Do Your Pets a Favor

Your pets will find drinking water is places your may not realize -- or even want to know about. Clean drinking water is not only vital to humans but also to your pets. As algae naturally grows in fountains (and other sources of water for your pet if left unattended), it will clog your pump if not cleaned every two to six months. The frequency of cleaning your ornamental fountain depends on the environmental conditions of your home, including the amount of light, the minerals found in your water and the air. Cleaning your fountain is not difficult but must include every surface on which algae grows including the fountain pump, the basin and the rocks. If properly cleaned, the life expectancy of your fountain will be increased, and your pets will stay healthy if they drink the water.

How to Clean Your Fountain

    Removing the Water -- Before you can clean your fountain, the old water must be removed. For smaller fountains, usually disassembling the fountain and pouring the water out is the simplest method. For larger fountains, you may need to pump the water out attaching a long tube your fountain's pump and immersing the pump into a container. Or you may want to siphon the water by inserting a long plastic tube that acts like a straw as you suck the water up with your mouth. Just before the water reaches your mouth, place the tube into a container that sits lower than the pump and let gravity do the rest. Regardless of the method your use, we recommend pouring the water down the toilet because the old fountain water may have a strong odor due to the algae growth that you probably don’t want in your sink.

    Cleaning the Fountain Components -- Cleaning algae off the fountain pump, basin and rocks is as simple as using warm dish water and a tooth brush or other similar brush. Make sure to clean both outside the pump and the inside by disassembling the pump to ensure you get all the algae and mineral deposits. Disassembling the pump is usually straight forward but if you need assistance, your fountain’s owner’s manual can step you through the process.

How to Reduce Algae and Mineral Build-Up

    Algae -- While frequent cleaning using warm sudsy water and a brush is sufficient to remove the algae, there are also ways to slow the growth of algae. Rinsing your clean basin in diluted mixtures of water and bleach, water and vinegar, water and lemon juice, and even water and Listerine can inhibit algae growth.

    Mineral Deposits -- Mineral (or calcium) deposits tend to be more difficult to remove than algae and a mild dish soap isn't always sufficient. Caustic products such as Lime-Away can be very effective on ceramic and stone but cannot be used on softer material such as slate and wood. Plus, manufacturer's sell products that help prevent mineral buildup, which makes maintenance that much easier.

Remember that our furry friends need healthy, clean water just as much as we do. An ornamental fountain can safely add a lot to the ambiance and environmental health of your home -- if you know how to clean a water fountain and take the time to keep it properly maintained.