Care for Your New Water Feature
While you are enjoying your new landscape, take some time to look at your new water feature. Your water feature will have enough water to start but will need occasional filling in addition to regular seasonal maintenance.
Fountain and pond spring cleaning and pump installation:
Fountains:
Each spring, empty water out of the fountain/pondless water feature basin, using a sump pump or a small pump and hose.
Spray off all rocks, flat stones, and clean up all debris before refilling the water feature.
If it is a vase fountain, make sure that it is level on the basin after cleaning is done.
Add algae cleaner if necessary.
Fill the basin and start up to make sure that the pump is operating correctly.
Ponds:
Drain about ⅓ of the water out of the pond.
It is not necessary to drain all the water out of the pond.
As it is draining, spray the edge rocks and flat rocks. Skim and clean out the debris and empty the skimmer bag multiple times.
Use a net to scoop debris as cleaning is in process.
Refill the pond to the appropriate water level.
Install the pump and start up. Let it run for a few minutes and listen for any unusual noises before walking away.
Add any algae cleaner if necessary.
Mid-Season Maintenance:
Address algae growth
Emptying the skimmer bag (especially in the fall)
Add water as needed
Fall Winterization:
Fountains:
Drain all water out of the fountain basin or pondless water feature basin.
Remove the pump - place the pump in a 5-gallon bucket and keep the pump submerged in water for the winter in an area that does not freeze.
If a vase or feature needs to be stored or covered, this should be done at the same time.
Ponds:
Drain the water down about 12-18” (this depends on how large the pond is, please ask your designer what they suggest).
Remove the pump for the winter - place the pump in a 5-gallon bucket and keep the pump submerged in water for the winter in an area that does not freeze.
