PRODUCT CARE & INFORMATION- Fountain/Pump Care
Pump Care
The fountain relies heavily on the quality of the pump. A well-maintained pump can last several years.
Step 1 – Fully submerge: Ensure the pump is fully submerged at all times to avoid damage.
Step 2 – Ensure water level is sufficient: Check water levels regularly as water may evaporate over time, and periodically change water to avoid algae buildup.
Step 3 – Clean pump: Use soap and water, or white vinegar and water, with a small, soft brush to clean the pump of debris, dirt, and algae buildup. This should be done every 2-3 months.
Surface Care
Paints and finishes may fade over time due to weathering. By following these tips, you will be able to maintain your foutain's surface.
Step 1 - Control Algae and White Scale: Due to water evaporation, you may see white residue on your fountain surface from the mineral content in your water supply. Fountain Fresh can help prevent buildup that occurs from minerals and hard water.
Step 2 - Protect and Refinish: Depending on the material of your fountain, protectants and sprays may prolong the appearance of the surface. Paint and refinishing kits can be used for touch-up.
Winter Care Instructions
Many materials used to produce fountains can expand and contract in different temperatures/humidity levels. If the temperature falls below 32ºF or humidity levels change drastically, follow the steps below to protect your fountain.
Step 1 – Bring inside: If possible, bring your outdoor fountain inside for the winter.
Step 2 – Store in dry location: If unable to bring inside, store your fountain in a dry and covered location.
Step 3 – Bring components inside: Move all internal components (stoppers, tubing, lights, pump, etc) inside. A pump can stay in a fountain for the winter, but if you choose to leave it in, it must be completely dry and insulated with plastic bags and towel to ensure it stays dry. However, it is recommended to bring it inside.
Step 4 – Completely drain: It is important to prevent water from accumulating anywhere, as freezing and thawing of water can cause pump damage and cause cracks to form in your fountain. Remove the drain plugs.
Step 5 – Elevate Fountain: Fountains may freeze to the ground and cause cracking in the base if left outside in the winter. If unable to store inside or in a dry covered location, try to raise your fountain above ground.
Step 6 – Cover Fountain: Make sure to use a breathable material when covering. DO NOT COVER IN PLASTIC! Make sure the fountain is taut so that no snow or water can pool in the cover. Tie the opening at the bottom of the cover around the fountain.
Cast Stone
Outdoor Planting Instructions
Cast stone planters are equipped with pre-installed drainage holes to allow for drainage. The drain holes must be kept clear to maintain the longevity of your planter, especially in climates that undergo freeze thaw cycles in the winter. We recommend, whenever possible, raising the planter off of the ground to prevent the planter from freezing to the surface below; Covering the drain holes with a mesh screen or equivalent to keep debris from clogging the openings; Filling the bottom of the planter with non-porous drainage material; Filling the remainder of the planter with a well-draining soil mix that will not retain water; and lastly, covering the soil with decorative mulchor pine bark to the top rim of the planter to discourage water from pooling on the surface.
Cleaning Instructions
The cast stone planters can be cleaned with diluted vinegar and water or with any commercially available mild detergent. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or brush. Do not pressure wash, apply corrosive cleaners or clean with anything abrasive. Note that it may take several cycles of wiping and drying before the planter is completely clean. Cast stone contains salts that may effloresce over time. You will notice a fine white powdery coating on the surface of the cast stone if the efflorescence is present in your product. If you wish to remove the salt deposits, Campania can recommend an appropriate efflorescence cleaner.
Winter Care Instructions
While this high density mixture is designed to produce a strong and durable product, proper maintenance is recommended to protect our product from the freeze-thaw cycles that occur in winter. Any piece which can hold water, snow or ice, such as a planter, birdbath/ fountain top or shell, and any piece which is placed directly on the ground surface, such as a statue, birdbath/fountain base, planter or bench leg, can be damaged by the winter freeze-thaw cycles.
If a planter is to be left planted over the winter, it should be raised up off the ground by placing two (2) pressure treated wood strips underneath the planter, making sure not to block the drainage hole. Attractive pot risers sold by Campania may also be used for this purpose. This will allow the soil to drain and will prevent the planter from freezing to the ground. If a planter is placed directly on the ground and goes through several freeze-thaw cycles, drainage may be blocked. This may cause an expansion of the soil inside the planter, which in turn may cause the planter to crack or crumble. We always recommend that drainage materials such as small stones or terra cotta chips be placed at the bottom of the planter before filling with soil to ensure proper drainage. If a planter is not to remain planted over the winter, we suggest that it be stored in a covered area where it will be protected from the elements. If a planter must be left outside unplanted, we suggest that it be emptied and turned upside down onto wood strips. It should then be covered or wrapped with burlap or any absorbent material (old blanket/towel) and then wrapped with dark plastic. This will prevent moisture from accumulating in the planter. Please note that even if a cast stone container is raised off the ground, there is always the risk that the container will absorb water through its surface which, when frozen, can cause the planter to crack or break.
While this high density mixture is designed to produce a strong and durable product, proper maintenance is recommended to protect our product from the freeze-thaw cycles that occur in winter. Any piece which can hold water, snow or ice, such as a planter, birdbath/ fountain top or shell, and any piece which is placed directly on the ground surface, such as a statue, birdbath/fountain base, planter or bench leg, can be damaged by the winter freeze-thaw cycles.
If a planter is to be left planted over the winter, it should be raised up off the ground by placing two (2) pressure treated wood strips underneath the planter, making sure not to block the drainage hole. Attractive pot risers sold by Campania may also be used for this purpose. This will allow the soil to drain and will prevent the planter from freezing to the ground. If a planter is placed directly on the ground and goes through several freeze-thaw cycles, drainage may be blocked. This may cause an expansion of the soil inside the planter, which in turn may cause the planter to crack or crumble. We always recommend that drainage materials such as small stones or terra cotta chips be placed at the bottom of the planter before filling with soil to ensure proper drainage. If a planter is not to remain planted over the winter, we suggest that it be stored in a covered area where it will be protected from the elements. If a planter must be left outside unplanted, we suggest that it be emptied and turned upside down onto wood strips. It should then be covered or wrapped with burlap or any absorbent material (old blanket/towel) and then wrapped with dark plastic. This will prevent moisture from accumulating in the planter. Please note that even if a cast stone container is raised off the ground, there is always the risk that the container will absorb water through its surface which, when frozen, can cause the planter to crack or break.
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