Practical Hacks for Your Outdoor Fountain During Colder Months

Who does not love fountains? We know we do. There's something enthralling with the way the water splashes down in layers, or jets down from a tall height. The designs are also stunning; it could be a lovely Roman fountain or something more modern and contemporary. Whatever the case, it surely adds an aesthetic value into your home. Gardens are made more alluring, and empty spaces become less boring with an outdoor fountain.

How to Take Care of Your Fountain During Colder Months

It's nice to see these water features working almost throughout the year, but what about winter? For certain, there are some drawbacks the extreme weather brings, especially when the temperature goes below freezing point. So how should you take care of your outdoor fountain during this season? Follow these hacks to help winterize your fountain.

The colder months bring a thick blanket of snow in many countries in America, and we can't hide from it. Here, streets are covered with annoying slush. The same goes with your outdoor fountain. During the low temperatures, water freezes, which means it is not a good idea to keep your water feature running during winter. We don't just worry about snow covering most parts of your fountain, but leaving it outdoors still filled with water might put the materials at risk. The water inside your fountain will freeze. Your fountain pump will find it hard to stream the cold, icy water and may be greatly damaged. Not only that; if your fountain is made of materials that don't work well with ice, there's a good chance it might cause permanent cracks to the basin and surface. And we all know that a broken fountain does not look good.

Most outdoor fountains are made of concrete and cast stone. Concrete, as we all know, expands and contracts in freezing weather. To avoid all types of damages the snow season might bring, it's best to move the fountain in an enclosed area—perhaps a garage—to prep it for winter. But before you do that, here is what you should do.

Check whether there's water in your fountain

Even if you have dried it up, there might be moisture collecting in it. You need to have it completely dry during the season. It's important to ensure that your outdoor fountain is completely dry during the season, as any moisture left in the fountain can cause damage over time. Even if you have emptied the fountain, there may still be moisture collecting in the crevices and corners of the fountain.

• Check for water: Start by checking the fountain for any remaining water. Look for any standing water in the basin or any damp spots on the surface of the fountain.
• Drain any remaining water: If you find any water in the fountain, use a bucket or a sump pump to drain it completely.
• Let it dry: Once you have drained the fountain, let it dry completely. This may take several days, depending on the size of the fountain and the humidity in the air.
• Remove any debris: While the fountain is drying, take the opportunity to remove any debris or buildup from the fountain. Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently clean the surface of the fountain and remove any dirt or algae.

Disassemble the fountain

Unplug it from the outlet and drain water out of your fountain. You also want to remove the pump and all the other electrical parts and store it indoors. Disassemble it for proper storage. This includes the decorative accents, small tiers and the basin.

• Unplug and drain: Start by unplugging the fountain from the outlet and draining all the water out of the fountain. This will help to prevent any damage that may be caused by water freezing and expanding in the fountain. Use a bucket or a sump pump to remove all the water from the fountain.

• Remove electrical parts: Next, remove all the electrical parts, including the pump, lights, and any other components. These should be stored indoors in a dry and protected area to prevent any damage from moisture or freezing temperatures.

• Disassemble the fountain: Disassemble the fountain into its individual parts for proper storage. This includes removing any decorative accents, small tiers, and the basin. Make sure to label each part for easy reassembly in the spring.

• Clean and dry: Before storing the fountain, make sure to clean and dry all the parts thoroughly. Use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the fountain, and let it dry completely.

• Store it properly: Once the fountain is disassembled, cleaned, and dried, store the parts in a dry and protected area. Cover them with a tarp or a sheet to prevent any moisture or debris from collecting on the surface.

Protect your fountain 

If you cannot move the outdoor fountain indoors (a difficult fact for owners of larger fountains), you’ll need to protect the entire structure by covering it. Wrap your fountain with burlap, tarp, or other protective materials that will protect it from the extreme cold. Make sure that it is entirely covered for optimum protection. At best, you may want to fill the basin with the same protective material to shield it from any moisture that might damage the fountain.

Keep Your Water Feature From Freezing

With these tips, you can safely preserve your outdoor décor, enough for it to be taken out and used in working condition for the next season. For more of these tips, stay tuned to this blog.