A water fountain is an aesthetic feature in every garden or backyard space. It enhances the outer appearance of the house.
Have you ever found your fountain turned a sickly shade of green? If yes, it is a frustrating and unsightly problem, but don’t worry; it is fixable!
In this post, I’ll show you how to keep the water fountain from turning green & crystal clear. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of your fountain in no time!
Why is Your Fountain Water Green?
The most frequent reason for fountain water turning green is algae growth. It triggers an unappealing look that takes away all the aesthetics from the fountain.
Direct sunlight and still water are two more factors that frequently cause algae buildup.
Moreover, below are reasons directly responsive to turning green in a fountain.
- Lack of regular cleaning and maintenance can cause your fountain to turn green due to algae growth.
- Not keeping an eye on the water level can cause overheating of the pump, leading to more algae growth.
- Due to always using Chlorine for cleaning water fountain. Excess use can cause the growth of algae.
- Regularly cleaning with any debris and waste materials can help reduce the chances of algae growth.
- Keeping your fountain in a shady area will prevent it from becoming too hot and provide a cool environment that is less likely to attract algae growth.
10 Tips to Keep Water Fountain From Turning Green
As you know, birds and insects are all entirely drawn to all that free-flowing water. They are most likely to carry debris and bacteria with them, which could disrupt the atmosphere of your fountain.
If the dirt and bacteria are not removed clearly, your fountain may start to appear instead with unpleasant algae growth and may even endanger your health.
Take our best steps to prevent the real nuisance from your outdoor fountain. So that you can enjoy peaceful water rather than anything that resembles a slimy green display.
Your backyard fountain will always be spotless and hygienic if you stick to these easy instructions.
Don’t worry—I have tips for keeping your water fountain from turning green. Read on to learn more!
Read: How To Prevent Slime In Pet Water Fountain?
1. Use Fresh Distilled Water
Keeping the outdoor water fountain from turning green is a must if you want to enjoy its beauty. You can prevent turning green using fresh distilled water.
This helps keep contaminants and minerals away that can cause algae growth in the fountain. Additionally, if your fountain is small, use distilled water to give your fountain an extra edge in the battle against green water.
Make sure you fill up your fountain with fresh distilled water regularly. So that you can enjoy the beauty of your outdoor fountain for many years to come.
2. Place the Fountain in a Sunny Spot
You can place your fountain in a sunny spot which is another way to keep the water clean and clear. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis and helps beneficial bacteria grow, which can help fight off any algae growth.
However, too much sunlight can also encourage algae growth. So ensure to find the right balance. If possible, try positioning the fountain in a spot that gets morning light but is shaded by the afternoon sun.
This will allow beneficial bacteria to thrive while reducing algae growth.
3. Kill Algae with Diluted Bleach
Another effortless way to kill algae is with a diluted bleach solution. Add 3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water, and ensure that the concentrations do not exceed 1%. This will help to kill further algae growth.
Alternatively, you can use copper sulfate, which works with chloroplast to kill algae. However, it does have a distinct smell, so if you prefer something odorless, bleach is a great option.
4. Add Beneficial Bacteria
Adding beneficial bacteria to a fountain can help keep it clean and healthy. These bacteria will break down organic matter and reduce the amount of algae growth.
It is safe and eco-friendly, so you do not have to worry about any adverse effects on your fountain or the environment.
Simply add a few drops to a capful of distilled water and pour it into your fountain each month. This will help ensure your fountain stays clear and free from green material.
Along with regularly cleaning the bowl, pump, and rocks, adding beneficial bacteria is an easy way to keep your fountain looking great.
5. Cover Your Fountain When Not in Use
Preventing a water fountain from direct sunlight will help keep the water cooler, which in turn helps discourage algae growth.
You can buy a custom-fit cover or make a makeshift one with a plastic sheet or tarp. Always try to cover up your entire fountain when not in running.
Keeping your fountain clean and free of excess debris can help maintain the pH balance of the water and make sure it stays crystal clear.
6. Check the pH Level of the Water
Maintaining the proper pH level of the water in a fountain is essential for preventing algae growth. At the same time, the ideal pH level for fountain water is between 7.2 and 7.8.
So it is best to keep it at the lower end of the spectrum to kill off any existing algae.
You can do this with a simple pH test kit or strips. Once you know the pH level of your water, you can adjust it accordingly with a pH adjuster solution.
You should also periodically hyper-chlorinate your fountain to help keep it clean and algae-free.
7. Avoid Overfeeding Fish or Plants
Another vital thing to not turning green is to avoid overfeeding fish or plants. Overfeeding can cause an imbalance of nutrients in the water, leading to algae growth and green water.
Make sure you give your fish or plants only what they need daily, and remove any uneaten food promptly.
In addition, keeping a good balance of fish in the fountain will help prevent an overabundance of nutrients in the water.
8. Replace the Water Regularly
Regularly replacing the water in your fountain is essential to keeping it clean and algae-free. I recommend changing the water every two weeks or more if necessary.
Oxygenators, cleaning additives, and beneficial bacteria can also help to keep your fountain clean, but regularly replacing the water is the best way to keep it from turning green.
9. White Vinegar Eradicates Algae
Everyone knows that algae/fungus is the ultimate disaster for a water fountain. It leaves an unpleasant influence on the fountain. Not only this, but it also harms most of the plants, birds, and insects that enjoy the environment of your garden.
So in the algae prevention race, white vinegar is the universal treatment to catch up. Moreover, white vinegar is safe for living species and most plants. It can immediately kill algae, making it non-existent in your fountain.
N.B: Algae can grow back more quickly and begin to overtake your water feature the more you leave behind. Calcium deposits and algae will not build up if you maintain regular hygiene.
10. Clean and Replace Fountain Pump Filters
Cleaning the fountain pump filter is another way to prevent algae growth. Filters can easily be clogged by debris, which makes it challenging for your pump to eliminate dangerous microorganisms.
Getting in touch with the professional to change the pump if you are unclear on how to do it. You can remove all the bacteria and algae you want from the surface or basin of your fountain.
But if you do not change the pump filters, you will quickly run into serious hygiene issues. So, maintain hygiene, and replace or upgrade if necessary.
We advise getting in touch with the professional to change the pump if you are unclear on how to do it. You can remove all the bacteria and algae you want from the surface or basin of your fountain.
But if you do not change the pump filters, you will quickly run into serious hygiene issues. So, maintain hygiene, and replace or upgrade if necessary.
You can read Will Bleach in Fountain Harm Birds?
FAQs
Clean the fountain thoroughly before using the Algaecide. Next, dilute the chemical because it keeps the water clear and stops algae growth. After that, pour the algaecide solution you carefully mixed into the fountain next to the pump and observe it at work.
After cleaning the pump, see if the fountain water still quickly turns tainted. If it does not do, then consider replacing it. You must change the filter regularly.
To keep your fountain water clean, you can use a filter to remove particles, add a beneficial bacteria solution to help get rid of any harmful bacteria and algae, and change the water regularly.
Yes, you can use vinegar to kill algae in a fountain. Simply add a cup of white vinegar to the fountain and let it sit for several hours. After this time, rinse out the fountain and the vinegar should have killed the algae.
Bottom Line
A water fountain can insanely enhance the appearance and atmosphere of a backyard. However, outdoor water fountains and water gardens do require maintenance to maintain their attraction for an extended period of time.
Also, well-decorated water fountains increase outdoor locking excellent and keep the water clean from various harmful things.
Although water fountain cleaning is typically a straightforward process and it must be done regularly to maintain its aesthetics.
Remember that you should clean and maintain the look and functionality of your water feature on a monthly basis so that you keep the appealing atmosphere of your home.
