maintenance Archives

Preparing your Garden Fountain and Pond for Winter

March 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Cold Weather, Fountain Maintenance, Garden Fountains, Home and Garden, Home Improvement, Outdoor Fountains /by Paul Peterson

From the spring through the fall, having a fountain in your garden or a pond on your property adds a beautiful touch to your outdoor setting. Those warm days are always improved by spending relaxing hours next to fresh running water. While it is important to maintain your units and keep your fountains and ponds fresh and clean throughout the year, when the winter months are approaching, there are a few extra details of which you should be aware.

Cleaning

Whether you have a garden fountain or a small pond, one of the most important things you can do to prepare them for winter is cleaning them, and removing all organic debris. The decomposition process is slowed in colder temperatures, and the slowing of this process presents problems. During decomposition, organic materials will give off toxic gases, and slowing the process allows for a buildup of these toxic chemicals. If a layer of ice begins to form, the decomposition process is slowed down even more. This is especially harmful if you have a pond that contains fish or other wildlife.

Garden Fountains

If you are preparing a garden fountain for winter, you will want to drain all of the water, and turn the pump off before the first freeze. Frozen water expands quite a bit, and ice will ruin your pump and the pieces of your fountain. There are also fountain covers that can protect the materials your fountain is made of from Mother Nature. But, in some cases, it is sometimes best to remove your fountain from the elements completely. If you expect to experience harsh winter conditions, it may be best to move you fountain to a garage or shed during those months.

Preparing Your Pond

The options for maintaining your pond are a little different than a fountain. The pump in a pond for instance, can be left on throughout the year, so that it can continue to circulate the water. The pump will help to keep the water from freezing, but sometimes those temperatures just are too low. It is a big help to have a fountain thermometer to monitor these temperatures. There are also options for pond heaters for when the temperatures get too bad. If your pond begins to freeze, you can pour boiling water in the edge of it, allowing trapped gases to be released.

Cold weather is harsh, and it can bring a lot of issues to your water features. With the many methods and techniques that are available for maintaining your fountain or pond, there is no reason why the winter should ruin your pieces. If you keep your water clean, and act early enough, you shouldn’t have any problems.

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!

How Lake Fountains Keep Your Lake Healthy

July 30, 2020/1 Comment/in Fish, Garden Fountains, Health Benefits, Lake Fountain, Lakes, Outdoor Fountains /by Paul Peterson

Lakes are ecosystems in themselves. While a statuary fountain is always at odds with the elements and unwanted lifeforms, a lake naturally has vegetation and even fish that need to be cared for. A lake fountain aerates the lake and that is a great task that will add to the live and beauty of the lake ecosystem.

Aerating a lake keeps oxygen within the water. Ever wondered how fish can stay alive in a frozen lake? They are taking the oxygen within the water to support themselves. Likewise, much vegetation also benefit from this present oxygen.

Aeration also keeps the lake from becoming stagnant. We know what a stagnant body of water looks like. It isn’t pretty and it can smell. Stagnation and low aeration can cause an excess of unwanted vegetation to form and destroy the balance of the ecosystem. Fish will die from an environment like that.

What do you need to know to when buying a lake fountain for a better ecosystem? Start off with deciding if you will need a floating or diffused water system. A floating system is appropriate for shallower lakes because the pump takes from the top two feet of the lake. The surface water is what is being shot in the air and what creates the visual aspect of your lake fountain.

A diffused lake fountain works a bit differently. The diffused fountain is appropriate for plus 10 feet deep lakes. These fountains create aeration deep in the lake, forming bubbles that circulate from down deep to the top of the lake.

Water Feature Pros sells plenty of lake fountains that will suit your needs. Peruse our online catalog and you will be able to gauge which fountain is best for you. All of our lake fountains have specs and categories that we encourage you to consider when choosing a fountain.

Cleaning your Pond and Fountain

July 29, 2020/0 Comments/in Fountain Maintenance, Garden Fountains, Home and Garden, Home Improvement, Ponds /by Paul Peterson

Having a pond with a fountain installed on your property is a great way to transform your landscape and maintain a system of life and energy. There is nothing like seeing a grand display of water in the center of your pond, knowing that there is entire ecosystem of fish, plants, and other organisms below. As such a large feature of your landscape, and the home of many animals and plants, it’s extremely important to keep your water healthy. Your pond is a collection of life; there is an abundance of nutrients and bacteria. Both are necessary for proper health; the most important thing to consider is balance. There are a few ways to keep this under control.

Remove the Sticks and Leaves

The main way to keep your water healthy is to simply clean it physically. One of the best things you can do is to skim the organic material out of your water. It is expected for leaves, sticks, and other pieces of natural debris to fall into your water. What people don’t always consider is the effect that this debris has on their water. As it begins to decompose, it releases toxic chemicals, and depletes the supply of oxygen in the water. If you want fresh, clean water, it’s up to you.

Some people look to chemical cleaners for the pond, but it’s important to know that using chemicals to keep your water clean is usually only appropriate for shallow ponds that do not house any animals. For those of us with fish, plants, and other organic life, it’s important to keep the water clean without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals. The best way to stay on top of this is with the process of aeration, which increases the levels of oxygen in the water. That is the purpose that the fountain will serve in your garden.

Aeration

The main type of pond fountain that you will encounter is the floating fountain. It is designed to sit on top of the water, and pull up gallons, shooting them into the air. These are not only useful for the stunning display they create. When the water lands on the surface of the water, gases are released, air and water mix, and the oxygen levels increase.

These are very effective, unless you have a very deep pond. For bodies of water where the floating lake fountain doesn’t provide enough aeration, there are diffused aeration systems. These units, appropriate for depths of eight feet or more, push air down to the floor of your pond, aerating the entire body. The air pressure creates a constant flow of bubbles, a great way to increase the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Like anything that involves the responsibility of preserving life and balance, owning a pond requires attention and care. The addition of a fountain to your pond, along with regular cleaning, will help with the health of your water and all of the organisms that live in it.

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.

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.

Maintenance Guide: Indoor Wall Mounted Fountains

April 11, 2020/0 Comments/in Fountain Maintenance, Wall Fountains, Water Features /by Paul Peterson

An indoor wall mounted fountain is an outstanding addition to your interior design. The sleek design and steady water flow are great ways to create a unique and stylish indoor setting. Indoor fountains even help to humidify your home and remove dust and debris from the air. With this in mind, 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 like new again.