Water Fountain Design

Relaxing and convenient - these are the two most popular reasons to buy an indoor water fountain. But few people realize how easy it is to properly maintain an indoor fountain. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your fountain lasts longer, looks (and smells) better and even prevent common problems from happening.

First of all, you should use distilled water in all indoor fountains, whether they're tabletop or wall-mounted fountains. Hard water or tap water can cause white water spots on the fountain and can also cause strain on the pump. To keep the pump working with minimal care, distilled water is worth it (and fewer white spots means less work for you, too). If your fountain does get white spots, you can use a hard-water cleaner such as CLR to remove them.

Improper water levels are often the cause of splashing, noisy pumps and air bubbles. If the pump is not fully submerged in water, it will pull in air, causing a lot of noise and sputtering water everywhere. Water fountains that are filled too high can lead to splashing and overflowing basins. Each water fountain is different, so check with the user manual or the manufacturer if you are unsure how much water your fountain needs.

Because the water in an indoor fountain is recycled, algae can build up. This can make the fountain look and smell unappealing. To prevent algae, clean debris from the fountain daily and add an anti-algae cleansing solution monthly. It is also a good idea to drain the fountain once a month in order to wipe it clean. Replacing the water will also keep the air clean and free of odors.

You may think you're saving the environment by turning off your fountain every time you leave, but you can be adding unneeded wear to your pump. Fountain pumps are meant to last for several years of continued use. By turning off the pump, you are allowing water to sit in it for hours at a time. Continued use will also keep the water cleaner as stagnant water can be a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Because the pump is the most important part of your fountain, you should clean it every month or every few months, depending on the amount of debris and minerals in the fountain. Hard water can build up quickly in a pump so it's best when you first install the fountain to check the pump often. Once you establish a time pattern for buildup and debris, you can check the pump only when it's time for a cleaning.

These simple fountain maintenance steps will help keep your indoor water fountain pristine, functioning and enjoyable for several years.

Loren Taylor writes for Pro Home Stores which is a leading internet retailer of all things soothing. A large selection of water fountains, bean bags, fireplaces and other products to help bring joy to your life.