Winterizing Your Fountain

As the colder months start creeping in, outdoor fountains need a bit of extra care. It only takes one freezing night for leftover water to expand and cause cracks, pump problems, or repairs you definitely don’t want to deal with in spring. Winterizing isn’t just a cold-weather chore—it’s how you make sure your fountain comes back to life without issues once the warmer days roll around again.

 

Why Winterizing Your Fountain Matters

Outdoor fountains add charm, movement, and peaceful sound to any garden — but they’re also vulnerable to colder climates. When water is trapped in basins, cracks, or pump chambers and temperatures drop, the expansion of freezing water can cause:

• Structural cracks in stone, concrete, ceramic, or resin fountains
• Pump failure from frozen impellers or internal parts
• Damage to tubing or internal lines
• Chipping, flaking, or peeling of the fountain’s finish

All of this is avoidable with a bit of prep before winter sets in.

Do Outdoor Fountains Freeze in Winter?

Yes — and much faster than most people expect. Even a couple of nights below freezing is enough to turn leftover water into ice. The moment water freezes, it expands, and that pressure is what causes the basin, bowl, or pump housing to crack.

This applies to:

• Large tiered fountains
• Small patio fountains
• Wall fountains
• Birdbath-style fountains
• Contemporary resin or fiberglass fountains

If temperatures in your area drop to or below 32°F (0°C), winterizing is essential.

You can sometimes move your outdoor fountain indoors for winter, depending on the size. Larger water fountains are often too heavy to relocate without equipment, but many tiered designs can be taken apart and stored in smaller pieces to save space.

The Complete Outdoor Fountain Winterizing Guide

Step 1: Drain All the Water Completely

Any winterizing plan starts with removing every bit of water from the fountain.

1. Turn off and unplug the fountain.
2. Drain the basin entirely — use a bucket, drain plug, or siphon.
3. Sponge up leftover water from corners and crevices.
4. Check internal tubing and small reservoirs for trapped water.

A fountain must be bone-dry before temperatures drop. Even a thin film of water can freeze and cause cracks.

Step 2: Clean the Fountain Thoroughly

1. Use a mild soap or any cleaner that’s actually safe for fountains, and give the inside surfaces a good scrub.
2. Clear out the algae, the mineral buildup, and any random debris that’s settled in there.
3. Stick with a soft sponge or brush so you don’t end up scratching the finish.
4. Rinse everything thoroughly so there’s no leftover soap hiding in the fountain.

.A quick clean now saves you from stains and weird smells later, and it helps slow down algae growth during the winter months.

Step 3: Remove and Store the Pump Indoors

The pump is usually the first component damaged by freezing temperatures. To protect it:

1. Detach the pump from tubing.
2. Rinse it to remove algae, dirt, or debris.
3. Let it dry completely.
4. Store it indoors in a dry place — a shelf, cabinet, or garage works well.

A well-maintained pump lasts significantly longer and performs better in spring.

Step 4: Cover or Protect the Fountain

If bringing the fountain inside isn’t realistic, the next best thing is to cover it properly.

• Use a breathable, weather-resistant cover made for fountains.
• Make sure it fits tight enough so moisture doesn’t sneak in and sit underneath.
• Skip the plastic tarps — they trap condensation and you’ll end up dealing with mold later.

For bigger, heavier outdoor fountains, a good fountain cover is usually the most reliable way to shield them from snow, frost buildup, and those harsh winter winds.

Step 5: Add Absorbent Materials (If Needed)

If covering the fountain just isn’t an option, you can still protect it by putting something absorbent in the basin. Things like:

• old towels
• burlap sacks
• blankets
• any thick, absorbent cloths you have around

These help soak up moisture so it doesn’t sit, freeze, and expand inside the basin. It’s not quite as reliable as using a proper cover, but it’s a good backup when you don’t have other options.

Extra Winter Care Tips

• Check the fountain once or twice during winter for moisture buildup.
• Keep snow from piling on top of the fountain cover.
• Store small fountains indoors whenever possible.
• Avoid antifreeze — it’s harmful to pets and wildlife.

Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving even a small amount of water inside. This is the #1 cause of cracks appearing in spring.
• Forgetting to remove the pump. Frozen pumps often become jammed or permanently damaged.
• Using non-breathable plastic covers. Moisture gets trapped and causes mildew or surface damage.
• Skipping the cleaning step. Algae and mineral deposits become even harder to remove after winter.

Winterizing Different Fountain Materials

Different fountains handle winter differently. Here’s what you need to know:

• Concrete & Cast Stone: Most prone to cracking — keep completely dry and covered.
• Ceramic: Extremely fragile; best kept indoors.
• Fiberglass or Resin: Flexible but the finish can fade or warp if left exposed.
• Metal or Bronze: Can tolerate winter better but still needs to be drained and covered.

No matter the material, the pump should always be removed.

Final Tips to Extend Your Fountain’s Lifespan

• Use distilled water during warm months to reduce mineral buildup.
• Keep the water level steady when the fountain is running.
• Inspect for small cracks or leaks before and after winter.
• Always winterize early — don’t wait for the first freeze.

With just a bit of preparation, your fountain stays protected all winter and comes back to life beautifully in spring. Outdoor fountains already add some life to your yard or garden, and the gentle sound of running water is something you don’t want to lose to winter damage. Taking the time to winterize not only saves money on repairs, but also keeps your fountain looking great year after year—so you can enjoy its calming flow for many seasons to come.