Maintenance Archives

Bracing your Fountain for the Winter Months

March 30, 2022/0 Comments/in Cold Weather, Fountain Maintenance, Garden Fountains, Maintenance, Outdoor Fountains, Water Features /by Joe Frith

Your outdoor water features will do little entertaining in the winter months. They also become highly susceptible to the cold elements. That is why it is essential to care for your fountain in the winter months. By taking your fountain out of the elements, or reducing the elements’ impact, you are keeping your pump and the structure itself from serious dilapidation.

What are the consequences?

The two negative consequences that can result involve the pump breaking and fixture cracking. Pumps that are dry will not be affected by the freezing cold. However, all of the moisture that is in a pump leads to freezing which can break the pump. This would require you to get a new pump, and there is no reason to do that each year. The fixture of the fountain, especially with cast stone features, will crack in the severe weather.

How to prevent it

The best option for preserving your fountain in the winter months is to completely bring it out of the elements. The best way to do this is to disassemble all the parts of the fountain, dry them, and store them in the garage, or any other dry and relatively warm space. A space somewhere between freezing and room temperature is ideal. We also recommend that you clean your pump at this time before you store it.

If there is no space indoors for your fountain then you will want to cover the fixture. Two methods need to be in play as you protect your fountain. Naturally, you will want to cover the fountain with a water proof tarp. Make sure that it is secure, covers all exposed areas and has relatively no spots for leakage. However, no matter what tarp you choose and how you secure it, you will need to add some absorbent material to your fountain. While your fountain is being protected by the water proof tarp, all moisture that does somehow get to your fountain will be absorbed instead of seeping straight into the stone fixture. Fill the basins and tiers (any spot moisture could accumulate) with an absorbent material. Burlap or hay will work for this. Make sure to switch it out periodically.

One last thing if you weren’t aware. Make sure to rid your fountain of any debris or unwanted vegetation. Naturally vegetation contains moisture which you do not want. Cleaning your fountain before and after the winter season is just route process for two water feature owners. Call Water Feature Pros if you are in the Louisville area, we can clean your fountain this spring.

Following these steps should ensure the safety of your water feature. If you already have some cracks in your fountain from weather damage then you can call us at Water Feature Pros. We may be able to restore your fountain. However, if you find hairline cracks in your fountain there is really no need to worry. That naturally happens in the cold.

Learn to Keep Algae Under Control

September 25, 2020/0 Comments/in Fountain Maintenance, Home and Garden, Maintenance, Outdoor Fountains, Pond Fountain, Ponds /by Paul Peterson

A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.

Aeration

Aerating your water is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your water clean and fresh. The process of aeration involves dissolving oxygen into the water supply, and this process can be achieved in many ways. Many people use pond fountains, or aerators. These devices pull water from the top few feet of the pond and shoot it into the air. As the water splashes back down, it breaks the surface of the water and mixes it with the surrounding oxygen. This process is so important because it allows the process of decomposition to happen much more efficiently. If the algae and organic materials are able to break down faster, they won’t stick around and start to smell.

Skimming Debris

One way you can make it a little easier on your pond is by taking time to manually remove debris from the water. It is common for wind and rain to wash leaves, sticks, and other materials into your water. These materials will begin to decompose in your pond, releasing gases during the process, and can eventually begin to become a real nuisance. With a regular cleaning, your pond will look beautiful, and your water will be fresh.

Pond Chemicals

Regular skimmings will keep the leaves and sticks away, but, there is only so much you can do about algae. Sometimes, you have to bring out something a little stronger. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae. Find which one is right for your body of water.

Your pond is one of the main elements of your landscape. It is a defining feature of your home and its surroundings. It’s important that you keep it looking fresh and presentable. With proper aeration, regular cleanings, and pond chemicals, you can be sure that your pond is as beautiful as it was meant to be.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Fountain

September 1, 2020/0 Comments/in Garden Fountains, Home and Garden, Maintenance, Outdoor Fountains /by Paul Peterson

Outdoor fountains are loved by people all over the world, and they have been for very many years. The love of fountains has even grown to see fountains in people’s own backyards, creating a beautiful personal environment. If you have a fountain at your home, you are aware of their many benefits. The beautiful visual, the soothing sounds, and the refreshing feeling are just a few. If you are familiar with these benefits, you may soon be aware of a few consequences if you don’t take proper care of your outdoor fountain. There are a few regular tasks you can do to be sure your fountain is clean and fresh.

Cleaning the Pump

Sometimes, people won’t notice the severity of the buildup in their fountain until it is too late. It is easy to forget that your fountain can begin to experience buildup and clogging before you see it. This is why cleaning your pump is so important. All of the water flows through the pump, and that can begin to take a toll on it. There are many times when the buildup begins there, unseen, and it only gets worse from there. Nip your problems in the bud with a regular cleaning of your fountain pump.

In-Depth Cleaning

Every so often, it would be wise to clean the entire fountain in depth. This may be a little time-consuming, but it is very worth it. You definitely don’t want a buildup of algae, hard water, and white scale in your fountain. To clean your fountain, be sure to turn it off and drain all the water with a pump of wet/dry vacuum. After the pond is off and drained, you’ll want to clean all of the separate pieces, including rinsing off any rocks or stones that may be a part of your fountain set up. Be sure to clean all of the fountain parts in depth, using fountain cleaning chemicals if necessary.

Fountain Chemicals

While there are products available to help you in during the cleaning process, there are also preventative chemicals that you can use for your fountain. There are many choices, and it’s important that you choose the right one. Household cleaners normally just won’t do the trick. Many of the fountain cleaners require that you simply add a small amount to your water supply. Once you do that, the chemicals will flow through all of the pieces of your fountain, keeping bacteria, algae, and hard water at bay.

Your outdoor fountain is the highlight of your outdoor environment. You want to make sure that it is in the best condition possible. A little maintenance is all you need. With regular pump cleaning and deep cleaning, along with the right fountain chemicals, your fountain will be in tip top shape!

Learn How to Clean Your Wall Fountain

August 30, 2020/0 Comments/in Fountain Maintenance, Home and Garden, Indoor Fountains, Maintenance, Wall Fountains /by Paul Peterson

Wall mounted fountains are a beautiful additions to to your interior design. Their sleek design, and steady water flow are a great way to create a unique and stylish indoor setting. They even help to humidify your home and remove dust and debris from the air. Understandably, they will eventually need to be cleaned from time to time, usually every few months (at least twice a year). A regular cleaning of your fountain will help to keep the water in your fountain and the air in your home clean and fresh. Cleaning a wall fountain is not a difficult task. After a few simple steps, your fountain will be in great condition.

Step 1: Drain

Before you do anything, you’ll have to turn off your fountain and drain all of the water out. This is a fairly simple task. The easiest way to accomplish this is by using a wet/dry vacuum. Use the hose to remove as much water as you can, and then your cleaning process can begin.

Step 2: The Pump

The first thing that you will want to clean is the fountain pump. This is probably the most important thing that you will clean. If your fountain pump is not properly cleaned, it can lead to a wide range of problems, including algae and white scale buildup, and clogging. Disassemble your pump and use fresh running water and a brush or pad to refresh the condition of your pump.

Step 3: The Tubing

Your next task will be cleaning the tubing in your fountain. This is the piece that connects to the pump and carries the water up through your fountain. This is a also a place where you could experience clogging or buildup if you don’t regularly clean it. Simply remove the tubing and rinse it, using a brush if necessary.

Step 4: Wiping the Surface

The final thing you’ll want to do is wipe the face and base of your fountain clean. Wall fountains are made with several different materials, all of which can be wiped down with a clean wet cloth. Glass faces can use a bit of window cleaner, if necessary. You may be surprised at how smoothly the water cascades down the face of your fountain after a good cleaning.

You’re All Set!

Now that you’ve disassembled and cleaned the most important parts of your fountain, you can put the pieces back together, and fill your fountain with fresh water. Some people even add a bit of preventative fountain cleaner to make the next cleaning process even easier. Doing this a few times a year will help keep your fountain strong and beautiful for years!

Maintaining Your Outdoor Water Feature

July 26, 2020/0 Comments/in Home and Garden, Home Improvement, Maintenance, Outdoor Fountains /by Paul Peterson

We absolutely encourage our customers to consider all the necessary maintenance a water feature requires. Outdoor fountains are subject to the elements of changing seasons and unwanted debris and vegetation. It is essential to understand what is required and how you or your hired help will meet those requirements as often as needed.

There are three main tasks that you will need to address regularly for your fountain to maintain its beauty and function. These are water replenishment, water treating and fountain cleaning. Water replenishment is simple and should be performed almost daily, while fountain cleaning is much more intensive but is only required four times a year at the most.

Water replenishment

Water will naturally evaporate and some will even splash onto the ground. There are two factors which dictate how quickly your fountain will lose water. Firstly, certain fountains hold more water than others, these will not need to be refilled as often. However, fountains that expose a large surface area of the contained water with evaporate that water at a slightly higher rate. Also, the climate has the hugest impact on water evaporating. Naturally, if you are in a humid climate maintenance will be less severe than in an arid zone.

Why is having enough water essential? Firstly the fountain needs plenty of water for the feature to look and sound great. That might be obvious. The other more technical aspect is that the pump needs to be completely submerged in water. If it is not, then the pump will become damaged from sucking in air.

We recommend you replenish the fountain between every day and every other day. The more often you replenish, the better. Less water at one time is the best practice.

Water treatment

Chemically treating the water of your fountain is a great way to combat the elements and fight off unwanted lifeforms in your fountain (algae, etc). We sell these water treatments in our pond product selection. Peruse our catalog and you will be able to find water treatments for your fountain. Directions come with the treatment. Please use these treatments sparingly as they can build up in your fountain if not used correctly.

Seasonal fountain cleaning

Your fountain will need a complete cleaning from two to four times a year. The changing of the seasons is a great time to clean your fountain. While treating the water helps fight unwanted vegetation, your fountain will still be plagued with some unwanted growth that will need to be taken care of. These substances can get into the fountain, basin and pump.

To clean your fountain first cut out the power to the pump and let your fountain sit for a second. Then start removing anything that is building on the outside. Cleaning with soap is fine, or you can use vinegar. Then you will need to clean the pump with a similar method. Lastly, you can clean the inside of the fountain by draining the water and scrubbing the inside.

Water Feature Pros cleans fountains and ponds locally in the Kentuckiana / Greater Louisville Area. Call us and we can set you up with a fountain or pond cleaning.

Maintaining Your Wall Fountain

July 18, 2020/0 Comments/in Fountain Maintenance, Health Benefits, Home and Garden, Indoor Fountains, Maintenance /by Paul Peterson

Installing a wall fountain in your home provides many beneficial qualities. Not only are they a beautiful way to accent the style and class of your home, but they are a great way of maintaining a calming and welcoming atmosphere. The literal quality of the atmosphere will also be improved with the air purification and ion neutralization abilities of the water wall. They are easy to install and maintain, but there are a few key details you should keep in mind to keep your wall fountain in top shape. With a focus on water quality, water levels, and pump cleaning, your wall fountain will be in great condition.

Water Quality

The quality of the water you put in your fountain is a step that very many people tend to overlook. A common mistake that people will make is filling their wall fountain with tap water. With all of the minerals that flow with tap water, there are bound to be deposits, and tap quickly leads to buildup in your fountain and pump. The water will begin to look cloudy, and the pump will operate much less efficiently. To avoid these problems, fill your fountain with distilled water. This minor purchase will make a major difference with your fountain.

Water Levels

Once, you have your distilled water, it is important that use the right amount in your fountain. Improper water levels can cause a number of problems. If there is too much water, it can splash out of the fountain, ruining the interior of your home, and the tranquil sound will seem more like rushing waters. With too little water, the visual is compromised, and the pump will make a gurgling noise, that is not at all soothing. Be aware of your climate and air quality. Dryer environments may require more frequent fillings. Just be sure to keep an eye on the water levels.

Pump Cleaning

You will also definitely want to keep an eye on pump function. Your wall fountain is capable of removing dirt and debris from your air, so it is important to make sure your pump is clean. This is especially important if you opted to use tap water. There are anti-scaling and water cleaning agents available to keep your fountain clean. These are added to the water supply on a regular basis, and prevent unwanted buildup in your fountain. Even with this, it is important to clean your fountain periodically.

These simple tasks take very little effort, and ensure great results. If you want a wall fountain in your home, or if you already have one, be sure to keep these tips in mind. The important things are water quality, water levels, and pump cleanliness. Stay on top of these easy things, and your wall fountain live up to its full potential.

Pond Maintenance: Avoiding Algae

July 13, 2020/0 Comments/in Health Benefits, Home and Garden, Maintenance /by Paul Peterson

A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.