Quick Answer
Unplug the pump, drain the fountain and remove leaves and loose dirt. We recommend cleaning our fountain surfaces with 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water. Gently scrub with a soft nylon brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly before refilling. Clean the pump intake separately with water and a soft brush.
We apply an environmentally friendly water-based paint finish to our products before shipment. Diluted vinegar and water can be used to clean our finished surfaces. Do not use full-strength vinegar, harsh descalers, wire brushes or a pressure washer.
How to Clean a Water Fountain, Step by Step
- Unplug the pump. Disconnect the power before touching the water or removing the pump.
- Drain and clear the fountain. Remove leaves, grit and other loose debris from the basin and water channels.
- Mix the cleaner. Use 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water. For example, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 9 cups of water.
- Gently scrub. Work on the basin, edges and water channels with a soft nylon brush or cloth. Do not leave the mixture to dry on the finish.
- Rinse thoroughly. Remove the cleaner and loosened dirt with clean water.
- Clean the pump. Rinse the intake and remove trapped debris as described below.
- Refill and restart. Put the pump back in place, fill to its operating water level and check the flow.
Use the same vinegar-to-water ratio throughout the cleaning process. If a stain remains, do not make the mixture stronger or scrape the finish. Contact us with a photo so we can help.
Cleaning Algae, Scale and Slime
Green Algae
Green water or a green film means it is time to empty and clean the fountain. Remove the film with gentle brushing and our diluted vinegar mixture, rinse and refill. Clear out leaves and check whether the fountain receives strong afternoon sun. Water movement does not remove the need to clean.
White Mineral Scale
Hard water can leave a white ring as water evaporates. Wipe light deposits with the same 1:9 vinegar-and-water mixture, then rinse. Do not use a stronger acid or a metal scraper on our painted finish. If the deposit will not lift, send us a photo before trying another cleaner.
White marks on exposed concrete can also come from salts moving through the material. A white mark alone does not tell you which type of deposit it is.
Slime and Dark Stains
Brush away slippery film, rinse and refill. Dark staining can have several causes; its color alone does not identify mold. If the surface still looks stained after cleaning, contact us. Do not keep adding different chemicals.
Routine cleaning removes dirt and buildup. It is not the same as disinfection. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products.
Care for Concrete, Resin and Painted Surfaces
For our concrete and resin fountains, use a soft brush or cloth and light pressure. Pay extra attention to painted edges and raised details. Strong scrubbing, wire brushes and pressure washing can damage the finish.
For a fountain from another brand or one that has been repainted, check that the cleaner suits its finish before use. Our cleaning recommendation above is for our products.
If you find a crack or leak, see our concrete fountain crack repair guide. Cleaning will not repair a damaged basin.
How to Clean a Fountain Pump
Regular cleaning helps keep the pump intake clear. Pump lifespan depends on how it is used and maintained.
- Unplug the pump and lift it out of the reservoir.
- Remove the intake cover and any filter designed to be removed for cleaning.
- Rinse away debris with clean water. Use a soft toothbrush around the intake and accessible parts.
- If the impeller is removable, take it out gently and clear away debris. Do not force open the sealed motor housing.
- Reassemble the pump, return it to the reservoir and refill before reconnecting power.
Check the intake regularly, especially when leaves are falling. Reduced flow, unusual noise or repeated stopping means the pump needs attention. First check the water level and clear any blockage. If the problem remains, contact us. Never run the pump dry.
For smaller indoor fountains, see our tabletop fountain care guide.
How to Reduce Algae Between Cleans
- Remove leaves, insects and other debris when you see them.
- Keep the intake clear and the water at the pump's operating level.
- Use partial shade where practical to reduce strong direct sunlight.
- Empty and clean the fountain when the water becomes cloudy, smells unpleasant or develops a slippery film.
- If birds drink or bathe in the fountain, change the water every day or two, and sooner when dirty.
Do not add pool chemicals, copper coins or cleaning vinegar to water that birds drink. Our vinegar mixture is for cleaning an empty fountain and must be rinsed away before refilling. See our bird bath cleaning guide for more detail.
Quick Cleaning Reference
| Problem | What we recommend | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Loose dirt and leaves | Remove debris and rinse with water | Check the basin and intake |
| Algae or slippery film | Gentle brushing with 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water | Rinse thoroughly and refill |
| Light scale on our finished surfaces | The same 1:9 mixture and a soft cloth | Contact us if it does not lift |
| Persistent dark stains | Start with the routine clean | Send us a photo before trying stronger products |
| Pump debris | Unplug, rinse and gently brush accessible parts | Refill before restarting |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my water fountain?
Check the water and remove debris daily. Clean the basin when you see film or buildup, and inspect the pump intake regularly. Sun, heat, falling leaves and bird activity all affect how often cleaning is needed. For fountains used by birds, change the water every day or two.
Can I use vinegar to clean my fountain?
Yes. For our fountain surfaces, we recommend 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water. Gently scrub, rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water. Do not leave cleaning vinegar in the running fountain.
Can I use bleach?
We do not recommend bleach for routine cleaning of our painted fountains. Use our diluted vinegar mixture instead. Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
Why does the water turn green again?
Sunlight, warmth and debris can support new algae growth. Remove debris, clean the basin and check the water regularly. Running the pump alone will not keep the fountain clean.
Browse our outdoor water fountains, tiered fountains and rock fountains.