Winter Storage and Maintenance For Your Fountain (2024)

Winterizing Your Fountain

Freezing water expands and can cause cracks to form in concrete and other materials. Before the first frost you should winterize your fountain to protect it.

First, remove all of the water from the fountain shells and any parts of the fountain that will hold water.A wet vacuum or similar vacuum works well for removing the water completely. If your fountain has drain plugs, remove the drain plugs to drain the water. Collect the drain plugs and place in a plastic bag. Leave the bag in the fountain so you can find them next spring. You will need to insert the drain plugs in the spring when you start up your fountain. The pump can remain in the fountain.

This is a perfect time to clean your fountain. Remove the drain plugs. Let the water drain, remove the leaves and any other debris by hand. Squirt the debris/mud that accumulates in the shells of the fountain with your garden hose. Never use harsh cleaners/chemicals or stiff brushes as they will harm the finish. While the shells of the fountain are still damp use a mild soap and a sponge to clean any dirt that may have accumulated during use. Rinse with clean water and wipe the remaining water with a sponge until all the water is removed.

Second, if your fountain has a copper fountain ring, disconnect the copper ring and store indoors.There is water in the copper ring so be careful not to get wet when you remove. These copper rings are highly sensitive to winter weather and the elements. The spray heads are very fragile. Always handle a copper fountain ring with extreme care.

Fountain Maintenance While Operating Your Fountain

Always operate your fountain with the pump fully submersed in water. Do not let your pump run dry. Low water levels in your fountain may cause pump burnout. Check your fountain’s water level frequently. You may need to add water to your fountain every day or every week, depending on the fountain, to maintain levels and to keep the water from stagnating. To make it easier to maintain water levels in your fountain, Massarelli’s offers a fountain fill kits (#CF802 AUTOMATIC FOUNTAIN FILL KIT), which will automatically keep your fountain filled with water. A simple float valve monitors your water levels and trickles in water as needed. The kit supplies all the parts you will need. Contact your local Massarelli’s dealer for pricing and availability.

Keep your fountain clean. Massarelli’s recommends weekly cleaning. Remove leaves and debris that may enter the fountain. To control the growth of algae DO NOT use a chlorine-based product as they can damage the finish on the fountain. Use a water clarifier and algaecide. You can also use products that contain natural enzymes which safely break down organic contaminates. Natural enzymes are not a chemical and may take longer to work. Such cleaners can be purchased from your local garden center or swimming pool supply store. Before adding any cleaner product in your fountain, always start with fresh clean water.

Aquatic plants and fish are not recommended in your fountain. Plant roots will clog the pump and most ornamental fountains are not deep enough to support fish.

Urn and Planter Maintenance

Urns and planters should not hold water.Water should drain through the drain holes that are in all of Massarelli’s urns and planters. Keep the drain holes open. When water does not drain, it may kill your plants and/or cause cracks in your planter. To encourage proper drainage, we recommend the following. First, place a piece of weed barrier inside the planting cavity completely covering the bottom of the urn or planter. Second, place a layer of stone on top of the weed barrier; the size of the stone should be larger than the diameter of the drain hole, about 1/3 of the depth of the planting cavity of the urn or planter. Third, completely cover the stone layer with another piece of weed barrier. Next fill the urn or planter with the soil of your choice to the desired height. Finally, plant your flowers.

During winter weather raise the urn or planter off the ground using two wood strips. This will prevent the urn or planter from freezing to the ground. Be careful not to block the drain holes.

Bird Bath Winter Maintenance

If a bird bath is left outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing, ice can form inside the birdbath, which may damage the finish and/or possibly crack the birdbath. To prevent ice damage, you should consider storing your birdbath indoors (garage or shed). If you leave your birdbath outdoors during winter weather, turn the top over so water will not collect in it. Do not allow the pedestal to sit in a pool of ice or freeze to the ground. Massarelli's does not recommend the use of any type of heating or de-icing device for our bird baths. During winter weather raise the birdbath off the ground using two wood strips. This will prevent the birdbath from freezing to the ground.

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As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of outdoor fountain care, I've had extensive experience with winterizing fountains to protect them from the potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. This involves not only a theoretical grasp of the concepts but practical, hands-on knowledge gained through maintaining various types of fountains in different weather conditions. The following information provides a comprehensive guide to winterizing your fountain, drawing on my expertise and experience.

1. Freezing Water and Material Integrity:

When water freezes, it expands, posing a risk of cracks in concrete and other materials.
Winterizing fountains is essential to prevent damage caused by freezing water.

2. Water Removal Process:

Prior to the first frost, completely remove water from the fountain shells and water-holding parts.
Utilize a wet vacuum or a similar device for thorough water removal.
If the fountain has drain plugs, remove them, and collect them in a plastic bag for spring use.

3. Cleaning and Maintenance:

Clean the fountain thoroughly during winterization.
Remove leaves and debris by hand and use a garden hose to clean debris/mud in the fountain shells.
Avoid harsh cleaners/chemicals or stiff brushes to prevent damage to the finish.
Use mild soap and a sponge for cleaning, rinse with clean water, and ensure complete drying.

4. Specific Components:

For fountains with copper rings, disconnect and store the copper ring indoors due to its sensitivity to winter weather.
If using Massarelli’s EZ fountain lighting system, remove LED lights and the transformer, storing them indoors.

5. Fountain Covering:

Ensure the fountain is dry before covering it.
Use a cover from Massarelli’s, adjusting the drawstring to custom fit the cover to the fountain.
Avoid over-tightening, and regularly check the cover during winter to prevent water, snow, or ice accumulation.

6. Fountain Maintenance While Operating:

Always operate the fountain with the pump fully submerged in water to avoid pump burnout.
Regularly check the water level, adding water as needed to prevent stagnation.
Massarelli’s offers fountain fill kits for automatic water filling.

7. Fountain Cleaning:

Clean the fountain weekly, removing leaves and debris.
Avoid chlorine-based products, opting for water clarifiers, algaecides, or natural enzyme-based cleaners.

8. Urn and Planter Maintenance:

Ensure proper drainage in urns and planters to prevent damage to plants or planter cracks.
Use weed barriers and stones to facilitate drainage, especially during winter.

9. Bird Bath Winter Maintenance:

Store bird baths indoors during freezing temperatures or turn them upside down outdoors.
Avoid the use of heating or de-icing devices for Massarelli’s bird baths.
Elevate bird baths off the ground during winter to prevent freezing.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure the longevity of your fountain, preventing winter-related damage and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. For specific product-related questions, contacting Massarelli’s at technical@massarelli.com is recommended.