Here are some useful tips and guidelines for maintaining, not only the beauty, but also the functionality of your water fountain so that it remains the breathtaking water feature that you have always wanted and continues to run properly and efficiently for years to come.

Water Guidelines and Recommendations

Manufacturers of water fountains recommend that you use only distilled water in the fountain. Distilled water is sold in gallon jugs in grocery stores, pharmacies and discount chains. Be sure to buy distilled water only; spring water and drinking water are also sold in the same kind of plastic jug and are usually on the same shelf as distilled water.

Don't use tap water for your indoor decorative water fountains. Tap water naturally contains minerals and calcium that will eventually accumulate and potentially harm the decorative finish of the fountain or clog the pump. If distilled water isn’t available, you should use an additive made for water fountains that will prevent the build-up of calcium and minerals. These products are readily available online.

Algae can and may grow in your indoor water fountain if the water isn’t changed regularly. Completely change the water and clean the fountain at least once every six months as routine maintenance. Also remember to add water periodically, about once a week, as the water will evaporate.  If you experience an algae problem, thoroughly clean the fountain and pump and then start using a product that prevents algae growth.  You can find these products at either an aquarium or pond shop, or even online.

What Cleaners to Use for Different Types of Surfaces

Water fountains are made from a variety of materials and steel, copper, slate, pebbles and marble are the most popular finishes. Here are some recommendations for cleaning each type of finish.

Steel - Stainless steel is one of the easiest fountain materials to keep clean because it isn’t porous; therefore, minerals and algae can’t accumulate. Simply wipe down the stainless steel with a soft cloth.  Don’t ever use an abrasive cleaner on stainless steel.

Copper - Copper is the most popular material for water fountains because of the pleasing sound of running water onto copper and copper resists the growth of algae. While it seems logical to use copper cleaner on a copper water fountain, copper cleaner should NOT be used! Copper cleaner is for untreated copper and a water fountain typically has a clear powder coat finish over the copper. Copper cleaner will destroy the finish. Instead, apply a hard car wax to the copper every 2 to 3 months and buff to a pleasing luster as a way of protecting your fountain’s finish.

Slate, Pebbles and Marble - All of these surfaces are wonderful natural stone. Never use an abrasive cleaner on natural stone. Only use products that are made for cleaning natural stone and these can be found in the cleaning aisle of the hardware store or online.

How to Maintain the Pump

The small aquarium pumps used in water fountains are remarkably reliable and are designed to run continuously. When the pump is turned on and off frequently, air is likely to get into the plastic lines and cause the pump to malfunction; let the pump run all the time except when maintaining the fountain.

What should you do if your fountain pump stops running? Most likely there is air in the line. Here are a few tips to clear the air bubble:

• Unplug and plug in the pump several times. Restarting the pump may clear the air from the line.
• Or unplug and plug in the pump and quickly lift it out and put it back into the water.
• Or take the pump out of the water and gently tap it to dislodge any blockage.
• Or thoroughly clean the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The pump runs the best when the fountain has the correct amount of water. Sometimes a noisy pump is due to an insufficient water level in the fountain or the pump can be vibrating in its space. In the second case, eliminating the vibrations with a small piece of cloth or sponge placed under or next to the pump should correct the problem.

But if the pump is allowed to run continuously with the correct amount of water, it should require only routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.

Lighting Maintenance

A water fountain may have accent lights or underwater lighting. Generally the only lighting maintenance required is to change the light bulbs. If the light bulbs are frequently burning out this may be due to water reaching the bulb. In this case, try lowering the flow of water so it is not splashing onto the bulb. Otherwise, try a lower wattage bulb.

Of course, always remember to unplug the fountain before performing underwater lighting maintenance!

Things to Never Do to Your Fountain

A water fountain is generally easy to maintain. There are only a couple of major points to remember:

• Don't add anything to the water but approved products like those that prevent mineral build-up and algae growth. Oils, dyes and perfumes may damage the surface of the fountain or clog the pump.
• Never run the fountain without enough water; this will damage the pump. Almost all pump failures are due to an insufficient amount of water in the fountain.
• Never use abrasive cleaners on the surfaces of the fountain.

If you follow these fountain care and maintenance, your fountain should provide years of soothing pleasure.