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Water Fountain Maintenance Guide
At Landscape Management Group, we get it—fountains are beautiful, but winter? Not so much. If you’d rather hunker down inside with some hot cocoa while we handle all the water fountain winter prep, we’re more than happy to oblige. But for the DIY folks out there, here’s a handy guide to keep your fountain in tip-top shape during the chilly months ahead.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Winter Care for Outdoor Fountains
Water fountains, particularly outdoor features, can be easily damaged by freezing temperatures and changes in humidity. To protect your outdoor water feature during the winter and avoid issues like cracks and pump damage, follow these steps when the temperature drops below 32°F:
Option A
Bring Your Fountain Indoors
If you can, bring your fountain indoors before winter weather hits. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing and cracking. Be sure to completely drain your water fountain first, as any remaining water can freeze and cause damage.
Option B
Leave Your Fountain Outdoors and Cover It
If you choose to leave your fountain outside during winter, make sure to cover it. Use a breathable cover—do not use plastic—and add towels inside the basin to absorb any excess moisture. This will prevent water from freezing inside and causing cracks or damage to the pump.
Step 1: Completely Drain the Fountain
Whether moving your fountain indoors or leaving it outside, it’s critical to drain it completely. Even a small amount of water left in the basin or pump can freeze, causing cracks and potentially damaging the pump. Be sure to remove the drain plugs and check for any remaining water.
Step 2: Elevate Your Fountain
If leaving your fountain outdoors, elevate it off the ground to prevent it from freezing to the surface. This will reduce the risk of cracks forming in the base.
Step 3: Use a Proper Fountain Cover
Use a breathable, fitted cover to protect your outdoor fountain. Make sure the cover is secured tightly to avoid snow or water pooling on top. Secure the bottom of the cover to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Routine Maintenance Tips for Water Fountains
Algae Prevention
To keep your water feature free of algae, add one capful of algae preventer to the water weekly. Regular algae prevention will keep the water clean and your fountain running smoothly.
Remove Leaf Debris
During the fall, regularly remove any leaves or debris from your fountain. This prevents clogs in the pump and ensures proper water flow. Staying on top of leaf removal will help avoid potential damage over time.
Additional Winter Maintenance Services
If you prefer, our team can take care of all the necessary winterization steps for you. Here’s what we include as part of our regular fountain maintenance service:
Tubing Inspection
We check all tubing to ensure it’s properly drained and free from moisture, preventing any freezing damage.
Stopper Check
We inspect the rubber silicone stopper to ensure there are no leaks that could cause water buildup and lead to cracking in cold temperatures.
By following these water fountain winter maintenance tips, you can protect your fountain from winter weather. However, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we’re here to help and ensure your fountain stays in top shape year-round!
