Fountain water features, whether small indoor accents or large outdoor statuaries, quickly lose their clarity without routine care. Constant exposure to air, sunlight, and evaporation concentrates impurities and encourages the growth of microorganisms in the recirculating water. Maintaining a clean fountain requires a two-pronged approach: actively treating the water with chemical additives to control biological and mineral buildup, and regularly performing physical maintenance. Both methods ensure the water remains clear and the pump functions efficiently.
Controlling Biological Contaminants (Algae and Bacteria)
Biological growth, such as green algae, mold, and bacteria, thrives in the warm, stagnant conditions of a fountain basin, leading to unsightly, slimy water and surfaces. The first line of defense is introducing specific treatments designed to inhibit this growth without causing harm to the fountain structure or local wildlife. Commercial fountain algaecides are formulated for this exact purpose and often contain compounds like poly[oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene dimethyliminio)ethylene dichloride] which effectively eliminate green, yellow, and black algae.
Many specialized products, such as Fountec, are designed to be non-hazardous and safe for animals like birds and pets that may drink from the water source. However, these algaecides are typically not safe for aquatic life, such as fish or frogs, and should not be used in features containing them. Regular, weekly application according to the manufacturer’s dosage instructions is necessary to maintain continuous control over microorganisms.
For deep cleaning a heavily contaminated fountain, a highly diluted solution of household chlorine bleach may be used. If used, a very small amount, such as one to two teaspoons of unscented bleach per gallon of water, can sanitize the water and kill severe algae blooms. However, bleach carries a risk of damaging the pump or the fountain’s finish, especially on materials like concrete. It is generally recommended to use gentler chemical solutions or reserve bleach for scrubbing down an empty basin before rinsing and refilling.
Some individuals attempt to use natural alternatives, such as placing copper pennies in the water, relying on the oligodynamic effect of copper ions to inhibit algae growth. However, the effectiveness of these methods is often limited and unreliable compared to dedicated chemical treatments. Long-term clarity relies on the consistent use of pet-safe algaecides, which address slime and green water while protecting visiting wildlife.
Addressing Mineral Scale and Hard Water Buildup
A distinct problem from biological growth is the formation of mineral scale, which appears as white, crusty, or chalky deposits on the fountain’s surfaces. This residue is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium salts present in hard tap water. As the water evaporates, the minerals are left behind, building up a hard deposit that can eventually clog pumps and obscure the fountain’s finish.
To prevent this inorganic buildup, commercial mineral deposit inhibitors can be added to the water, which work by sequestering the calcium and magnesium ions so they cannot precipitate out of the solution. Using distilled water instead of tap water is the most effective preventative measure, but this is often impractical for large or outdoor fountains.
For removing existing scale, acidic solutions are necessary to break down the deposits. White vinegar, which contains acetic acid, is a common and effective household choice for this purpose. To use it, the fountain must be completely drained of water, and then a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water should be applied directly to the affected surfaces.
Allowing the vinegar solution to soak for 10 to 15 minutes gives the acid time to react with the mineral deposits, softening them for removal. The scale can then be scrubbed away with a soft, non-abrasive brush or pad. The fountain must be thoroughly rinsed afterward to remove all acidic residue before refilling. For extremely stubborn scale, a commercial calcium and lime remover can be used, following the product’s instructions carefully.
Essential Physical Maintenance Routines
Even with chemical treatments, physical upkeep is necessary to ensure the fountain operates correctly and remains clean. The most basic routine involves checking and topping off the water level daily or every few days, especially in warmer weather, because evaporation causes the water line to drop quickly. Allowing the water level to fall below the pump intake will cause the pump to run dry, leading to overheating and permanent damage.
A more thorough physical cleaning should be performed every one to three months, depending on the fountain’s size and location. This process requires disconnecting the power, draining the water, and removing all debris, such as leaves, dirt, and sediment, from the basin and its components. The interior surfaces of the fountain should be scrubbed with a mild soap and water solution to remove any remaining film or biological matter.
Cleaning the pump is an important task that prevents flow reduction and extends the unit’s lifespan. The pump should be removed and disassembled, including taking off the cover to access the impeller. Debris and buildup on the impeller, the rotating part that moves the water, must be gently scrubbed away with a small brush. If mineral scale is present on the pump parts, soaking them in a vinegar and water solution will help dissolve the deposits before reassembly.