With water fountains gaining popularity in gardens, homes, and offices, we’re sure that you’ve envisioned owning one at least once in your life. You may have heard a garden fountain trickling in your neighbor’s gardens or been transfixed by the arresting beauty of a wall fountain in the hottest restaurant in town. Or maybe you’ve been flipping through the pages of Better Home and Gardens and found a water feature that would be perfect for your study. We know how mesmerizing fountains can be. We also know why you are hesitating about taking the plunge. It’s the same concern that most of our customers bring to us: how much maintenance will my fountain require? You may be surprised to learn just how easy it is to keep your fountain sparkling clean. Basically, all you need to do is clean it every once in a while, and you will be able to enjoy your fountain’s charms for years to come. Want a more detailed explanation? Here are the steps that the experts suggest you take to maintain your fountain.
1) Water it:

2) Drain it and Refill it:
While topping your fountain off is one of the best ways to keep it in good condition, occasionally draining it, cleaning it, and refilling it with fresh water will help keep your fountain beautiful for years. But don’t worry–cleaning your fountain is not as hard as it sounds. Basically, once the fountain is completely drained of water, you’ll need to wipe down its surface with a damp cloth. If you encounter particularly stubborn buildup, you can scrub it off using a soft-bristled nylon brush (like an old toothbrush) and vinegar. By performing this upkeep every other month, you’ll be able to ensure that your fountain is freed from the dust and debris it attracts through it’s negative ions. If you do see particles floating in your fountain’s water, don’t worry–it means that your fountain is purifying the air by absorbing the impurities that you would otherwise end up breathing.

3) Get Rid of Algae:

4) Don’t Forget About the Pump:
Although your fountain’s exterior surface will get the most notice and admiration, you should remember that it’s the pump that will keep your fountain’s water flowing. Luckily, even if the pump malfunctions, there are ways to fix it or even replace it without replacing your entire fountain. But these repairs can be messy and time consuming, so why not take good care of it instead? The first sign that your fountain’s pump is having problems is if you notice it producing a strange, spurting noise instead of its usual serene ripple. This usually means that the water levels in your fountain have dropped too low, and that you should fill it back up to the correct level as soon as possible. You should also clean your pump by taking it out every now and then, wiping it inside out, and putting it back in. This is especially important if your fountain is placed outdoors or on the patio, where dust, leaves, and debris are more likely to clog your pump. If you notice that your pump seems particularly grimy, you can open it up and soak it in vinegar to disinfect it before replacing it. By cleaning your pump out once every other month, you will be able to ensure that water continues to circulate smoothly throughout your fountain.