Outdoor water features are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, however, there are additional things you should do to increase their durability, particularly during the colder months!
Having said this, in order to keep your feature working in tip top condition, we recommend following the below procedures all year round to ensure that it is protected from the elements and that the water remains crystal clear.
Clear Water
Clear water that sparkles so attractively in the sunlight is essential to the beauty of your water feature but, just as importantly, its clarity gives you peace of mind that the circulating pump is not blocked by any algae, sludge and other pollutants that will often cause the water to discolour.
If you are experiencing green or clouded water, you should consider purchasing a treatment to clear this. There are several treatments available, both in liquid or tablet form, that are designed specifically for this reason and generally work quite quickly. However, please be careful when deciding which treatment to buy as some may not be suitable for your particular feature and others may contain chemicals which are harmful to fish, birds or any pets you may have that drink from your feature.
Limescale and Grime
In certain parts of the country, limescale caused by hard water is a problem as it leaves chalky mineral deposits that soon build up. Not only does it look unsightly on the outside, internally the limescale will restrict the pump's performance which will make it highly likely to fail.
In order to avoid this, we recommend regularly applying a lime scale remover on the feature's exterior to maintain its appearance. In addition to this, the pump should be removed and cleaned annually to maximise its working life and ensure optimum performance.
If a water feature has been neglected while collecting grime over a prolonged period of time, you can brush it clean with hot water containing a mild detergent. Alternatively, there is a choice of specialist cleaners that will remove stubborn dirt from resin and stone. There are also other sprays to restore and seal surfaces that have been dulled by age and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Winter Draining
We strongly recommend bringing your feature indoors, e.g. in a garage or shed, during the cold winter months. This is to avoid water freezing and expanding in the bowl, shell or cavities which will inevitably cause irreversible damage and leave your feature practically unusable. After draining the feature through its outlet, place some absorbent material (such as an old blanket or sheet) into each bowl to soak up any residue. We also recommend using this time to inspect and clean the pump to flush out any deposits that could impede its performance.
Waterproof Covers
After draining, the feature can be protected by a waterproof cover, shielding it from falling leaves that will stain and may cause a blockage, as well as preventing any damaging weathering caused by rain and snow. Several sizes are available and can be quickly fitted, they are designed to fit snugly, with drawstrings acting as security against high winds.