Use and Care of Outdoor Fountains

OLD MAN WINTER: Outdoor Garden and Wall Fountains in freezing climates

Winter care information for cast stone garden fountains and birdbaths:

Protect your fountain from freeze-thaw cycles. Cast Stone fountain bowls/tops and other fountain components, which collect water, should not be left outside when freezing temperatures may arise, since any component that can fill with water and freeze has the potential to crack. Likewise components such as pedestals, which remain in a basin, that can become filled with water, which can freeze at the right temperature, may also crack or crumble. Therefore, ideally a fountain should always be stored indoors or in a dry protected place such as a covered porch, garage, or shed away from the elements.

However, if a fountain must be left outside, we suggest you follow the following steps:

  1. Remove pump, rubber stoppers, drainpipes, finials, and other small components for storage indoors. Note that stoppers or drainpipes are removed to allow drainage in the event water accumulates in any basin.
  2. It is suggested that you raise the fountain base, planter, birdbath, or an any garden accent to be left outdoors, from ground with wood strips so that base cannot freeze to the ground surface.
  3. We suggest covering your cast stone fountain with a Fountain Cover. In the event that you do not have a fountain cover, you can cover your fountain, birdbath, or planter with any other absorbent material (we suggest an old blanket or towel) and then cover securely with plastic, making sure that water will not accumulate in the basin or other fountain component and freeze.
  4. You should then make sure that this plastic will stay onto the garden accents by securing it with rope or other material.
  5. We suggest you check the fountain periodically to insure that plastic is secure and water is not accumulating in any fountain component.

All concrete, including cast stone concrete, is slightly porous, which allows small amounts of moisture to absorb into the fountain. If this moisture freezes, it can cause small cracks or chips. It is recommended that the pump be brought indoors during periods of freezing weather.

Winter care information for wall fountains and fiberglass fountains

Fiberglass itself is not harmed by freezing weather, however, you must insure the fountain is completely dry during freezes. Water remaining in the plumbing, basin, or pump can expand when frozen and damage the fountain. Bring the pump in for the winter, and consider covering the fountain with a non-porous material. The fiberglass wall fountains are light enough to be brought indoors for the winter as well.

Maintaining your Fountain

Our cast stone water features are made from the highest quality cast stone concrete. They are engineered and designed for maximum beauty and utility. A small amount of regular maintenance will allow you to enjoy your fountain for many years. Primarily, keep your fountain free of debris, leaves, twigs, etc. which can clog the fountain pump and tubing. Simply remove the easily accessed pump, and flush with a garden hose. Frequency depends on your situation; if your fountain is beneath trees with frequently falling leaves, you may need to clean out your fountain more often

The fiberglass wall fountains are maintained by using the same principals as above. Keep the basin free of debris, and rinse the pump as needed. To clean, simply spray down with a garden hose. Your fountain will provide years of enjoyment!