3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Solar Water Fountain Clean…

A big attraction of water fountains that use solar bubblers is their easy set-up and low maintenance design. That said, they do need regular cleaning. Here are three 30-second tips that will keep your solar water fountain happily bubbling on its own for many years – with hardly any effort on your part…

Learn How to Clean a Solar-Powered Fountain…

To clean a solar water fountain, start by turning off the pump and draining the water. Remove any debris or algae from the fountain and scrub it with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water before restarting the pump.

1. Keeping Fountain Water Clean & Preventing Algae:

First of all, I highly suggest keeping the water as clean as you can without driving yourself nuts. The cleaner the water is, the less often you’ll need to clear the pump, wipe down the solar panels and drain the basin. In other words, taking care of this first step makes cleaning your fountain a lot less work.

Clear leaves, branches and other vegetation that may stack up in the basin. Some people do this once a week, or you may need to do it more often depending on who much stuff falls in the water. (Ideally, you don’t want to set up your fountain under a tree because it will catch a lot of leaves.)

I suggest using a skimmer or small net designed for a fish tank. This convenient handheld gadgets get the big leaves but also grab tiny bits of things too.

Consequently, a little preventative maintenance reduces the amount of filter cleaning you need to do later. Plus, these little aquarium nets only cost a few bucks and are super useful.

In addition, I add an algae clarifier to the water to prevent the green gunk from growing on the sides and bottom of the fountain. A single bottle can last several years, so this additive is very cost-efficient.

Note: Typically, you only need a few drops a week. However, bird bath bubblers move the water around, slowing down algae growth. Therefore, you can go weeks before needing to add more algae clarifier.

2. Cleaning the Pump Filter

Second, you want to keep the pump filter clear. Once debris clogs up the filter, the pump can’t get enough water and it will stop functioning. Then, you’ll notice isn’t spraying water.

Most times, wiping the pump filter with your finger will clear any small bits that have wedged themselves in there. Just lift the bubbler out of the water and clean it.

Note: If the filter needs a deeper cleaning (or small bits are stuck in the crevices), I spray a garden hose on it for a few seconds and that works very effectively.

That said, if you want a small brush to reach in any small gaps or holes, a small $5 brush kit will do the job. Plus, it comes with multiple brushes that you can use for different cleaning tasks like straws, tubes, grates, etc..

You may only need to remove debris from the fountain filter every 2-3 weeks or once a month. However, if a lot of leaves or bugs consistently accumulate in the water, then you’ll usually see the filter clog up more often.

3. Cleaning the Solar Panels

Third, clean solar panels can collect more energy and run your fountain for longer. Therefore, be sure to clean off the panels if they accumulate dirt, pollen, etc..

In general, I haven’t found that the panels get overly dirty because the water does a good job at keeping them fairly clean. In any case, take a peek at them occasionally, especially when your solar water fountain is new.

Note: Just use a soft cloth and no abrasive brushes or cleaning products. Panels can easily scratch and then work less effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide on Cleaning a Solar Fountain:

1. Empty the Pool: Drain the fountain entirely. In other words, we want it completely dry before we start.

2. Ornament Vacation: Remove any decorative stones, pebbles, or aquatic ornaments from the fountain. They deserve a little spa day too.

3. Solar Panel TLC: Take a close look at the solar panel. If it’s dusty or dirty, clean it with a damp cloth, being gentle to avoid scratching the solar cells.

4. Filter and Pump Check: Carefully take out the filters and pump, and give them a thorough rinse in clean, fresh water.

5. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Time for some scrubbing action. Use a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water to clean the inside of your fountain.

6. Stubborn Stains Be Gone: For mineral deposits or stubborn grime, use a 50/50 vinegar-water mix. Scrub away and witness the magic.

7. Rinse Well: Ensure all soap or vinegar residues are washed away with a thorough rinse.

8. Reassemble the Crew: Place your cleaned filters, pump, and ornaments back in their rightful spots.

9. Fill ‘Er Up: Add fresh water to your fountain, filling it to the desired level.

10. Power Up: Turn your fountain back on, letting the water flow and the solar power do its thing.

Regular Maintenance: Make it a routine to clean your solar fountain every few weeks, depending on how quickly it accumulates dirt and grime. Stay on top of it like a pro. Happy cleaning!

How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Fountain?

Of course, this will depend on the environment in your yard. That said, I aim to clean my fountain every 2-4 weeks. Also, less sunshine in winter translates to minimal algae growth, thus less frequent cleaning is required.

Keep in mind that scooping out fallen debris more often can minimize all of the other tasks. Therefore, I like to go out once a week and use my skimmer – or more often if there’s a lot of wind or falling leaves.

Note: Avoid using soap or cleaning products when wiping down your fountain because they can leave a residue. In most cases, plain water works perfectly fine.

Summary:

In conclusion, maintaining a solar water fountain involves keeping the water clean, regularly clearing pump filters and occasionally cleaning the solar panels. By following these measures, you can keep your fountain operating optimally with minimal effort.

Adjust the cleaning frequency based on environmental factors to preventing excessive build-up. Plus, it makes the upkeep process more manageable. Ultimately, a well-cared for solar water fountain can provide continuous enjoyment with little maintenance required.