With winter fast approaching, it is time to think about those jobs around the garden that need doing before the cold weather really sets in.
Winterizing your fountain is an important way to make sure it is protected from bad weather and can be safely stored away so it is ready for next year.
Without proper care and maintenance, your fountain could be damaged or even broken through winter which means you could end up facing costly repair bills or even having to buy an entirely new unit.
Even if you don’t live in an extremely cold area, and rarely have snow, it is important to take steps to get your outdoor fountain ready for winter.
Although these fountains are built to work outdoors, extremes of weather can still affect them and the pumps and moving parts do need to be protected.
So we’ve put together a simple step by step guide to make sure your outdoor fountain is ready for the winter and when spring comes once more all you have to do is plug it in. Fill it up and enjoy!
1. Unplug the fountain
Whether your fountain is powered through an electrical socket in your home or a nearby outbuilding, you need to switch it off and then disconnect it from the power source completely.
2. Drain the fountain
Remove all the water from the fountain and pay close attention to any pipes or tubes where there might be areas for water to gather. If left, they could ice up and the expanding water could easily crack plastic tubing or damage pump parts. This should be done before the frost really sets in so aim to do this around the end of October or early November.
3. Take your fountain apart for storage
Fountains can have several small and moving parts. It is important to take these delicate pieces off so they aren’t damaged in strong winds or storms. Remove tubes, platforms or basins and dry them thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth or kitchen towel. If you have a permanent outdoor fountain, made from stone for example, it won’t come apart so you will have to dry it out as thoroughly as you can where it stands.
4. Remove the pump
Take out your fountain’s pump and put it into a shed, garage or other dry secure place for the winter months. Clean your pump and flush any debris out of it before you dry it and store it. You can take the pump and other removable parts and store them in a sealed box in newspaper.
5. Protect what is left
Any parts of the fountain which can’t be moved indoors should be protected from the elements where it stands. You can get specialist covers for your fountain base or even just a plastic sheet tied tightly around the fountain will help protect it from frost and harsh weather. Make sure the part of the fountain that will be staying outside is completely covered.