When temperatures drop, an outdoor fountain needs a little attention. Water expands as it freezes. Ice left in a basin, a bowl or a pump can stress concrete and damage pump parts. The good news: winterizing is mostly common sense, and it takes about an afternoon.
This guide gives general steps that work for most outdoor fountains. Every fountain is different, though, so always check the instructions that came with yours.
Do you need to winterize at all?
It depends on where you live. If your area regularly drops below freezing, plan to winterize. In mild climates, including much of Southern California, many people run their fountains year-round. They keep an eye on the forecast and act only when a frost is expected.
Our own care guidance is simple. In freezing temperatures, drain the fountain and store the pump indoors. That advice appears in our FAQ and on our Fountain Installation Guide.
Why freezing is hard on fountains
Water that sits in a bowl, a tier or a basin can freeze solid overnight. As it expands, it presses against the walls of whatever holds it. Concrete is strong, but repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles can open small cracks or make existing ones worse. Pumps are vulnerable too. Water frozen inside the housing or tubing can damage seals and impellers.
Running a fountain in freezing weather isn't a reliable fix. Moving water can still freeze at the edges, and ice can block the pump's intake so it runs dry.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the pump
Always start by unplugging the pump from its outdoor outlet. Never reach into a fountain while the pump is plugged in. Our installation guide recommends a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet for fountain pumps, and that protection matters any time water and electricity are close together.
Step 2: Drain the fountain completely
Empty every tier, bowl and basin. Depending on your fountain, you can:
- Bail or sponge out the water by hand.
- Use a small utility pump or wet vac for large basins.
- Tilt light pieces only if the manufacturer says it's safe. Heavy concrete pieces should never be moved without proper equipment.
Pay attention to low spots where water collects, like the inside of a top bowl or the recess around a pump. A sponge works well for those last puddles.
This applies to hidden-basin sphere kits too: drain the water from the basin, then take the pump out and put it away.
Step 3: Remove, clean and store the pump
Our FAQ advises storing the pump indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. A typical approach:
- Lift the pump out of the basin and disconnect the tubing.
- Rinse off debris and clean the intake screen or filter.
- Let it dry fully.
- Store it indoors, somewhere it won't freeze.
Put the pump away somewhere protected until spring, and follow any instructions that came with it.
If your pump is worn out at the end of the season, we currently sell a submersible water pump, and Fountain & Flora will offer replacement pumps in all sizes soon.
Step 4: Clean the surfaces before they sit for months
Winter is a good time for a full clean, so your fountain doesn't sit with algae or mineral deposits all season. We recommend cleaning with hot water and a soft brush, and using a calcium cleaner on white mineral (calcium) deposits. Follow the cleaner's label and rinse well. Avoid other harsh chemicals. One of our product pages specifically warns against pool shock and harsh chemicals.
For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to prevent algae and oxidation in your outdoor fountain.
Step 5: Protect the fountain from rain, snow and ice
A drained fountain can still fill up with rain or snowmelt, and that water can freeze. Options include:
- If you use a cover, choose a breathable one that keeps rain and debris out without trapping moisture.
- Leaving bowls in a position that sheds water, if the design allows it.
- Checking after storms and emptying anything that has collected.
Avoid anything that traps moisture against the fountain.
Step 6: Check the finish and the sealer
All of our fountains ship sealed and protected, and we also provide a complimentary sealer. We recommend resealing once a year with the Fountain & Flora sealer. If your yearly reseal falls due while you're winterizing, clean the fountain and let it dry completely first.
Spring restart checklist
When freezing nights are behind you:
- Inspect tiers, bowls and the basin for chips or cracks.
- Reconnect the pump and tubing.
- Fill the basin so the pump is fully submerged. Our installation guide recommends at least 4–6 inches of water above the pump.
- Plug into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and check that water flows evenly.
- Top off the water weekly and clean the pump filter monthly during the season, as recommended in our FAQ.
A note on sphere and modern fountains
Sphere fountains like our 24" Concrete Sphere Outdoor Fountain – Full Kit or the 30" Concrete Sphere Fountain with a hidden basin hold their water reservoir out of sight. The same principle applies: drain the water, remove the pump and keep water from collecting where it can freeze.
Questions?
Every Fountain & Flora fountain is handmade, and many are customized. If you're not sure how to winterize your piece, email us at info@fountain-flora.com or call (714) 210-1414. You can also browse our Classic Fountains and Sphere Fountains collections.
