Removing Algae From Your Fountain
Algae builds up faster than most people expect, and it can make a nice outdoor fountain look dull and green pretty quickly. Maybe you've taken over a place with an older fountain that hasn't been touched in ages, or maybe you just got busy and your own fountain slipped off the radar for a while—either way, it's fixable. With a bit of time and the right approach, you can clear the algae out and get the water looking clean again without doing anything harsh or damaging.
Table of Contents
Why Algae Grows in Fountains
Algae show up pretty much anywhere there's water and sunlight, and fountains are no exception. Over time, they pick up dust, pollen, bits of leaves—basically all the stuff that settles outside—and that mix gives algae exactly what it needs to grow. If the fountain isn't cleaned every so often, the algae can spread across the surfaces and even work their way into the pump, which eventually slows down the water flow and makes everything look cloudy.
Read Maintenance Instructions
If your fountain came with care instructions, review them before cleaning. Some materials—such as natural stone, bronze, or certain finishes—are sensitive to harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Using fountain-safe cleaners helps you avoid accidental damage. Manuals also provide safe pump disassembly steps, which are important for proper cleaning.
Empty and Rinse the Fountain
-
Start by turning the fountain off and unplugging it—just to keep everything safe while you're working.
-
Once that's done, go ahead and drain all the water out of the basin. If there's water stuck in corners or spots you can't reach easily, a wet/dry vacuum comes in handy.
- After it's empty, give the whole thing a good rinse with a garden hose. The water pressure usually knocks off a lot of the loose algae and gunk before you even start scrubbing, which makes the rest of the cleaning way easier.
Cleaning the Fountain
-
Use a mild cleaner—warm water with a little dish soap is usually enough for most fountain surfaces. Stay away from anything abrasive, since harsh cleaners or rough scrub pads can scratch the material and actually make algae come back quicker.
- When you scrub, keep it gentle. A soft sponge or a soft-bristle brush works for most areas. And if your fountain has little carvings or tight grooves, an old toothbrush or even a pipe cleaner does the trick.
-
After you're done scrubbing, rinse everything really well. Any leftover soap will end up in the water once you refill the fountain, so make sure it's all washed off.
Clean the Pump
The pump is basically the heart of the whole fountain, and once algae starts building up inside it, the water flow slows down and the fountain becomes a lot more likely to grow algae again. Take the pump out and open up any pieces that are meant to come apart. Let them soak in warm, soapy water for a bit, then use a small brush to get into the impeller and the tubing. After you rinse everything off and put it back together, the pump should run much more smoothly.
Tips to Prevent Algae Growth
The easiest way to deal with algae is to stop it from taking over in the first place. A few simple habits can make a big difference:
-
Using a cover when the fountain's not running helps a lot. It blocks leaves, dirt, and even some sunlight, all of which feed algae.
-
If you can, set the fountain in a spot that gets a bit of shade. Full sun really speeds up algae growth, so even partial shade can slow things down.
-
And there are products that help keep the water clear too. A fountain-safe algaecide, like Fountec, or other gentle, natural treatments can keep algae from coming back as quickly.
-
Add Beneficial Bacteria: These help break down organic matter naturally.
-
Regular Maintenance: Clean your fountain every few months to prevent buildup and pump strain.
Final Tips to Extend Fountain Lifespan
- Using distilled water is a nice little cheat to cut down on mineral buildup, especially inside the pump where it's harder to clean later.
- Keep an eye on the water level while the fountain's running. The pump has to stay submerged or it can overheat, and once it burns out, it's usually not worth repairing.
- Every now and then, just look things over—cracks, tiny leaks, anything that seems off. Catching small issues early saves a lot of trouble down the line.
- And if you live somewhere that gets real winters, don't skip the cold-weather prep. Either drain and store the fountain or make sure it's covered properly so it doesn't get damaged when temperatures drop.
By following these steps, you can keep your fountain looking beautiful and running smoothly all year. Regular cleaning and preventive care are the key to stopping algae before it starts.