A concrete fountain looks its best when the water is clear and the surface is clean. Over time, outdoor fountains collect leaves, dust, algae and mineral deposits. Regular, gentle cleaning keeps your fountain looking good and helps the pump run smoothly.
This guide covers a simple routine that suits most concrete fountains. Our recommended approach is simple: hot water for general cleaning, and a calcium cleaner for mineral buildup. Always check the care instructions for your specific fountain first.
How often should you clean?
It depends on sun, trees, wind and climate. As a general rhythm:
- Weekly: top off the water and skim out leaves and debris. Our FAQ recommends topping off weekly.
- Monthly: clean the pump filter. Our FAQ recommends this monthly.
- A few times a year, or when you see buildup: do a full drain-and-clean.
What you'll need
- A soft-bristle brush (avoid wire brushes, which can scratch concrete and finishes)
- Sponges and soft cloths
- A bucket and a garden hose
- A wet vac or small utility pump for larger basins (optional)
- Gloves
- Hot water
- A calcium cleaner, for white mineral (calcium) deposits
What to avoid
- Harsh chemicals. One of our product pages specifically warns: "Do not use pool shock or harsh chemicals."
- Pressure washers on concrete or other finished surfaces. Pressure washing is only suitable for some natural rock fountains, so ask us before using one.
- Other acidic or harsh cleaners, such as strong vinegar mixes or household chemicals. For mineral deposits, use a calcium cleaner and follow its label.
- Abrasive pads and wire brushes.
Step 1: Unplug the pump
Always unplug the pump before touching the water or the pump itself. Our Fountain Installation Guide recommends a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet for fountain pumps.
Step 2: Drain the fountain
Bail out the water, sponge out the bowls, or use a wet vac or small pump for larger basins. Remove leaves and debris as you go.
If you only need a light clean, you can often wipe the tiers and skim debris without fully draining. Still unplug the pump first.
Step 3: Clean the pump
- Lift the pump out and disconnect the tubing.
- Remove the intake cover or filter, following the pump's instructions.
- Rinse off debris and gently brush away any buildup.
- Check the tubing for clogs.
- Reassemble.
A clean pump keeps water flowing evenly. A clogged intake is one of the most common reasons a fountain's flow weakens.
Step 4: Scrub the surfaces
Wet the concrete, then scrub gently with a soft brush and hot water. Work from the top tier down so dirty water runs away from areas you've already cleaned. Rinse thoroughly so no residue goes back into the water.
For sphere fountains, wipe the sphere's surface and clear any debris from the basin cover or rocks around it, where leaves tend to collect.
Step 5: Deal with algae and mineral deposits
Algae grows in standing or warm water, especially in full sun. Regular cleaning, keeping water moving and keeping water topped off all help. Our article How to Prevent Algae and Oxidation in Your Outdoor Fountain covers this in more detail.
Mineral deposits (white, chalky marks) come from minerals in tap water that remain after evaporation. Topping off often helps, so the water level doesn't drop and leave rings. Some owners top off with distilled or filtered water to reduce buildup. To remove existing deposits, we recommend a calcium cleaner. Follow the label, test a small hidden area first, and rinse thoroughly before refilling.
Step 6: Inspect, refill and restart
Once clean, check the fountain for chips or cracks. Our installation guide includes a final inspection for cracks or chips at setup. Then:
- Return the pump and reconnect the tubing.
- Refill so the pump is fully covered. Our installation guide recommends 4–6 inches of water above the pump.
- Plug in and check that water flows evenly over every tier.
- If flow is uneven, check that the fountain is still level.
Protecting the surface: sealer
All of our fountains ship sealed and protected, and we provide a complimentary Fountain & Flora sealer. We recommend resealing once a year with the Fountain & Flora sealer. Our installation guide notes that sealing helps "protect the surface and prevent algae buildup." If you plan to reseal, clean the fountain and let it dry completely first.
Indoor and commercial fountains
Fountains in cafés, lobbies and other indoor spaces collect dust and may need more frequent wipe-downs.
Simple habits that make cleaning easier
- Skim leaves before they sink and break down.
- Keep the water topped off.
- Keep the pump running if your fountain is designed for continuous use, since moving water discourages algae.
- Drain and protect the fountain in freezing weather.
Need help?
Every Fountain & Flora fountain is handmade, and finishes vary. If you're unsure about a cleaning product or method, contact us before you try it: info@fountain-flora.com or (714) 210-1414. You can also browse fountain accessories.
