Who doesn’t love fountains? They’re peaceful, serene, and remind you of nature. But when they get dirty and slimy—that’s another story. Keeping your fountain in good working order doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to employ some regular maintenance to keep your indoor and outdoor fountain from falling victim to algae or general disrepair over time.
For Those with Outdoor Fountains
If you’ve got a fountain in your backyard or garden, its imperative to keep it looking good. Birds won’t even want to flock to it if you let it clog up with dirt, slime and debris. Algae growth is probably the biggest threat to your fountain because this substance thrives in moist environments. Keep up with a regular cleaning schedule to make sure algae growth is controlled. This will help your fountain not only look better but function better as well. One way to combat algae and other dirt is to keep the water level even. If you haven’t had rain in awhile, you’ll have to add it with a hose. This is to keep the pump from burning out. You may be best off using distilled water so you don’t experience buildup of minerals, advises SF Gate. About once a week, get all twigs, dead bugs, acorns and dirt out of the fountain using a scoop or net of some kind. This is to prevent clogs. When the dirt has gotten out of control, it’s time to give your fountain a thorough wash. Use a wet-dry vacuum for best results, then wipe down the area with a cloth and scrub with a firm-bristled brush, according to This Old House. Add fresh water and a clarifier along with a scale and stain remover. In the humid summer months, add some algaecide tabs once in awhile but do not use chlorine because it can damage the pump system.
For Those with Indoor Fountains
Indoor tabletop fountains and floor fountains look wonderful in any indoor space, especially when you add in the Zen-like aspects of gently running water and smooth stones. However, those stones will get slimy and even begin to smell over time if you fail to change out the water regularly. HGTV advises simply adding a teaspoon of bleach when you refresh the water. While outdoor fountains can be replenished with water from the sky in the form of rain, indoor fountains have no such benefit. That means it’s up to you to refresh the water supply as needed. The last thing you want is bacteria to form in the water or on the surfaces of your fountain. Simply drain the water using a cup or scoop, wash any stones or other decorations in warm, soapy water, and then wash the pump by hand. For the fountain itself, use vinegar and water to get the slime off the interior. Reconnect the fountain and you’re all set for another week or so.
According to Fathom Fountains, a company that sells one-of-a-kind art fountains, maintaining your fountain doesn’t have to be a big chore, but the little things you do to keep up with it will pay off in the long run, whether you have an outdoor fountain or a decorative indoor one. Not only will it look fantastic, it will function properly too.
This article was contributed on behalf of Fathom Fountains, your number one choice when looking for fountains. Check out their website today and see their great selection.
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