly and to protect its mechanical components. The most immediate concern is the water level, which can drop quickly due to evaporation, especially in hot or windy conditions. Maintaining the water level so the pump remains fully submerged is necessary, as running the pump dry can cause it to overheat and fail prematurely.
Check the basin daily and add water as needed to keep the pump entirely underwater. Weekly maintenance should focus on removing large surface debris, such as fallen leaves or insects, using a small net or skimmer. Removing this debris prevents it from being pulled into the pump intake, where it can cause clogs that restrict water flow and strain the motor.
Deep Cleaning the Fountain and Pump
A more thorough cleaning should be performed every one to three months to address the buildup of slime, dirt, and mineral scale. Begin the deep cleaning process by safely unplugging the fountain and draining all the water from the reservoir. Physically scrubbing the basin and decorative elements with a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge helps to remove existing grime and deposits.
The pump itself requires disassembly for proper cleaning, as it is the first component to experience buildup. Remove the pump from the basin, take off the cover and intake screen, and extract the impeller, which is the rotating part responsible for water circulation. Soak the disassembled parts in a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes to dissolve mineral scale.
After soaking, use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, to scrub away remaining debris and scale from the impeller blades and the small crevices inside the pump housing. Thoroughly rinse all pump components with clean water to remove any vinegar or cleaning residue. Reassemble the pump and place it back into the fountain.
Preventing Algae and Mineral Buildup
Long-term fountain maintenance involves proactively treating the water to slow the formation of mineral scale and the growth of algae. Mineral deposits, often appearing as white or grayish crusty scale, are caused by hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. When the water evaporates, these minerals are left behind on the fountain’s surfaces and can eventually clog the pump.
For indoor fountains, using distilled water instead of tap water significantly reduces mineral content, as the distillation process removes the impurities that cause buildup. For both indoor and outdoor features, a preventative measure involves adding a small amount of white vinegar, about one to two tablespoons per gallon of water, to the fountain water. The mild acid in the vinegar helps to keep mineral particles in suspension, preventing them from settling and forming scale.
To control biological growth, use fountain-specific algaecides that inhibit algae development. When selecting a product, choose a non-foaming, non-hazardous algaecide that is safe for the fountain material and any nearby wildlife, such as a non-copper based option. These treatments, often applied weekly, break down algae cells and maintain water clarity.