DIY Outdoor Water Fountain Repair and Maintenance Tips

Learn easy DIY tips for repairing and maintaining your outdoor water fountain to keep it running smoothly and looking beautiful year-round.

Looking for ways to prolong your outdoor fountain's life?

An outdoor water fountain is a great way to add character and a touch of serenity to any backyard. However… if it's not cared for properly, that centerpiece can go from WOW to WORST pretty quickly.

Thankfully, most fountain problems are easily preventable with a little know-how.

And here's the kicker.

Professional help isn't required to make most repairs or to keep things in tip-top shape.

What You'll Learn

• Why Fountain Maintenance Is Important

• Common Outdoor Fountain Problems (And How To Fix Them)

• The Fountain Maintenance Routine

• Seasonal Care Tips

Why Fountain Maintenance Is Important

The outdoor fountain industry is huge.

In fact, it's only getting bigger.

The global outdoor fountain market size was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2024. The market size is expected to grow to USD 1.71 billion by 2033.

So what does that mean for you?

It means that more homeowners are investing in these fountains than ever before. And each and every one of them should know how to properly care for their water feature so they can protect their investment.

The fact of the matter is that a neglected fountain doesn't just look unappealing. It can quickly develop algae buildup, pump issues, and structural cracks that can end up costing you a lot of money to fix. By investing in some regular cleaning and maintenance, you can extend your outdoor fountain's lifespan by a lot while also keeping it looking as good as new.

It's really not that difficult…

A fountain pump that's cleaned every three months can last for years. One that's neglected will probably have to be replaced in months.

Common Outdoor Fountain Problems (And How To Fix Them)

You'll come across all kinds of problems when owning an outdoor fountain. Let's cover the ones you're most likely to encounter and exactly how to go about fixing them.

Pump Not Working

When it comes to fountain problems, pump issues are number one.

Before you run out and buy a new pump, check a few things first:

• Make sure the power supply is working. Is the pump plugged in and is the outlet functional? Check if your circuit breaker tripped.

• The pump must be fully submerged underwater to operate. Has it been running dry?

• Check if the internal impeller mechanism has gotten clogged with debris. Remove the pump and clean it well with a soft-bristled brush.

In most cases, pump problems can be fixed in minutes once you've found out what the root of the issue is. In case the impeller has gotten clogged, let it soak in vinegar overnight to break down mineral deposits.

Algae Growth

There is no sight more unattractive than green, slimy water.

Algae will grow in your fountain if there's stagnant water and a lot of sunlight.

To prevent it, you must attack the problem from both angles. Make sure your fountain is running on a regular basis. Stagnant water will always develop algae, but moving water will not. Position your fountain so that it's at least partially shaded.

If you already have an algae problem, drain the water from your fountain. Clean all the surfaces with vinegar and water. Rinse well before you refill it.

PRO TIP: Throw a few copper pennies in the fountain basin to prevent algae from growing. The algae-inhibiting properties of copper work surprisingly well.

White Scale Buildup

What you see there is mineral buildup from hard water.

It's one of the most common fountain problems out there, especially if you use tap water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water build up over time and not only clog your pump but also make your fountain look dirty.

The solution is simple. Make sure to only use distilled water to refill your fountain, rather than tap water. If you already have scale buildup, a white vinegar solution is very effective at dissolving the deposits.

Cracks and Leaks

If there's any structural damage to your fountain, you'll need to pay a bit more attention.

Fill your fountain with water and mark the waterline. Turn the pump off and wait 24 hours. If the water level has gone down quite a bit, there is a leak somewhere. Drain the fountain until the crack is visible.

Concrete or stone fountains can be repaired with a bonding adhesive and vinyl-reinforced patching compound. If your fountain has a plastic liner, a PVC repair patch is sufficient.

The Fountain Maintenance Routine

A consistent maintenance routine is the key to fountain care. Let's go through the schedule that works for most fountains.

Weekly

Check your water level every week without fail. Due to evaporation and splashing, the water level can vary a lot. Remove any visible debris, such as leaves, twigs, or insects from the basin.

Monthly

Deep clean your fountain once a month. Drain all of the water. Wipe down all the surfaces with a soft cloth. Check for any clogs or damages in the tubing.

Quarterly

Remove your pump every three months and clean it thoroughly. Open the pump housing and clean the hard-to-reach areas with an old toothbrush. Inspect the impeller for damage. Test the pump in a bucket of water before re-installing it.

Quarterly is also a great time to check on all the electrical connections and make sure they are all snug.

Seasonal Care Tips

Different seasons pose different challenges to your outdoor water fountain.

Summer

Water evaporates faster in the summer, so you'll have to top off your fountain more often than in other seasons. Algae growth also accelerates with the heat, so keep a closer eye on things.

Fall

Leaves are your number one enemy in the fall. Consider covering up your fountain or cleaning it daily during peak season.

Winter

Winterizing your fountain is of the utmost importance if you live in a climate that freezes. You see, water expands when frozen and will end up cracking your fountain basin. Drain all the water from the fountain, remove the pump, and store it indoors. Cover the fountain or move it to an area that's well protected.

Spring

Before you start up your fountain for the season, make sure you do a complete inspection. Clean everything thoroughly. Check for winter damage and test the pump in a bucket of water before you put it back in.

Wrapping Things Up

Outdoor water fountain maintenance is neither complicated nor time-consuming.

With a little consistency and some basic DIY skills, you can keep your fountain looking as good as new for years.

Here's the thing:

• Clean your pump every three months to prevent pump failures

• Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup

• Check the water level of your fountain on a weekly basis

• Winterize your fountain in climates that experience freezing temperatures

• Deal with problems before they become more serious (and expensive)

An outdoor fountain is an investment. It's an investment in the beauty of your home and in your own relaxation. Treat it with the respect it deserves, and your fountain will reward you with years of peaceful and bubbling tranquility.