The following tips should answer 95% of any questions you may have. We’re available to make sure you are entirely happy with your new fountain.
I would like to grow plants in my fountain. What do you suggest?
Aquatic plants may be grown in fountains that have sufficient space in the base. You will want to choose dwarf varieties such as are available at most local garden or landscaping centers for a tabletop fountain. Try to contain the roots and organic matter by enclosing the base of the plant in a small mesh bag or underwater pot. Be sure to keep plant roots away from the pump. Before adding plants, read your pump warranty carefully, as some are voided when plants are used in the fountain.
What is Feng Shui and what does it suggest about fountains?
Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is a system of architecture, environment, and interior design developed in the Orient in ancient times. It prescribes arrangement of our physical environment so as to best enhance the wellbeing of those living or working in that space. According to Feng Shui principles, placing a fountain near the home or office entry areas invites harmony, good luck, and prosperity.
My fountain is splashing over. What’s wrong?
You may have the water flow turned up too high on the pump. Look for the adjustment dial on your pump and try another setting. You can also try moving any rocks that might be creating a splash effect or add rocks to soften the fall of the water.
My fountain is too quiet. Can I make it gurgle more?
Try turning up the water flow on the pump. Add or reposition rocks for the water to flow against. This may enhance the sound. Otherwise, you may need to choose a different fountain. Some people like their fountains quiet, others like more water sound.
My fountain is too noisy. Can I make it quieter?
Usually, yes. First, check and see where the noise is coming from. Sometimes small pebbles can get stuck in the water pathway and make a sound as the water flows through. Simply remove the pebble. If the water noise is too lively for you, use the water level adjustment on the pump to modify it, or move any rocks so that the water flow is changed.
Fountains may become noisier when the water level goes down. Fill up the fountain as high as possible without overflowing, and replace water as it evaporates. Depending on your climate, you will need to check your water level every 1-3 days.
If your pump is noisy it may need cleaning. Follow Cleaning Instructions. Note that when a pump is first turned on or primed it is normal for the pump to be louder. Allow it to run for 2-3 minutes and the pump should quiet down.
Over time your pump may need lubrication. We find that one squirt of WD 40 inside the rotor cavity is usually enough to quiet a loud hum. The manufacturer may have included instructions for this.
Check the surface on which the fountain is resting. If hard, it may tend to vibrate with the motor. Try putting a soft cloth underneath or reposition it. In case the pump is vibrating against part of its housing, a small piece of sponge or mesh could be placed to cushion the pump. Sometimes all it takes is a little jiggling or gentle tap on the pump to stop the hum.
Rocks can sometimes be added to a fountain to absorb noise. See Fountain Accessories for our bags of ocean pebbles. If these measures don’t help, your pump could have overheated when the fountain was low on water. Overheating cracks a part called the rotor, and from that, a louder humming sound is produced. You will need to replace the pump. We sell a very quiet pump separately under Fountain Accessories.
Note: A pump has a motor, and no motor is silent. A slight humming sound is natural.
Help. My fountain smells
This is very rare but it can happen if you have forgotten to clean your fountain. Clean your fountain thoroughly or its use may be impaired. Follow instructions under cleaning above. Then use a product like Fountec in a small weekly dose to remove and inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria in your fountain. See Fountain Accessories.
The water in my fountain stopped flowing. What do I do?
Occasionally fountain pumps need replacing, but 95% of the time they just need cleaning or some adjustment. Here is a procedure to test pump operation: With your hand on the submerged pump, move the water flow dial from low to high. If you feel a vibration, the pump is still working. If you haven’t cleaned it in a while, follow the cleaning instructions. Is there debris blocking any water flow area? Also, check to be sure the pump’s water flow valve is turned up. Take the fountain apart to see if the tubing is correctly attached to the pump.
Can I use a fountain around children and pets
Children and pets are naturally drawn to fountains and can’t resist playing with the water and rocks. Please carefully consider risks for children and pets when placing your fountain. It is best to keep fountains out of their reach. It is not recommended to use any chemicals in fountain water if you have young children and pets at home, just in case they find their way to it.
Can I put fish in my fountain?
Fish can be a wonderful addition to a fountain! A few of our fountains are large enough for small fish. This will be indicated in the fountain instructions. If you are using fish, be sure not to use an algaecide product in the water. Please note: If you are cleaning a fountain that houses some fish, we recommend that you use a sponge that is brand new and dedicated to only that fountain. The accidental introduction of cleaning agents will harm the fish. Also, when purchasing a new sponge, read the fine print on its package! The antibacterial substance now included in most household sponges is toxic to fish.
What do I do if my fountain doesn’t fit together properly?
On occasion, the top of a fountain does not set down onto the base properly because of the size or fit of the plastic tubing. If the plastic tube is too tall, you may need to cut it down. If the tubing doesn’t fit together smoothly, contact our customer service department.
Are there precautions I should take if using an outdoor fountain?
Outdoor fountains are a joyful addition to any garden but need more careful checking than indoor fountains. Watch for leaves or other materials that might fall in and clog your pump. Pets, raccoons, squirrels, or other animals may overturn or place objects in your fountain.