Hydro-Statics & Garden Fountains: The Fundamentals

Keep Your Large Garden Fountains Clean
Keep Your Large Garden Fountains Clean Water fountains will keep working a long time with scheduled cleaning and maintenance. It is essential to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign elements that might have gotten into or onto it. On top of that, algae can be a problem, as sunshine hitting the water allows it to form quickly. Blend hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular issue. There are those who prefer to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided.A thorough cleaning every 3-4 months is recommended for garden fountains. Before you can start washing it you need to drain out all of the water. Then use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir. If there is delicate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap deposit in or on the fountain.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and washing the inside properly. To make it less difficult, soak it in vinegar for several hours before cleaning. Build-up can be a big headache, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to prevent this dilemma.
One final tip for keeping your fountain in top working shape is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Low water levels can damage the pump - and you don't want that!