Water fountains are a sight to behold. But they are quite a nuisance to maintain, especially if you have high-end models in your home or backyard. There are companies you can seek out to give you some assistance when it comes to upkeep. But considering how expensive and frequent that would be, you might want to reconsider doing the work on your own and keeping the piece in tip-top shape independently. It will not be a walk in the park, but if you manage to ingrain a routine to your usual schedule, you will eventually find the following tasks manageable and natural.
Depending on the size and exposure your water fountain gets, you might have to check its condition on a weekly or monthly basis, to ensure that everything is running smoothly. This includes inspecting the water pump for debris build-up and ensuring that it is completely submersed in water. The water pump is considered the heart of water fountains and its function is what differentiates the piece from a well or a sculpture. This is why it is important that it is kept fully operational. With this in mind, it should be submersed under water at all times so that it does not dry up and crack. The filter it contains should be kept clean so that water is able to pass through. All you have to do is determine a schedule for refilling the reservoir and clean it once a week by wiping the pump with a sponge or brushing out those hard to reach areas.
While you are cleaning the pump, you might also want to clean the basin itself and replace the water so that your previous efforts will not be in vain. When refilling, you ought to use distilled water since it prevents algae overgrowth and contamination. If this is too costly, you could use boiled water instead or mix algaecides with regular tap water so the same results are achieved. If you have steel or copper fountains, you should consider making use of special cleaners and apply a copper coat finish to preserve the luster of the material. And of course, try to avoid chemical cleaners since they usually have a negative effect on the appearance of metallic components.
During the winter, you should additionally make an effort to store your outdoor water fountains somewhere safe. Harsh weather conditions can hasten the wear and tear process and cause your water fountain mechanism to fall apart prematurely. If it's permanently installed, you must see to it that you remove the water and apply proper coverage so freezing problems are minimized. Pumps usually have a limited warranty of 1 year, so you have to be sure to take good care of it. With proper conservation, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing indoor or outdoor waterfall for 3 years, before you have to replace any parts.