Keeping Your Landscape Fountain Clean
Keeping Your Landscape Fountain Clean
Proper care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is easy for foreign items to find their way into outdoor fountains, so keeping it clean is important. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is prone to growing algae. Stir hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular problem. Another option is to mix bleach into the water, but this action can hurt wild animals and so should really be avoided. Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. The first task is to get rid of all the water. When you have done this, scour inside the water reservoir with a mild detergent. If there is intricate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Some organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. Soaking it in vinegar for a time will make it easier to clean. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any elements that might stick to the inside of the pump.
One final recommendation for keeping your fountain in top working shape is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Allowing the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!