How to Keep Your Water Fountain Clean – Secrets the Pros Don’t Tell You!

Whenever a fountain is added to a garden, it is like the garden has gained life. The soft, trickling sound of water, the graceful movement of water flowing down, or the eye-pleasing design of the fountain offers a calming effect on even the most troubled hearts. However, behind the calm and beautiful exterior, there is a golden rule hidden, which is regular cleaning of the fountain. 

It does not have to be expensive maintenance. Just a bit of consistency and a few simple tricks will do the job. Let’s take a walk through the blog and learn how to keep fountain water clean without turning it into a time-consuming chore. And no, you won’t need to suit up like a chemist or haul out a pressure washer every weekend.

How to Keep Your Outdoor Water Fountain Clean

Outdoor fountains require more cleaning as compared to indoor water fountains. Being outside, it comes in contact with various messes such as dust, bird droppings, dried leaves, or small debris and pebbles. The key is understanding that the more you stay on top of small things, the less work you will have to do later.

You can use a net to skim debris every few days. A basic kitchen strainer can do the job just fine for smaller fountains. This quick habit prevents clogging and keeps your pump from overworking.

Also, knowing how to keep fountain water clean naturally will help your setup stay clear, inviting, and wildlife-friendly.

Why Clean Your Fountain Regularly?

Mostly people assume that flowing water will keep itself and the fountain clean. However, to their disappointment, fountains do not work as forest streams. Water sits, evaporated and gathers whatever the breeze decides to drop into it. With time, it can cause various problems, including

• Cloudy and smelly water

• Algae buildup

• Clogged pumps 

• Damaged surface from mineral deposits

If the water in your fountain starts to look green or the flow gets sluggish, that is your signal to clean your fountain. If it is left for too long, it will convert into repairs instead of just cleaning.

Understanding Algae

Algae is considered an eyesore by almost everyone. But it can serve as a sign that your fountain water needs changes. Algae tends to thrive in sunlit, still, nutrient-rich environments, which is exactly what a neglected fountain looks like.

A small amount of algae won’t cause any problem. However, if it continues to deposit, it will start to clog pumps, stain surfaces, and even affect the water quality for birds or pets. If you know how to keep fountain water clean for birds, it means addressing algae before it gets comfortable.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fountain?

It depends on various things such as size, location and also if birds visit your place or not. As a general guide, you can follow this:

• Small or tabletop fountain: 2-3 weeks

• Outdoor fountains with no ponds: monthly basis

• Pond-style setup: every 3-4 weeks with regular top-ups

Suppose you are interested in knowing how to keep an indoor water fountain clean. In that case, you can give it a wipe-down every few weeks and change the water on a monthly basis, as indoor fountains face fewer environmental challenges.

For a deeper understanding of choosing the right pump, check out our detailed guide on how to choose a water feature pump.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Fountain

Unplug the Pump

Make sure to unplug the pump before you enter the elbow-deep water to ensure it is safe. Also drain out the water from the fountain.

Remove Debris

Once all the water has been drained, scoop out all the debris, including  leaves, feathers, and anything else lying around.

Scrub the Surface

You can use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the surface of the fountain. It is best to avoid anything harsh, especially if your fountain has a special finish or decorative glaze.

Clean the Pump

Cleaning of the pump is important too. Carefully separate the filter, pump and wash housing with fresh water.

Wash thoroughly

After you have cleaned and scrubbed everything, to prevent chlorine chemical contamination, you should wash everything extremely well, even more so if you have birds that use your water feature. Birds are most sensitive to chlorine chemicals.

Refill and Start-Up

When everything is cleaned and re-assembled, you can refill the fountain with clean water and plug the pump back in.

Tips to Prevent Algae Growth

There are a few ways you can help minimise algae growth; those include:

• Placing the fountain in a semi-shade location. The less sunlight means less algae growth.

• Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide weekly. Make sure it is in low doses to make it safe for birds.

• Drop in a handful of copper coins, as copper slows down the growth of algae.

• Use distilled water if possible. It contains fewer minerals, which algae feed on.

These methods are perfect if you want to know how to keep fountain water clean naturally, without harsh chemicals or expensive treatments.

Health Implications of Algae

• If your fountain is a drinking spot for feathered visitors, it becomes more than necessary to keep the algae away. 

• Birds often drink or bathe in the water, and stagnant, algae-filled fountains can harbour bacteria or parasites. 

• It can also prove harmful for you and your loved ones' health. That’s why learning how to keep fountain water clean and safe for birds is so important, and using a pond algae treatment can be a helpful solution.

Enhancing the Lifespan of Your Fountain

• Clean water looks good and everyone agrees to that. However, apart from that, it also protects your pump, prevents cracking, and reduces mineral deposits that wear down concrete or decorative finishes. 

• The small efforts you put in keeping your fountain and water clean will pay off in the long run.

Use White Vinegar to Remove Algae

• White vinegar can prove to be your best friend when dealing with light algae stains and mineral buildups. It is non-toxic, safe around birds, and removes algae without damaging the surface. 

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, let it soak on trouble spots, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Once done rinse thoroughly and refill. 

Install a Higher Quality Pump

• The pumps come in various qualities. The cheaper pumps may work for a few months but they will slow down or clog easily. 

• It is advisable to invest in a quality, durable pump with a good filter system that can help in better water circulation, keeping oxygen levels up and making cleaning less frequent.

For reliable performance and durability, consider using a Jier submersible pump perfectly suited for various water features. Explore our full range of Jier pumps here

Change Fountain Water Once Per Month

• You should change the fountain water regularly, at least once a month. It flushes out bacteria, algae spores, and debris you can’t see. 

• If you’re looking for how to keep fountain water clean for birds, this monthly habit is one of the simplest and most effective tricks.

Learn to Clean and Replace Pump Filters

• The pump filter is responsible for preventing the fine particles and algae from reaching the motor of the pump. 

• If the filter gets clogged, it will not slow down the water from flowing; however, it will overheat the pump. To clean the filter, rinse it under running water every two weeks.

Little bit of Chlorine in the Summer

• Algae growth increases during the summer. To prevent it, you can add a small amount of chlorine, which should be less than a teaspoon. 

• If birds visit often, then you should skip this step and switch to safer options like shade or vinegar.

Final Thoughts

By understanding how to keep the water clean in your fountain, you will maintain your fountain's surfaces, keep the pump operating well, and hopefully most important, provide a safe and inviting resting spot for birds or other individuals that may want to use your outdoor oasis. A clean fountain brings the feeling of life to your garden and is easily achieved through small, simple tasks.