Indoor Fountain Maintenence and Cleanliness
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Keeping Your Fountain Clean
If you own a wall water fountain or a floor water fountain or
even if you just have a small tabletop water fountain, you will find that you
need to think about what you can do to keep it clean. A certain amount of
maintenance and attention can help you get the most out of your indoor water
fountain, and you may be surprised by how very little it takes to keep indoor
water fountains clean and sparkling fresh. Always remember to read the
instructions that came with the fountain itself, and to keep some of these tips
in mind.
When you want to keep your indoor wall fountains running smoothly and clearly, remember that distilled water is something that is highly recommended. The big reason why you want to use distilled water is due to the fact that there are much fewer minerals in it. When you have too many minerals in your water, you will find that you may very well develop a mineral build up in your fountain, which can stop the water from running as smoothly as it should.
Methods to Keep Your Fountain Clean
Another thing that you may want to consider when you are thinking about keeping your water fountain bright and clear is a UV light. A UV light that is placed correctly can filter the water at the base of your water fountain will help kill bacteria. These are especially ideal if you have a wall water fountain, due to the fact that the lights will kill bacteria in places that will be harder to reach and clean on a regular basis.
One warning sign that you can watch out for when you are thinking about keeping your water fountain clean is a water pump that is running too noisily. Remember that when you have a wall fountain that the ideal is that you have a beautiful trickle of water that you can listen to. You are essentially looking to emulate the sound of babbling brook, not a sucking pump! The issue that you are looking at when you are considering a loud pump is typically not having enough water. You may also want to check to make sure that the pump setting is consistent with the water that you have put in and that the pump is not vibrating against any part of the fountain.
Remember that you should regularly change out the water that you use in your indoor water fountains. Using distilled water will let you go longer without cleaning it. Essentially, all you need to do is to completely empty the fountain and then wipe the basin with a clean cloth or a sponge. Wipe down the rocks with any algae buildup. Take the pump and wipe it down as well as any pipes and any other hard objects in the fountain itself. Then all you need to do is to replace the water and start the fountain up again.
When you want to make sure that the water stays completely clean, look into cleaning additives or enzymes that will devour the bacteria growing in the water. There will be measurements for how much is necessary for each gallon of water you have. In a pinch, just add a drop of bleach every month to keep things fresh.
Do you have additional tips or experiences for cleaning an indoor fountain?Loading...
Sylvie -
Hi there!
There are many ways to prevent bacterial growth in water fountains. One way is to use distilled water in the basin and to keep your fountain running. Stagnant or still water is a breeding ground for bacteria.
You can also try shining UV lights on the basin water. UV light causes bacteria to mutate so it can't reproduce, however this method is expensive and can be dangerous if used improperly.
Perhaps the most convenient way to fight bacteria is to buy a bacterial enzyme solution (I use Care Free Enzymes Fountain Protector, which you can buy online).
Finally, regularly draining and refilling the fountain's water supply and scrubbing down the fountain itself will help prevent bacterial growth and keep your fountain looking healthy and running smoothly!
No matter what you do, and no matter what other people tell you, do NOT use bleach products... bleach will kill bacteria, but it can also severely damage the water pump and ruin your water fountain.
Here's another article on the subject: http://www.discountfountains.com/caring-for-founta
It’s a very nice feature. It's so unique.
I learned a lot from it. Thank you very much.
Can I mix salt in the water to keep it clear? Or maybe copper or silver or something to kill bacteria and algea.
Hi Kels!
I would not recommend using salt as it can damage the motor. Silver, on the other hand, is quite a useful option as it has proven antimicrobial properties. The problem with silver, as with copper, is how expensive it is. Also, thick solid silver compounds (as opposed to their liquid or small nurdle forms) can get caught in the motor and damage it. You always want to keep your motor safe! If you prefer a silver solution over an antimicrobial enzyme, I say go for it, but for overall dollars-for-results value, I'd say fountain-cleaning enzymes are the best choice. Bleach works too, if you use it in small quantities. Best to just use your own discretion with that, as bleach is a powerful agent.
Since using distilled water is expensive and somewhat impractical for anything larger than a tabletop fountain, it is a good idea to occasionally empty the fountain and clean it out. This is obviously needed more often in outdoor fountains as they can collect debris from trees and the air. If you leave town and turn your fountain off while you are gone (recommended in case the water evaporates and leaves your pump running dry which will burn it out), be sure to clean it out when you return as the stagnant water will begin growing algae. The products that exist to clean and protect fountains are well worth the money since they require very little product with each use and therefore last a long time.
Preventative Maintenance Always Pays Off!
Take care of your fountain and you will find that it is just that much easier to keep it going in the long run! You will get a longer life out of the pump and find it aesthetically pleasing for as long as you continue keeping it up.
- Specialty Fountains Give Your Home a Personal Touch
Water is perhaps one of the most relaxing substances in the world. When you drink it, your thirst is parched. When you hear the sound of running water, you experience calmness. Water is tranquil, serene and... - The Alluring Elegance of Water Fountains
This is another page that is more informative about the history of fountains and the ways that they are able to optimize the ambiance of any area and have done so for centuries.
Sylvie@skylightwellness.ca 2 years ago
What should I put in small indoor water fountain to prevent bacteria.
Thank you
Sylvie