An outdoor fountain adds a dash of sophistication to your yard, but it also requires more time and effort. Every winter, many residents of colder climates want to prevent their outdoor fountains from freezing but are not sure how. When the final few weeks of summer arrive and the days get shorter, you’ll need to start thinking about winterizing your outdoor fountain. Luckily, it’s not difficult to keep the water flowing year-round by following these simple steps.
Small waterfalls may be placed in a garage, barn, or even a spare closet. On the other hand, heavy fountains will have to remain outside throughout the winter. A fountain cover may help safeguard the concrete fountain for your backyard, but you’ll need to take a few preparatory measures before covering it.
1. Drain the water completely
Drain the fountain of water by unplugging the pump. Several fountains have a drain plug built into the bottom of them. A small bucket or a piece of tubing may be used to siphon away the water if yours doesn’t. After you’ve drained the water from your tier-style fountain, it’s time to take it apart. Keep the parts in a garage or shed and clean them up as expected. Please remove all of the water from your fountain and dry it off.
The pump should be taken out of the fountain and kept inside if feasible. A fountain with a pump that cannot be safely removed may be left in place as long as the fountain is completely covered. When water expands at freezing temperatures, it might harm your pump if it freezes in an unprotected fountain.
Drain plugs in each bowl may be easily removed by unscrewing or pulling out the drain plug. Adding a layer of dry towels or burlap sacks to your fountain bowls is also a good idea to catch any water that could leak in.
2. Pump Maintenance: Remove and Disinfect the Pump
Remove the pump from the fountain and clean it inside and out with a soft cloth. You may clean your pump with warm water and a few drops of dish soap if it doesn’t have a lot of algae or mineral stains. Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water to remove difficult stains and heavy algae growth. Wipe the pump’s exterior with the solution with a sponge or towel.
Scrub the interior of the pump with an old toothbrush to remove any gunk. Immerse the pump in the vinegar/water solution if the discoloration or algae growth persists after cleaning. Rinse well before keeping in the refrigerator or freezer. Use a garden hose or an outside faucet to saturate the tubing connecting the pump.
3. Cover the fountain
The fountain should be covered once thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent water from accumulating. During the winter, keep your fountain dry by using a winter fountain cover or storing it inside. Protect the fountain pump from dampness and freezing weather by storing it inside. Apply a light layer of auto wax or furniture polish to copper fountains after cleaning and drying them.
Adding towels to the fountain basin can help absorb any water that seeps through the lid, making it easier to clean. Even if you’re keeping it in an open shed or garage, you should do this. After a heavy rain or snowfall, be careful to change wet towels with dry ones. Snowmelt and water freezing and thawing may permanently harm your fountain if it is kept unprotected.
As a last precaution, remove any tiny fountain finials before covering them to prevent them from being knocked off while pulling the cover on. When bad weather is on its way, ensure your fountain is protected. A simple draining and covering of your fountain will keep it safe, even if you don’t have the time to clean it thoroughly.