Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Outdoor Fountains
Want your outdoor fountain to last for years? Here’s what you need to know.
Outdoor fountains are one of the most valuable additions to any property. Few other features create that peaceful ambiance that everyone desires for their home. But there’s one thing that many fountain owners don’t know…
If your fountain isn’t properly maintained seasonally, it could end up being completely damaged and ruined beyond repair.
The good news? Seasonal outdoor fountain maintenance is pretty simple when you know what to do. The global water fountain market was valued at $1.92 billion in 2024. More and more fountain owners are becoming aware of the steps required to properly care for these water features year-round.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Seasonal Maintenance Basics
- Fountain Spring Revival Tips
- Summer Fountain Care
- Preparing Your Fountain For Fall
- Winter Outdoor Fountain Protection
- Maintaining Your Fountain Pump
- Proper Water Quality Management
- Seasonal Maintenance Summary
Seasonal Maintenance Basics
Seasonal maintenance is the key to long-lasting, beautiful outdoor fountains.
The bottom line…
Outdoor fountains are exposed to a wide variety of different elements during the year. Wind, debris, temperature fluctuations, and algae all take their toll on your fountain. Neglect during any season leads to damage that compounds and causes ever more expensive repairs.
Did you know…
A fountain pump that is not maintained properly typically only lasts 2 to 5 years before it needs to be replaced. But with proper seasonal maintenance, that same pump can run smoothly for many more years. This saves you money and allows your fountain to stay pristine looking for longer.
Seasonal maintenance is simply understanding what your fountain needs during each season. Start by winterizing your outdoor fountain on time, and performing each step correctly is all it takes to protect your fountain from most damage.
Easy enough, right?
Fountain Spring Revival Tips
Spring is the best time to give your outdoor fountain a thorough inspection and cleaning.
Following winter, your fountain is coming out of hibernation. After being stagnant all winter, things need to be running efficiently before you start using your fountain regularly. Cleaning and maintenance in the spring helps avoid headaches during the busy summer season.
To prepare your fountain for spring, do the following:
- Remove any covers and check the fountain for cracks or other damage
- Thoroughly clean the fountain basin with a soft cloth and mild soap
- Check all tubing and connections for wear and tear
- Inspect the pump for debris or mineral buildup
- Refill the fountain with fresh water and run the system to make sure it is working properly
The most important step is always cleaning the fountain pump. Old toothbrushes work great for getting into those tight spaces inside the pump housing. Debris left in the pump will decrease efficiency and reduce pump life.
Take your time and don’t rush the process. If you start to see issues, correct them before leaving your fountain on all the time.
Summer Fountain Care
Summer presents different maintenance challenges than other seasons for outdoor fountains.
Hotter temperatures lead to more evaporation and faster algae growth. Your fountain will require more maintenance during the summer to keep it running smoothly.
Your number one task in summer is water level management.
You should check your water level at least twice per week during summer months. The pump must be completely submerged in water to run properly. A pump running dry is a surefire way to destroy it.
Algae control is another crucial summer task…
Warm weather and sunlight lead to increased algae growth. You may need to add an algaecide specifically designed for fountains to control algae growth. You can also move your fountain to a location that is partially shaded to decrease direct sunlight.
Plan to deep clean the fountain basin at least every 2-3 weeks during summer. This prevents mineral deposits from forming on surfaces. If you have the option, using distilled water will help keep fountain white scale buildup to a minimum.
Preparing Your Fountain For Fall
Fall maintenance is all about getting ahead of the game.
Cooler temperatures require certain steps be taken to prepare for winter months. Smart fountain owners know that early fall is the time to begin thinking about winterization.
Focus on the following in the fall:
- Remove fallen leaves and debris from your fountain daily
- Deep clean the entire fountain system
- Inspect your fountain for cracks that could spread in winter
- Reduce the water flow as the temperatures get cooler
- Set a timeline for your winterization plan
Leaves and organic debris will quickly clog your fountain pump in the fall. Adding a pump sock or mesh filter bag to the fountain will help keep debris out and extend time between deep cleanings.
The secret to fall maintenance…
Start monitoring overnight temperatures in the fall. Once the temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to begin your winterization process.
Winter Outdoor Fountain Protection
Winter is the most critical season for outdoor fountain maintenance.
Water freezes and expands, which can crack basins and destroy pumps and tubing. Proper winterization is the only way to avoid these very expensive problems.
The winterization process is as follows:
The first step is unplugging and removing the pump. Store the pump indoors in a cool, dry place during the winter months. Many people store their pump in a bucket of water in their basement or other heated space. This helps keep the seals lubricated.
You should also completely drain the fountain basin. Water trapped in the fountain will freeze and expand, which cracks most materials. Wipe down hard to reach areas with towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
Cover your fountain with a waterproof, breathable outdoor cover. This protects the fountain from snow, ice, and debris buildup during winter.
One thing many people forget to do though is…
Check on your covered fountain from time to time during the winter. Rain and melting snow can accumulate in the basin. This trapped water can freeze and cause the exact same type of damage you are trying to prevent.
Maintaining Your Fountain Pump
The fountain pump is the most important part of your fountain.
It keeps the water flowing, which is what makes a fountain, a fountain. Without a working pump, you have a decorative basin. That’s why it’s so important to give the pump special attention.
Regular pump maintenance should include the following:
Clean the pump every 3 months. Remove the pump from the fountain and wipe down all of the external surfaces. Open up the pump housing and clear out any debris from the impeller and internal parts.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine on the pump. These products corrode internal components and drastically shorten pump life. Mild soap and water is the best option.
A fountain pump should always run constantly when the fountain is in use. Pumps that run 24/7 actually last much longer than those that are turned on and off frequently. Continuous operation keeps seals lubricated and prevents sediment from settling inside the pump.
Water Quality Management
Water quality is another important factor in fountain maintenance.
Hard water with high mineral content like calcium and magnesium leaves white scale deposits on fountain parts. These unsightly white deposits can also clog pump parts over time.
Using distilled water completely solves this problem. It’s more expensive than tap water, but using distilled water will prevent mineral buildup in your fountain.
Add new water to the fountain rather than waiting until the level gets low. Adding fresh water frequently reduces the overall mineral concentration, improving water quality.
Seasonal Maintenance Summary
Seasonal maintenance is the difference between a fountain that lasts for decades and one that dies after a few years.
The effort is minimal compared to the price tag of having to replace damaged parts or even an entire fountain. Spending a few minutes each week during active seasons has huge dividends for your fountain’s life.
Here’s a seasonal maintenance checklist:
- Spring: Deep cleaning, inspection, and startup
- Summer: Water level and algae management
- Fall: Removing debris and winter planning
- Winter: Draining, protecting, and pump storage
If you follow the tips we’ve outlined here, your fountain will keep running like new for many years to come. That beautiful addition to your outdoor living area is going to continue to provide beauty and tranquility to your yard.
Plus that peaceful sound of running water?
Completely worth it.
