4 Don'ts of Large Water Fountain Maintenance and Care

Whether you are gardening, learning to crochet, or becoming a master at dehydrating food for survival storage, you can count on making mistakes. Of course, you will also learn from these mistakes, so you don't make them again in the future. Wall water fountains are large and heavy, and they cost slightly more than a ball of yarn or package of vegetable seeds, so, you want to avoid making mistakes to learn from at all costs. You have probably read a lot of articles telling you how to care for your fountain. Maybe someone you know who has one has already given you plenty of advice. This is all great, but has anyone told you what not to do, so you can avoid mistakes in the first place? This list of don’ts will help you avoid making mistakes, when it comes to fountain maintenance and care.

Don't Use Abrasive Cleaners

You are probably thinking that since slate is a durable natural material that it is pretty indestructible. Unfortunately, the beautiful finish of this material can be dulled by using abrasive cleaning products. If you have trouble spots, a calcium lime remover, a soft sponge, and some elbow grease should take care of it.

Don't Turn it Off

Some people think they are preserving the life of the pump by shutting it off when they leave for work or go to bed every day. This is actually the worst thing you can do. The water gets stagnant, so the pump has to work harder when turned back on. Not to mention you will need to clean it much more frequently.

Don't Let the Water Level Drop

You can't just fill the fountain and forget about it. What some don't realize is that evaporation constantly occurs. Then, one day they hear their pump making a sound like it is dying only to discover the water level is so low the pump is no longer submerged. Get in the habit of checking the water level daily.

Don't Forget to Clean the Pump

No one actually sees the pump and tubing, but they are the most important components of your slate water feature. Remove the cover and clean inside the pump with an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner. The tubing is easiest cleaned by soaking in a solution of white distilled vinegar and water. Then, flush it with hot water before hooking it back up.