FOUNTAIN CARE

Once you've selected the fountain you want, whether it be an outdoor or indoor, you will need to care for it properly for years of worry-free enjoyment. Then you can relax and recharge as the bubbling fountain flows and puts you in a peaceful frame of mind.

Caring for a fountain is about as low maintenance as caring for a houseplant. Once you have assembled the fountain and placed it where you want it, you will need to add water once every 2-7 days and clean it every few months. If you have an outdoor fountain and live in a very hot climate like Las Vegas, check the water daily.

A fountain is a self-contained unit with an underwater pump that recirculates water. These submersible pumps are not designed to work in air and should only be used when covered with water. Do not let your pump run dry!

Note your manufacturer's instructions and warranty information that came with the pump. Be sure to read this information, as it contains very important information. Most pumps have a limited warranty of one year; look at your warranty information and manufacturer's instructions.

Follow your manufacturer's instructions for assembling your new fountain; tubing will be provided if it needs to be attached with instructions enclosed in the packaging.

Add water to the base of your fountain to about 1/2" below the top edge (or follow your manufacturer's instructions). To save your fountain from the natural mineral build-up arising when using tap water, I recommend using distilled or reverse osmosis water. There are products you can find in home improvement stores like Lowes that prevent and remove white scale deposits and mineral stains up to 3 months with just one application, preventing pump damage due to hard water build-up. Don't use it, though, if fish are present.

1. Pump should always be submerged in water;

2. Prime pump first and adjust the water flow before assembling the fountain.

Priming Pump

1. Turn water flow dial to low and place under water;
2. Plug in pump;
3. Adjust dial so water spurts to 1-1 (high) and let run for 30 seconds to 1 minute (this will allow the water to flow freely though the fountain, eliminating pockets of air making the fountain gurgle or spurt). Now your pump will run quietly, except remember there's a motor and no motor is really silent. If the pump is properly submerged in water, it really does run pretty quiet.

Assemble Fountain

1. Follow instructions contained with fountain, remembering to take your hands out of the water and dry them before plugging in the pump;
2. Go back and make adjustments on water flow the way you like it to flow;
3. Make sure your pump is connected to a power supply which is properly grounded.If your fountain is an inside fountain, allow for some splashing and moisture by purchasing something to place underneath and around the fountain for protection of your furniture and/or floor, on which the fountain is being placed;
4. A piece of Plexiglass, ceramic tile or perhaps a trivet designed for hot food could be used to raise it off your furniture.

Keep Water Level High

The most important thing to remember is to make sure your water level is high. If you go out of town, unplug your fountain, so it doesn't run dry. Your pump warranty probably does not cover damage caused by allowing the pump to run dry. Without the proper amount of water, the pump will actually melt from overheating. (If your pump wears out, you can replace it at any home improvement center like Lowes).

Clean Fountain Every 1-3 Months

Since water, light and air invite algae, algae growth is natural to fountains; however, it does clog and impede the flow of water through the pump. That is why it is essential to clean your fountain pump, bowl and rocks, if any, every 1-3 months. Since algae grows more quickly in direct sun, keep your outdoor fountains in the shade. There are products inhibiting the growth of algae found at your home improvement store.

Cleaning Fountain

You can use an old toothbrush, one of those battery-operated Sonic Scrubbers found in any grocery store or any other suitable brush, dish detergent and warm water. Disassemble the pump and clean inside of it; that's where algae and mineral deposits build up. Clean base and rocks in the same way.

Pump disassembly is not difficult. Move any tension clips holding the unit together. You probably won't need tools such as a screwdriver to do this. See if your manufacturer has included instructions on this, such as how to pull the cover off the pump and cleaning the inside under running water with your selected brush. Pumps will last for a period of 2-3 years if kept clean and submerged.

Algae - Bleach, lemon juice, vinegar, Listerine or a product of your choice found in your home improvement store will kill algae growth. Replacing all the water in the fountain once a month will help as well.
Calcium - You can remove calcium deposits on ceramic and stone parts with products such as Lime-Away (which cannot be used on bronze, slate or painted wood). There are other products, again, in your home improvement store which will deter mineral build-up.

Winterizing Fountains

Extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity may affect your concrete fountains adversely. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climactic conditions. The ideal solution is to store your fountain or statuary away from direct exposure to the winter elements. A garage or basement would be perfect. A small fountain may be brought into your home as a charming way to humidify the air indoors during the winter. If however, these are not feasible options for you, read on for a few tips to help your concrete pieces survive the wintry weather in one piece.

Here are a few simple rules for Winterizing

Fountains and Birdbaths

1. Drain fountain thoroughly;

2. Remove the statue and pump, storing them inside if possible;

3. Fill the bowl(s) or shell(s) with an absorbent material such as towels, blankets, etc.;

4. Cover the entire fountain with a fountain cover. Should condensation droplets form on the inside of the cover, the material will absorb them;

5. Small fountain and birdbath bowls may be inverted so that water will not pool inside.

Do not use antifreeze in fountains.

Do not allow fountains or statuary to sit in freezing and thawing water