Having a water feature as a part of your landscape design means you have a place to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. This landscaping element is a great way to make the most of your outdoor living space. Like any aspect of your landscape, seasonal maintenance is required to keep it looking great. Spring and summer do not need significant amounts of work. However, there are some winter and fall water feature maintenance tasks required for cooler weather.

Fall Water Feature Maintenance

As fall and winter approach, it is important that you take some time to prepare your water feature for the season. The steps taken will vary whether you have a pond or a water feature such as a fountain. Regardless of the type, water feature maintenance is an important part of seasonal maintenance.

Pond Maintenance

1. Empty out the debris basket every day. By allowing leaves or other organic matter to gather in the water, it will eventually turn the water brown. Keep the water clean and clear by removing any debris that has collected.
2. Remove pond netting. Now is the time to remove your pond netting. Also, if you have a fountain as part of your water feature, disconnect the pump and check the valves. Make sure to allow the water to drain from it. This is a good time to make a note of the pieces that may need replacing.
3. Lower the pond’s water level. You will want to lower the water level to below the opening of the skimmer.
4. Trim back aquatic plants. Now is a great time to trim any plants surrounding your water feature. Make sure none of them hang into the water. If your plants are in pots, move the pots to the bottom of the pond to protect them from cold temperatures.
5. Add water treatment. Use a water treatment designed to protect your pond against cold weather bacteria. By doing this, you will prevent any kind of growth that can be harmful to your pond.
6. Check the liner for any cracks or tears. Ensure nothing can lead to water seepages. Ideally, you should do this on a regular basis. Cracks and tears can allow water to escape. A low water level can be damaging to your pump and can result in costly repairs.

Fountain Maintenance

1. Clean the water pump thoroughly. It is best to do this as fall approaches. This will allow your fountain to continue running smoothly and looking beautiful. For a basic but effective cleaning agent, use white vinegar (the kind you find at your grocery store).
2. Treat the fountain with algaecide. Add some algaecide to the water to prevent and eliminate any algae that may start to grow. Another option to prevent algae growth is to use distilled water in your fountain.
3. Clean out any debris. Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the fountain. This will prevent blockages or damage to the pump.
4. Treat hard water. Hard water can cause a white build-up known as white scale. This can be easily removed by rubbing the affected area with white vinegar. For ongoing prevention of white scale, add a fountain cleanser product to the water.
5. Keep the pump running. Because our winters are mild in comparison to other parts of the country, you do not have to turn off the pump. In fact, keeping it running will extend the life of the pump. However, make sure the pump is completely submerged by monitoring the water level.
6. Protect it from freezing. If a deep freeze is coming, cover the fountain with a tarp to protect it from damage. This will help prevent the fountain from getting too cold. Excessive freezing can damage pumps or even cause cracks to expand.

Also Read: Useful Reasons to Install a Water Feature

Maintaining your water feature doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Take these basic steps so you can enjoy your fountain or pond for years to come. If you have questions about fall water feature maintenance, contact the Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces team. We are here to help you design and build the ultimate outdoor living space. Our experts have been serving the metro-Atlanta area since 2001.

The post How to Take Care of Outdoor Water Features for Fall appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.

Having a garden fountain as part of your home landscape or considered a focal point provides an ideal space to unwind and connect with nature. There's a sense of peace in the sound of water that comes from sitting by a serene pond or tier fountain, especially after a long day of work or navigating through city traffic like in Atlanta. Nonetheless, while water features like outdoor water fountains add beauty to the surroundings, they do require some maintenance to keep them in their best condition.

Ensure your garden fountain or water feature remains a tranquil retreat by making its maintenance an integral part of your routine. By following these garden fountain maintenance tips, you can ensure that your water feature consistently brings you joy and relaxation.

Garden Fountain Maintenance Tips

• Proper Water Level Maintenance: Be sure to keep the water level at the proper point for running smoothly. Typically, the pump needs to be fully submerged in water. If it gets too low it can make a difference in how well the pump will work. Maintaining proper water levels is especially important during the summer when Georgia weather can be hot and dry.
• Surface Protection with a Sealer: Protect the surface of the fountain with a sealer. Depending on the location of your pond and the type of fountain, you might need to do this every few years. However, it is worth it as this will increase its lifespan and help it look beautiful for years to come.
• Cleaning the Fountain Sides and pumps: Take time to clean the sides and fountain pumps with a non-abrasive cloth. This will keep it looking shiny and prevent the buildup of dirt, pollen, and dust.
• Fountain Cleaning: Clean the fountain for backyard according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some fountains require specific cleaning agents, so check your user’s manual before getting started
• Proper Pump Maintenance and Operation: Don’t turn off the pump and leave it sitting in the pond or water feature for extended periods of time. This will cause corrosion and encourage algae growth. Keeping the pump running actually helps extend its life as well as help keep the water clean.
• Cleaning with Water and Vinegar Solution: Depending on the type of pump used for the garden fountain, you may need to periodically detach it from the fountain and place it in a solution of water and vinegar (2 parts vinegar, 1 part water). This will help clean out the lines and allow it to run more efficiently.
• Periodic Draining and Refilling: Minimize the growth of algae in your fountain and pond by draining and refilling your outdoor fountain periodically. This will prevent water stagnation.
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agents for Pond Maintenance: Keep your scaled, furry, and feather friends in mind when cleaning your pond, and only use agents that are eco-friendly.
• Preventing Clogs and Debris Removal: Remove any twigs, plant fragments, etc. that can get sucked into the pump and clog it. Be sure to keep weeds and excessive plant growth away from the edges of your pond.This is it! If you notice any cracks, have them repaired sooner, not later. When cleaning the fountain, handle it with care so as to prevent any damage.

Fountain in backyard are a beautiful water feature of any landscape. If you will take just a few minutes from time to time to keep it clean, then it will be a place where you will find hours of pleasure for years to come.

If you have additional concerns or questions about your fountain or pond, be sure to contact the Outdoor Makeover and Construction team. We will be happy to assist you!

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