Gardens around the world are beginning to sprout beauty through features other than flowers, shrubs and trees. Take a peek at some of the nicer backyard gardens and you will likely find a wide variety of garden water fountains enhancing their designs.

With the gift-giving season approaching, many garden lovers will be receiving their first garden fountain this year. Garden water fountains make wonderful gifts at any time of year. They are beautiful to view and are available in a wide range of styles that blend with any type of landscape design.  They are very serene and the sound of gently flowing water has an amazing calming effect.

If you are giving, or receiving, an outdoor garden fountain this year, here are a few maintenance tips you may find helpful:

Avoid Ice Build-Up In Your Garden Fountain

– If winter temperatures in your area often drop below the freezing point you should be aware of potential problems with expansion and contraction of the fountain’s materials and connections. These days, many outdoor fountains are light enough to be moved indoors during the winter months – a good feature to look for when shopping for a garden fountain in colder climes.

– If the fountain is too large or heavy to move indoors, be sure to drain the fountain before cold weather strikes. In addition, make periodic inspections to ensure that water is not collecting in the fountain as a result of rain or melting snow. When water freezes, the expansion of the ice may cause cracks to appear in your fountain. For proof, just take a look at the potholes that appear in roads over the winter.

– If the fountain will remain outside during the winter you should also remove the pump and store it inside to avoid damage. Wrap your fountain with an old blanket, towels or other absorbent material. Then cover with a plastic tarp or a similar protective cover to help shield it from water and cold temperatures.

– As warmth returns, make sure you thoroughly clean the fountain, removing any leaves, twigs, and similar debris that may have accumulated. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, get in the habit of checking the fountain for debris at least weekly. Pay particular attention to the pump’s inlet area so that foreign objects do not result in clogging.

– To keep your fountain clean and free from algae growth, add an animal-friendly cleaner  to the water. Adding beneficial bacteria and enzyme products such as Algae Fix or barley straw extract should be effective. Even if pets will not have access to the pond water it’s important to use non-poisonous cleaning products as your fountain will undoubtedly be visited by birds and other wildlife.

Taking just a few simple maintenance steps will help keep your outdoor fountain in great shape for many years, providing countless hours of serenity and relaxation in your garden.