How to Maintain Outdoor Fountains

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References

An outdoor fountain adds beauty and ambiance to your yard and requires only occasional care. To keep your fountain running efficiently, you'll need to know basic maintenance procedures and have certain supplies on hand. If you want to know how to maintain outdoor fountains, follow these guidelines.

Steps

1
Examine the fountain for signs of wear. Because your fountain is out in the elements all day, it's going to suffer the effects of Mother Nature. Dirt, wind, animals and precipitation all can affect your fountain's operation, so it's important to make frequent checks to ensure it's running properly.^{[1]
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2
Keep your outdoor fountain's pump in good working order. The pump is the single most important piece of equipment in your fountain. If it's not working or working at reduced capacity, shut it off and remove it before making repairs. Look for obstructions and other signs of wear about once a month.^{[2]
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- Remove leaves and other debris from the pump's intake valve and housing. With the pump taken out of the fountain, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
- Flush the pump and hose lines if they appear to be clogged.
- Replace filters or damaged components as necessary.
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3
Scrub the surface area of the fountain. Outdoor fountains can be dirtied by a variety of factors. Algae blooms, animal waste and mineral deposits can foul the water in your fountain and affect its appearance. Take steps to neutralize these conditions.^{[3]
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- Algae: The tiny organism can flourish in outdoor fountains, particularly in direct sunlight during the peak summer months. Gently scrub it away with a diluted bleach mixture. Thoroughly rinse the fountain afterward. You also can add all-natural products to the water to keep algae in check. These items are rich in enzymes that inhibit algae growth but do no harm pets or other animals.
- Animal waste: Birds are frequent visitors to outdoor fountains, and while they're often bright additions to the landscape, they can be messy. Wipe bird droppings away with a damp sponge but try not to use soap. Consider replacing the water, too.
- Mineral deposits: Hard-water stains often appear on the fountain surface as crusty, white buildups. Scrub these off with white vinegar and allow the fountain wash the deposits away.
4
Replenish the water in your fountain regularly. Experts suggest changing the water in an outdoor fountain at least once a week. Mix in additives designed to inhibit algae growth and deposit buildups with each water change. Fresh water helps keep the system running smoothly and makes the fountain inviting to wildlife.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I keep mosquito larvae from my fountain?

Community Answer

Run the fountain as much as possible. Moving water will not allow larvae to grow, as still water is what they need.
Question

How do I control the water pressure in my fountain to stop it from shooting straight up from the top?

Community Answer

Check the pump of your fountain. Depending on the type, there may be a dial on the side of it that will allow you to control the force of the water output. If it is not adjustable, you can replace the pump with one that is or with one that is smaller in size but still powerful enough to pump the water the distance necessary if, for example, it is tall fountain.
Question

My concrete water fountain has a crack all around the base of the bowl that also goes up to the top of the bowl. I had it fiberglassed, but now that is cracking, too. How should I repair it?

Community Answer

You can use Flex Seal paste to seal the crack around your fountain bowl. Do it on the inside of the bowl and the underside of the bowl. It should hold well.