Having a water fountain or water features in your yard will create a sense of serenity. Many customers love the idea of having an outdoor water feature that provides calming sounds and looks beautiful next to their house. What many people don’t enjoy is koi pond maintenance. Check out these water fountain installation and maintenance FAQ’s to learn how you can make the process much easier.
Contents
Will the location of my water fountain make maintenance easier?
To ensure your water fountain doesn’t suffer stress or wear and tear from the elements, it’s essential to find a visible spot, but one that’s out of the way of heavy foot traffic. If the fountain is installed in a dry area, you may find yourself spending more time to clean it.
For those who lack garden space, a water fountain looks great on a patio. They can also absorb noise pollution! No matter where you install your water fountain, you should keep an eye on it so that you can keep it away from areas where it could be knocked into by humans or animals.
Also, sunlight and debris factor into your maintenance. If you put your fountain in a place where leaves from trees will fall into it, you can expect algae blooms, which mean that you’ll be cleaning your fountain more.
When you’re having your fountain installed, you can ask the professionals where they believe the best spot would be and take their recommendations into consideration.
Read More: Amazing Water Fountain Ideas to Spruce Up Your Garden
How do I maintain the life of my fountain?
Fountain pumps are necessary for any water fountain. The best way to keep your fountain in proper working order is to maintain the pump. Outdoor pumps are more susceptible to clogs and debris, so they will need to be taken out of the fountain and periodically cleaned.
All dirt, sand, leaves, grass, and other debris should be wiped out of the fountain regularly.
What do I do if I found a leak in my fountain?
If the base of your fountain leaks without any signs of a visible crack, it’s recommended that you let the fountain sit for some time, typically one week, and the crack will appear. Keep water in the fountain three-quarters full as it evaporates.
For fiberglass or stone fountains, you can cover up a pin-hole leak with clear Silicone II on the inside of the fountain.
Why does my fountain have a white residue?
The white residue you find on your fountain is called white scale. It’s calcium build-up that develops from hard water. You can remove it easily by rubbing it with white vinegar gently. Then, run the fountain, and the build-up should wash away.
There are also fountain care products that will help you keep your water clean and prevent white scale.
Read More: Water Fountain Problems You May Not Be Aware Of
How should I winterize my fountain?
Before the harsh winter arrives at your doorstep, drain your water fountain. Then, unplug the pump and store it in a heated area. Cover the fountain so that snow and debris cannot get in it. The fountain itself should not freeze, especially if it is made with fiberglass which is designed to withstand the cold weather.
Leaving water in your fountain during the winter will cause it to freeze and expand and contract, which could cause the fountain to crack.
If you’re not sure how to successfully winterize your water fountain, contact the fountain maintenance professionals.
How do I clean my fountain?
Cleaning your fountain depends on the materials from which it is made. Fountains can be copper, stainless steel, and ceramic. Here’s how you can clean your fountain based on what it’s made from.
- Ceramic fountains: Clean with soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Copper: Clean with quality furniture cleaning and a soft cloth.
- Stainless steel: Clean with a dry cloth and special stainless steel cleaner.
If you don’t know how to clean your outdoor fountain, make sure to consult with an expert koi pond service that specializes in outdoor fountain maintenance.
When should I hire a professional?
In order to keep your fountain as beautiful as it was when it was first installed, you will have to do some maintenance work. If you don’t have the time for cleaning your water fountain, or would feel comfortable having an expert do it, you can bring in water fountain maintenance services to help you with the upkeep.
You may also want to hire a professional when you are experiencing problems with your fountain that you can’t solve yourself. If you don’t have experience dealing with water fountains, it may do more harm than good to try and find a DIY solution.
What can I use to clean the water in my fountain?
The combination of sun, pollen, other outside debris, and water will result in some algae formation in your fountain. How much you let the algae bloom will depend on you. To keep the water clean in your fountain, you can add a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water every week so that the water stays clean throughout the season. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe alternative to harsh chemicals that could kill plant life.
Chlorine-based water treatments are a corrosive chemical, which can make tubing, inner connections, and pump parts brittle. It may also bleach your fountain.
If you are unsure how to maintain and clean your fountain properly, make sure to consult the experts.
Can I add fish to my fountain?
Adding fish to your fountain will further increase its serenity. In fact, many people get fountains so that they can add fish.
You can add koi fish to your fountain, but not as soon as you get the fountain installed. A brand new fountain will continue to cure and release minerals into the water that may harm an aquatic living environment. After a few months or even a full year of continuous use, it is typically okay to add fish.
Remember, some fish require a certain pH level, and others could be sensitive to turbulence. Consult a pet professional or vet to make sure adding fish will be successful.
