How to Care for Your Outdoor Water Fountains

 
Garden lovers around the world love putting fountains among their flowers, plants, bushes and shrubs. And with the Christmas season upon us in the U.S., many garden lovers may get their very first fountain as a gift this year.

Fountains make wonderful gifts year round. They're beautiful to look at, and fit well with almost any landscape. They're also quite serene and have a wonderful calming effect. So if you're getting or giving an outdoor water fountain for a gift this year, here are a few caretaking tips you'll want to have on hand...

Many outdoor fountains are made of concrete, and concrete expands and contracts in cold weather. If at all possible, you should move your concrete fountain indoors for the winter.

If you're not able to move it indoors, check it frequently to see if there's water collecting in it. You should keep it completely dry during the winter months.

If your fountain will stay outdoors throughout the winter, you also need to remove the pump and store it indoors. Fill, wrap, or cover the fountain with blankets, burlap bags, tarp or other protective materials to help shield it from severe cold. Be sure you have the fountain covered entirely for maximum protection.

During warmer months, you'll want to clean debrise - leaves and twigs for example - from your fountain at least once each week. Take particular care to clear any debris from around the pump as well, so it doesn't clog.

Add a small touch of bleach or special algae removing solution to your fountain regularly, to keep the water clear and prevent residue or algae buildup around the sides. If your fountain is accessible to pets and animals: do not use bleach. Instead, be sure to use an animal friendly cleaner such as Microbe-Lift Fountain Clear (http://www.buy-outdoor-fountains.com/Microbe-Lift-Large-Fountain-Clear.php).

Following these simple maintenance tips will help keep your outdoor fountains in tip top, beautiful condition for many years to come.

About the Author

© 2004, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of http://www.Buy-Outdoor-Fountains.com - You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, the copyright notice, the author name and URL remain intact.

 Kathy Burns-Millyard

More Articles 

Taking Care of Your Adirondack Chair - James Crowley
Taking Care of Your Adirondack Chair Adirondack chairs are beautiful pieces of furniture that were first developed in the early 1900ís in New York. Adirondack chairs can be used indoors or outdoors; however, they are most commonly used...

Umbrellas For Patio - Daniel Roshard
Umbrellas for Patio - Shoppers Guide Patio umbrellas are an ideal way to keep the sun away when enjoying the outdoors. A patio umbrella will also compliment any outdoor setting. Patio umbrellas are like large versions of average umbrellas and come...

Fire Pit Essentials - Daniel Roshard
Summer is near and an a fire pit is something that a lot of us can use, an outdoor fire pit can be used on cold nights and make your backyard a little more special for your guests and for yourself as you enjoy your garden and...

How A Light Bulb Works and Other Interesting Tidbits - Antigone Arthur
How A Light Bulb Works and Other Interesting Tidbits Light Bulb Science Ever wonder how a light bulb works? I mean it seems easy, you flick a switch and "bam" there is light! While not much more complicated than that, there is a little science...

Funky, Fun Garden Plants - Valerie Garner
I have a love for funky, fun and uniquegarden plants. Here's one to try.It's called Sea Holly, and it's actually in thethistle family. Sea Holly is a perennial garden plant, which means you plant it once and it comes up year after year, somewhat...

Decorating For Thanksgiving - Budget Friendly Decor For The Holiday - Home Decorating Digest
Decorating for Thanksgiving on a tight budget can be simple when using elements found around your home or apartment. Here are a few tips for adding that special Thanksgiving flavor to your decor for little or no money. THINK FALL COLORS....

Eight new ways to decorate for the holidays - NC
(NC)—For many people, the holidays are about spending time with family and friends and entertaining at home. Decorating the home is high on the 'to do' list in preparation for this special time. To refresh your look this year, the holiday décor...

Natural Science - Not Rocket Science - Linda Gray
Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in the universe because you think it's too hard to learn ...It isn't! Gardening is fast becoming the world's number one hobby, and with all the latest 'alternative' information we have to...

Enjoy an Evening Outdoors with Friends - Fireplace Outdoors com
Picture yourself sitting around the camp fire, enjoying a beer - a glass of wine. Fun, laughter and stories about new time and old. Overhead, the stars, the moon and the cool, crisp night air. Amazing stories told in an amazing atmosphere;...

Planning your DIY project - Alan Woodbridge
Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through the checklist below to make sure you are well prepared to start - and finish! - the job: 1. Do an overview of the project, making sure that you understand all its requirements. Sometimes...

Composting and Soil Improvements - David Selman Tracker Outdoors com
Composting provides a great natural resource! Where we live, the soil is black clay (north Texas). We have found that by using a compost, we can almost eliminate the need for commercial fertilizers to grow most vegetables, herbs and spices. Our...

Landscaping Shrubs - Mary Miller
Defining your landscape can be a challenge, but starting with simple shrubs is a no-hassle, low-maintenance option. Shrubs can add color and beauty to your yard with virtually no upkeep. There are so many different varieties to choose from, it’s...