Everyone can appreciate a beautiful, pristine outdoor fountain — and wish it would stay like that indefinitely. However, many external factors affect the appearance of the feature as well as the purity of the water. One of the most common — and dreaded — problems of stone garden fountains? Algae formation.

Algae covers a large family of various microorganisms capable of harvesting sunlight energy to create carbohydrates. You’re no stranger to it; ponds, lakes, oceans — and even fountains — can be havens for these unsightly guests. These blue-green colored creatures can withstand vast ranges of temperature, acidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations. If left unattended, they can easily thrive in a multitude of environments.

Dangers of Algae Accumulating in Your Garden Fountain

While a component of the natural ecosystem, most forms of algae are toxic. The rampant growth of these organisms can result in a sizable production of toxins — especially on water. When it comes to your garden fountain, having it filled with a skin of algae buildup threatens the quality of water passing through the pump and causes problems in the air that you, your family, and your guests breathe. Additionally, algae buildup can end up clogging the fountain, compromising that tranquil stream that led you to invest in this feature in the first place. Needless to say, this is something you don’t want around. Fortunately, there are ways to stop algae from accumulating in your garden fountain.

Steps to Stop Algae From Accumulating in Your Garden Fountain

First, you must clean your garden fountain. It should be cleaned at least every one to three months, depending on its size. You’ll want to keep the water clear and the pump clean. Not only does algae diminish the aesthetic value of your water feature, but it may also cause damage to your pump and eventually ruin your fountain. The basic steps of cleaning your garden fountain include turning it off, removing the parts, emptying the water, and cleaning your fountain inside out. Don’t forget to also clean the fountain pump!

• Fill a bucket with water and a few drops of mild soap. Take a non-abrasive sponge to thoroughly clean the fountain surface and remove buildup.
• Put the fountain pump in a sink or in a bucket. Remove its face and brush away debris before rinsing it under a vigorous stream of water. Then, put the facing back on and put the pump back on the garden fountain.

After you’re done cleaning, you can add special solutions to the water to prevent algae from growing. A water clarifying product is utilized to thwart algae growth; elements it contains are safe for pets, as well, making it an excellent product for garden fountains. Additionally, white vinegar is a great home-ready solution that prevents algae from making a most unwelcome return. Other options include barley extract and algaecide.

Additional Steps to Prevent Algae Growth

You can take things further and make it even more challenging for tiny organisms to invade your beloved water fountain:

• Since algae thrives on sunlight, place your garden fountain in a shady location. Keep in mind that shady locations can present other maintenance issues — such as falling debris — so choose your location wisely.
• Use fresh distilled water. Tap water contains debris and minerals which algae can feed upon. This step gives your garden fountain an extra edge when it comes to algae prevention.
• Periodically check your fountain and remove algae buildup once spotted. Place a few drops of cleanser to keep the water clear.

For more information about beautifying your property with any of our offerings, including wall-mounted waterfall fountains, contact us today!