Outdoor Fountain Maintenance for the Winter

Across parts of Canada, the US and Europe snow is just starting to fall. If you haven’t done your winter cleaning and maintenance, now is the time. On the other hand, if you’re a new outdoor fountain owner you may not be sure of what to do. This article is an informal guide to caring for your garden fountain or other outdoor water fountain as the snow and ice close in.

Follow the Instructions

If you purchase a fountain from Waterfountainsplace.com it will include instructions for care and installation. Before you read the rest of this article read those instructions. Follow them before you do anything else.

Move the Fountain Indoors if You Can

Your exact needs will depend on the type of outdoor fountain you own. If your water fountain is light or easy to disassemble, the solution could be as simple as moving the fountain indoors, either for seasonal storage or to enjoy as an indoor fountain. This is a great option for lighter fountains. If you own a solar water fountain and want to set it up inside for the winter, try to place it in the part of the house that enjoys the most lighting. The flow will probably not be as strong as the summer, but a solar fountain in good condition will still operate under winter light. If you can find a way to enjoy a movable fountain indoors because of lack of space or the nature of the model, give it room in your shed or other storage space, at least. Even if you have to leave the rest of the fountain outside, move the pump indoors.

Get Rid of the Fountain’s Water

If you’re moving it into storage or leaving it outdoors for the season, always start by removing all of the water left in the fountain. That includes water in the basins and the pumping system. Use a cloth to get rid of all remaining moisture. When water in the fountain freezes and thaws throughout the winter, it can warp or break fountain components. High end outdoor fountains are resistant to this but it always pays to take good care of your fountain.

Cover and Protect Your Outdoor Fountain from Snow and Ice

If your fountain is spending the winter outside make sure to protect it from snow and ice. Use a plastic or vinyl water fountain cover so that snow slides off instead of accumulating on the cover. This protects from direct snowfall and by preventing accumulation, reduces condensation on the inside of the cover. Keep the base of your fountain clear of snow and ice to reduce the amount of snow melt that could sink in.

Once you take these steps you’re almost certain to have a healthy outdoor fountain when the sun comes back. These steps are really common sense, and easy – it probably won’t take much longer for you to do them as it did to read about them! For more information, visit Water Fountain Place’s water fountain guide, especially their article on how to winterize your fountain.

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