Overview Before you Start Fountain Pumps Fountain Maintenance

Fountain Maintenance

Routine maintenance will keep your fountain clean and clear. Improper upkeep can result in murky debris-clogged water, algae growth, poor pump or fountain performance, or a mosquito infestation.

TIP! Remember to keep your fountain full of water. Most pumps will burn out if not fully submerged, unless they have the patented Low Water Shut-off feature. Return to Fountain Pumps to learn more about this featured pump collection.

Routine Pump Maintenance

At least once a year or if your feature is not performing as it usually does, it’s important to disconnect your TotalPond® fountain pump and clean its parts thoroughly using a brush or cloth and warm fresh water.

Fountain Pump Maintenance

Models: 52213, 52217, 52216, and 52228

Note: This maintenance guide applies to recent TotalPond® models (11/2014 to present). To confirm your model, check the date code on your product or packaging.

Low Water Shut Off Fountain Pumps Maintenance

Models: 52299 and 52320

Note for 52299: This maintenance guide applies to recent TotalPond® models (10/2011 to present). To confirm your model, check the date code on your product or packaging.

Note for 52320: This maintenance guide applies to recent TotalPond® models (03/2014 to present). To confirm your model, check the date code on your product or packaging.

Seasonal Maintenance

Even though there may not be any living inhabitants, your fountain needs a little care during each season, depending on the weather conditions.

Spring

  • If you have winterized your fountain, Spring is the chance to move it back outdoors and get it running again. Wipe it down with a cloth and some water to remove any dirt and buildup that collected during winter storage. Clean your pump in a bucket of fresh water and scrub it gently with a clean sponge, cloth, or toothbrush.

Summer

  • There are three main focuses for fountain care in Summer: evaporation, algae, and mosquitoes. If the water levels drop too low in the fountain, it can damage the fountain pump. Keep an eye on your fountain and add more water as needed. The hot weather speeds up natural evaporation, but low water shut-off pumps automatically turn off when the water levels drop too low to avoid any pump damage.

Fall

  • Fall leaves can enter the fountain and cause damage to the fountain pump. It’s important to scoop out the debris daily if your fountain starts to collect leaves. Ideally, if your fountain is small enough to move, place it in a spot farther away from trees that will shed their leaves. 
  • If you live in a warm climate where it does not snow or gets icy, you can keep your fountain running all year long.  
  • In colder climates, you may need to winterize your fountain as the season begins to change. Move your fountain inside before temperatures drop, and ice starts to form.

Winter

  • Ideally, your fountain should be moved indoors to protect it from snow and ice.
  • Large fountains can winterize outside, removing the fountain pump and tubing and keeping them indoors until spring. Protect your outdoor fountain from snow by covering it with a fountain cover or tarp, routinely brushing off snow buildup whenever possible. If you do not have a cover, place towels in the tiers and basin of the fountain to absorb the water to prevent it from entering the fountain and freezing.  
  • Small fountains can be moved indoors and used all year round, but please be aware of any small splashes while running fountains inside.

Best Water Treatments for Your Fountain

Barley Extract

WHEN: When water is murky or green.

WHY: Natural solution that minimizes the water’s nutrient load and stops green water before it starts.

DOSAGE: One 8 fl. oz. bottle treats up to 1,890 gallons of water.

DIRECTIONS: Once per month, apply a maintenance dose of 1 oz. per 150 gallons.

Pond Blue

WHEN: To create or maintain a blue hue.

WHY: Creates beautiful blue water and shades water from harmful UV rays.

DOSAGE: Add one cap-full (5 ml) per 40 gallons of capacity to a one gallon bucket of fountain water.

DIRECTIONS: Shake the bottle well. Gently pour and stir into the fountain at several points around the edge. Wait a few minutes for the blue to disperse. Re-treat if a darker tint is desired. When the fountain loses its blue coloration, re-treat the water.

TIP! Wear gloves to avoid staining your skin.

Algaecide

WHEN: When green water or algae is present.

WHY: Prevents green water, eliminates existing algae, and resolves additional algae blooms

DOSAGE: Add 1 tsp (5ml) treats for every 50 gallons of fountain water. One 16 oz. bottle treats up to 4,730 gallons of water.

DIRECTIONS: Thoroughly mix Algaecide into fountain by adding near the outflow. Algaecide can also be mixed in a bucket of water and poured into the reservoir. Repeat dose every three days until algae is controlled. Be prepared to siphon out dead algae. Once algae growth is under control, add one dose every 5 days. Weekly doses of Algaecide will control growth and reduce maintenance.

TIP! Read the label carefully before applying Algaecide to your water feature. Safe for wildlife when used as directed.