How does fountain maintenance change in the winter?

Why does maintenance change during the colder months?

A frozen fountain is truly beautiful but the aftermath is often costly or tragic. Don’t let a moment of frozen beauty ruin your investment. One week the temperatures could be in the 80’s and the next in the 30’s. As the weather changes, so do a fountains’ needs. As the weather changes, leaves fall, and colder temperatures move in, your fountains’ needs change from week to week.

Here’s some of the ways that our maintenance members get the most out their fountain winter care.

1. Cold Water Bacteria Applications. If your fountain contains contain fish that means there’s a living and breathing ecosystem in there! We switch our water treatments to a cold water beneficial bacteria formula that thrives during the temperature swings and reduces a buildup of organic matter. If your fountain pool is above ground your fish must be moved indoors and the fountain winterized. Algicide should not be necessary to maintain water clarity as cold water cannot support algae that causes cloudy water.
2. Winterization for AquaCare Maintenance Members. We do not typically shut down fountains on the first day of Winter. In fact, for members of our AquaCare Maintenance Program, we have the ability to open and close fountains based on changing weather. That means when temperatures are pleasant, we can keep the fountains running and looking beautiful. And when a freeze is about to hit the Mid-South, we will winterize the fountains, cover them, and then open them back up at our next service visit. This allows our AquaCare members to enjoy their fountain fountains year-round.
3. Basic Winterization Recommendations. We recommend concrete and stone fountains should be emptied, dried, and covered a minimum of five days before sustained, sub-freezing temperatures. This time allows ambient humidity to escape from stone and concrete before freezing temperatures. Metal and synthetic fountains should simply be emptied and covered before freezing temperatures.
4. Winter-Safe Fountain Covers. We are proud to offer quality one-way breathable fountain covers that allow humidity and moisture to escape while excluding rain, sleet, snow, and pooling water. These are sure to keep your fountain safe from the danger of ponding water or ambient humidity freezing.
5. Winter Dosing System Maintenance. Automatic Dosing Systems are great for maintaining clean, clear fountains. But during the winter fountains face freezing temperatures so we recommend unplugging and emptying all liquids from your automatic dosing system.
6. Larger Debris removal.  What happens if you leave your fountain running and leaves and debris fall in? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Included in our AquaCare Maintenance program is debris removal. This helps your pump run for longer and your feature looking beautiful.
7. Fish, Lighting, and Pump Checks. Colder weather is hard on everything, including all the major components of your fountain. Our regular checks and maintenance ensure everything is protected and ready for Spring!

Benefits of Being An AquaCare Member

• Year-Round Routine Maintenance and Services
• Fountain cover included
• Discounts on additional services
• Skip-the-line services

Common Mistakes for Winter Prep

• Leaving Water in the fountain when it freezes
• Using a cheap cover that is not breathable
• Using anti-freeze to keep the water running
• Thinking a pond heater will keep the water thawed
• Breaking built-up ice off the fountain
• Using a non-breathable plastic or tarp cover

FAQ’s

1. Is it important to cover my fountain? We recommend covering the fountain during freezing weather. Our fountain covers are sized to fit your fountain, not “one size fits all”. This ensures that major debris and water getting into the fountain are excluded.
2. How long will a commercial fountain cover last? A good fountain cover is key protecting your fountain. Our covers are intended to last several years. No-cost replacements are included for our AquaCare members.
3. Why do I need a maintenance membership during the winter if my fountain is closed? We want you to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of your fountain as long as weather permits. For this reason, we keep our AquaCare Maintenance fountains running until falling temperatures require it. Even if your fountain is covered it is important to ensure it remains securely fastened, intact, and no animals have taken up residence beneath the cover. Even during Winter we are regularly on site to ensure everything is looking great and functioning well. If it is covered, we will inspect the cover, remove any debris or water that may have accumulated, and check to ensure no animals have taken up residence beneath the cover (yes, it has happened before).

Final Thoughts

Quality winter care is essential to the longevity and beauty of a fountain’s finish and structural integrity. Click HERE for more information about our AquaCare Maintenance for fountains!