Fall Fountain Care

September brings the start of beautiful autumn colors, surprisingly crisp fall mornings and cool evenings. As our hours of daylight diminish, we spend less and less time entertaining outdoors.   That beautiful fountain, which has brought you hours of enjoyment during the warm summer months, is ready for a little care and protection before the cooler, winter days arrive. Following a few simple fall fountain care tips will help you preserve your investment for years to come.

 

Drain the water in your fountain: It is very important to make sure water doesn’t collect and freeze in fountain bowls, planters, birdbaths or statuary over the winter. It could cause cracking! When you are ready for winter storage of your fountain, drain all the water out and leave the drain plug out so that water is not able to collect in the bowl. 

 

Clean your fountain: It is a good idea to clean your fountain every 1-3 months to keep it free from algae. Algae can clog or impede the flow of water through the pump, so it is essential to clean the fountain pump, bowl and rocks. We recommend using an old toothbrush or other suitable brush, dish detergent and warm water. Be sure to avoid any abrasive cleansers or scrub material that may damage the fountain surface.

 

Protect your fountain from freezing temperatures: After you have drained all of the water and cleaned your fountain, move the concrete parts into a sheltered area such as a garage or shed. If this isn’t possible, due to the size of your fountain or storage space, simply cover the fountain completely with a tarp or other sturdy waterproof material. Firmly anchor the tarp to prevent water or snow from collecting in your fountain.