Outdoor fountains add beauty to your home and also contribute to a more peaceful and relaxing outdoor environment. However, when the outdoor fountain is dirty, it defeats the whole point of why you installed it in the first place.

In addition to being an eyesore, a dirty fountain harbors germs and contaminants, and as such, poses severe health risks.

To steer clear of this situation, you should always keep your outdoor fountain in excellent condition. But before you grab the nearest mop or brush and start scrubbing away, it's crucial to know the dos and don'ts of cleaning your outdoor fountain. 

This article will guide you through the proper techniques to clean your fountain. It will discuss everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, preventing common issues, and how to keep it fresh and healthy.

Why You Should Clean Your Outdoor Fountain

Over time, outdoor fountains can become exposed to various environmental elements including snow, rain, dust, debris, and more. This exposure can lead to algae growth, stains, mechanical problems, mineral buildup, and other issues.

Not only can these problems affect the fountain's appearance and functionality, but they can also pose health risks. Unmaintained fountains can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, which raises the risks of disease.

To ensure your outdoor fountain remains a beautiful and healthy addition to your space, you need to clean it regularly. In light of this, the very first step in cleaning your outdoor fountain is to prepare some equipment.

Outdoor Fountain Cleaning Tools and Materials

Before you get started, here are the tools you’ll need:

• Soft-bristled brush
• Hard-bristled-brush
• Old toothbrush
• Garden hose
• Rubber gloves
• Cleaning solutions

Note: You can’t use just any cleaning solution for your outdoor fountain. You need to choose wisely, and the next section will show you how.

Choosing the Right Cleaner for Your Outdoor Fountain

Outdoor fountains can be made from various kinds of materials. The material your fountain is made from will determine the best type of cleaner to use to clean it.

For ceramic, fiberglass, wood, cast stone, and resin fountains, avoid acidic cleaners like lemon juice and instead use a mild soap and water solution.

For copper fountains, use furniture polish, for stainless fountains, use a stainless steel cleaner, and avoid harsh chemicals that can accelerate tarnishing. 

Stronger chemicals like muriatic acid can be used for ceramic, fiberglass, wood, cast stone, and resin fountains.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Outdoor Fountain

Cleaning an outdoor fountain is not as scary or taxing as it appears. In fact, all you need to do is wear your safety gloves and follow these 6 steps to make your outdoor fountain shiny and healthy once again.

1. Drain the water

Start by turning off the fountain’s pump and unplugging the drain plug. That’s how you empty all the water in the fountain.

If the fountain does not have a drain plug, you may need to manually remove the water by using a suction hose or scooping it out with a container. 

2. Remove and clean the pump

Once you’re done emptying the fountain, take out the pump and the hoses (if you can). If there are any plants or figurines in the fountain, take them out too. 

Soak the pump and hoses in a solution made from 50% water and 50% distilled white vinegar. This will help to dissolve and get rid of mineral deposits and other debris. 

After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth to scrub the pump. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly.

3. Clean the pump cover

While the pump is marinating in the vinegar solution, it’s time to clean the pump cover. Start by getting rid of as much dirt and debris as you can with your hands or with a cloth.  

Scrub the pump cover with an old toothbrush to get rid of the remaining algae or debris buildup that you couldn’t reach when you first wiped it down. Make sure you pay special attention to those crevices or tight spaces where dirt and grime tend to accumulate. 

Once you’re done scrubbing the pump cover, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining dirt or vinegar residue. 

4. Clean the fountain reservoir

You can use a mixture of hot water and dish soap to clean the fountain reservoir. Use the mixture and a hard-bristled brush to scrub the already-empty fountain. 

Make sure you get all the grime and dirt. For tougher stains, use the vinegar solution you used earlier to dislodge and dissolve the grime. 

5. Rinse the fountain

Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the fountain thoroughly. You can use a garden hose for this, as the pressure will make sure all debris and soap are washed away. 

When you’re done rinsing, return the drain plug to its original position.

6. Refill the fountain

Put your pump and cover and refill the fountain. When doing this, try to use distilled or treated water.

Distilled water has fewer minerals, and as such, it can help reduce the risk of scaling and buildup.

If you don’t want to use distilled water, an alternative is to buy any water-treatment product or just add chlorine bleach. Depending on the size of your fountain, about 1-3 teaspoons will suffice. 

Note: Only use chlorine if you don’t have plants in your fountain. Using chlorine wrongly can kill off your plants.

Dealing With Tough Stains on Your Outdoor Fountain

Sometimes, when cleaning your outdoor fountain, you’ll come across some stains that just won’t leave; even after you’ve scrubbed them repeatedly. In such cases, you’ll need to explore other cleaning methods.

Here are a few of the common stains you may encounter and how to get rid of them:

• Stubborn Stains: If a mixture of vinegar and water fails to do the trick, apply some white vinegar and wait for the stubborn stain to break down before scrubbing again.
• Algae: Algae can be a persistent issue in your outdoor fountain. Try the vinegar method if scraping off the algae growth doesn't work. If the stain remains, you can apply an algaecide. These agents are designed to kill and prevent the growth of algae. To prevent the return of algae, consider planting some aquatic plants.
• Mineral Deposits: Sometimes referred to as white scale, limescale, or hard water, mineral deposits can build up on fountain surfaces, cause corrosion, and lead to costly repairs. You can use mineral deposit cleaners like CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover), Lime-A-Way, and Bar Keepers Friend to get rid of them.

Make sure you thoroughly rinse them off though; these chemicals are strong and can damage your fountain.

How to Keep the Water in an Outdoor Fountain Clear

Install UV light

UV lights emit ultraviolet rays that kill algae spores and several other microorganisms. As these rays pass through your water, they’ll prevent algae growth and keep the water clear.

Keep in mind that UV lights are better for larger fountains or fountains that have high sunlight exposure. Why? These fountains are more susceptible to algae growth.

How to Use UV Lights: Buy and install a UV clarifier designed for outdoor fountains. Install the UV light very close to the fountain pump. That way, water passes through the light before it returns to the fountain. This kills algae and other organic matter that can cloud the water.

Add Aquatic Plants

Plants like water lilies and water hyacinths can absorb nutrients that algae need to grow. The shade they provide also reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the water; which is good, since algae need sunlight to grow.

How to Choose the Right Plants: Choose plants that work well with your climate and fountain size. For example, water lilies and lotus are good for larger fountains because of their visual appeal and the shade they provide. Water lettuce and water hyacinth are better for small to medium-sized fountains because they help absorb excess nutrients in the water, thus preventing algae growth.

Regular Cleaning

Planting aquatic plants or installing UV light may not be enough to keep your fountain’s water clean. To achieve such a feat, regular TLC is required.

Always try to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that fall into the fountain. You can use a pool skimmer or a small net for this. At least once a year, you need to give your outdoor fountain a good ol’ scrubbing.

Use Distilled Water

Distilled water helps to reduce mineral buildup that leads to cloudy water. Since distilled water has fewer impurities, it keeps the water clear and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.

Install a Fountain Cover

When the fountain is not in use, consider covering it with a weather-resistant tarp. This will keep out leaves, dirt, and other contaminants that can cloud up the water.

Long-term Maintenance for Outdoor Fountains

Waiting for your fountain to get dirty isn’t always the best course of action. If you’re going to prolong the lifespan of your outdoor fountain, you’ll need to adopt some maintenance practices.

Keep the Fountain Running

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae, bacteria, and mosquitoes. You should keep your fountain running 24/7. It will make the fountain uninhabitable for nuisances like algae, bacteria, mosquitoes, and other pests.

Maintain Proper Water Level

Always make sure the water level is high enough to cover the pump. This will prevent a buildup of debris and ensure smooth operation of the water pump. It should also not be too high, as this can cause water to spill out of the fountain and ruin the surrounding area.

Use Water Treatment

You should consider treating the water in your outdoor fountain. Water treatments break down organic material and prevent algae growth. In your quest to find a suitable treatment, you should watch out for eco-friendly options that are safe for the fountain’s ecosystem (if you have plants or fish).

Regular Inspection

From time to time, we recommend that you take the time to check for damage. Scan the various components — including the pump and the reservoir — for signs of wear or damage. You should also check for signs of algae or mineral buildup and address them promptly if found.

Winterization

Harsh winter conditions can damage your fountain. To prolong its lifespan during colder times, drain the fountain and cover it up with a weather-resistant cover. You should also remove the water pump and store it somewhere safe. This article contains tips on winterizing an outdoor fountain.

Regular pH Testing

One great practice for preventing algae and mineral buildup is to test for and maintain balanced pH levels. The ideal range is 6.5-7.5, but if you find that yours is not within the range, you can apply chemical balancers to adjust the hardness and pH level.

For more detailed information on fountain care, including seasonal maintenance and troubleshooting tips, check out our comprehensive guide: "10 Expert Tips for Stunning Fountain Maintenance". This resource will help you keep your outdoor fountain in perfect condition year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clean an Outdoor Fountain

Can I Clean My Outdoor Fountain With a Pressure Washer?

Yes, you can clean your outdoor fountain with a pressure washer. Pressure washers are great for blasting away algae without needing any chemicals. However, in using a pressure washer, you should use a gentle setting to avoid damaging the fountain.

Can I Put Baking Soda in an Outdoor Fountain?

Yes, you can put baking soda in an outdoor fountain. It is a natural and effective way to maintain the pH level of the water and control algae growth. Baking soda also helps with odor control and can be used as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing the fountain surfaces. That said, too much of it can significantly affect the pH levels of the water.

What Kind of Brush Should I Use to Clean My Outdoor Fountain?

While your fountain material will primarily determine this, the type and quality of the paint finish will also matter. Use soft-bristled brushes for painted surfaces and fountains made from delicate materials like natural stone or resin.

Conclusion

Cleaning an outdoor fountain involves more than just scrubbing. By incorporating the tips in this article, you will not only get a sparkling fountain, but you’ll also be prolonging the lifespan of your outdoor fountain. 

Ready to upgrade or add a new fountain to your outdoor space? Check out our array of beautiful and easy-to-clean outdoor fountains.