Cleaning & Care Guide | Fountainful

Fountainful

Cleaning & Care Guide

Everything you need to keep your water feature looking its best — year after year. The tips on this page are for general guidance. Always follow any artist-provided care instructions that may arrive with your order.

Cast stone concrete fountain cleaning and care
Section 1

Cast Stone Concrete

Quick Tips

Do not fill a fountain or birdbath with cold water when its surface is hot to the touch.
Never use chlorine, bleach, or pool chemicals on cast stone concrete.
Hard water should be filtered before filling your fountain. Dark brown or black spots — sometimes mistaken for mold — can form from a reaction between mineral-rich water and the natural raw materials in cast stone. Use a hose attachment pre-filter to soften your water. In areas with severe hard water, add a descaler like ProTec.
Continuously running a fountain pump helps prevent mineral buildup on the fountain's surface.
Wipe down fountain or birdbath bowls as needed every 1–3 months. Do not pressure wash.

🥬 Catch algae early!

Algae buildup can adhere to and lift from the surface, causing stain to peel. It can develop and bond relatively quickly depending on your environment, water conditions, sunlight exposure, and maintenance routine. Environmental and maintenance-related issues are not covered under most warranties.

Prevention

  • Ensure proper water circulation at all times
  • Routine weekly inspections of the fountain
  • Gentle cleaning of any early algae
  • Maintaining balanced water chemistry — we recommend Fountec

🔁 Persistent algae? Try a full reset

If you live in a region prone to persistent algae blooms and nothing seems to be keeping it at bay, a complete reset may be the answer. Here's what we recommend:

  • Drain the fountain completely.
  • Scrub every surface with a diluted Dawn dish soap solution and a soft-bristled brush — including hard-to-reach areas where algae can hide and re-establish.
  • Rinse thoroughly, then refill with fresh water.
  • Immediately treat with both Fountec and Algae D-Solv to suppress any remaining algae and prevent it from re-establishing.

After a reset, maintain weekly dosing and inspect the fountain regularly. Persistent blooms are often tied to sun exposure, stagnant water, or imbalanced water chemistry — address the root cause for lasting results.

Winterizing with a pool/basin: After removing the drainage plug, place something absorbent (like a comforter) inside the basin to absorb moisture, then cover with a tarp.

Planters & Statuary

If a planter is left planted outdoors in winter, raise it off the ground to prevent freezing to the ground (cold-weather states).
Pro Tip: Use two wood strips of an appropriate size to raise planters or statuary — just don't block any drainage holes.
Read additional birdbath guidance from the National Audubon Society →
Blue Thumb subsurface basin fountain care and winterization
Section 2

Blue Thumb / Subsurface Basin

Resources & Guides

PDF Guide Care & Winterization
Video Vase Fountain Winterization Steps
Collection Shop Blue Thumb Fountains
Fountain pump cleaning and maintenance guide
Section 3

Pump Care

Quick Tips

Do not constantly turn the pump on and off. Fountain pumps are designed to run continuously. Turn off only when cleaning or when away for several days. Still water also attracts insects and encourages algae growth.
Keep the pump submerged in water at all times and add water to your fountain as needed for your specific location, climate, and fountain size.
Clean the pump every 1–3 months. Detach it and soak in a solution of vinegar and water; use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly before returning it to the fountain.
Pro Tip: Place your pump inside a pump sock / mesh filter bag to prevent debris from clogging it.

Winter Storage

Bring the pump indoors for winter. For best care, disassemble and clean the pump, then store it submerged in a bucket of water in an area that will not freeze — this keeps seals wet and the impeller from sticking.
If you choose to leave a pump in a fountain over winter, it must be completely dry and insulated with plastic bags and a towel to remain dry through the season.