Caring for Your Garden Water Feature: Maintenance Tips and Tricks

A water feature adds beauty, movement, and tranquillity to any garden — but without proper care, it can quickly lose its sparkle. Whether you have a simple fountain, a cascading wall feature, or an ornamental pond display, regular maintenance keeps your water crystal clear and your pump running smoothly.

Here’s your complete guide to caring for your garden water feature all year round.

1. Keep the Water Clean and Clear

Algae, debris, and fallen leaves can build up fast, especially in summer. To maintain clear water:

Remove debris weekly using a small net or pond vacuum.
Top up water levels with fresh tap or rainwater to replace evaporation losses.
Use water treatments that are safe for wildlife to reduce algae and bacteria growth.

💧 Tip: Consider using collected rainwater — it’s softer and free from chlorine, which helps reduce algae naturally.

🛠 Browse: Water Features | Water Butts

2. Clean the Pump Regularly

Your pump is the heart of your water feature. A clogged pump can cause reduced flow or even burnout. Every few weeks:

Turn off the power supply.
Remove the pump cover and impeller.
Rinse under running water and remove any algae or sediment.
Check hoses for blockages or kinks before reassembling.

🧰 Tip: During heavy pollen seasons or autumn leaf fall, clean the pump more frequently.

3. Control Algae Growth

Algae thrive in sunlight and nutrient-rich water. Prevent growth by:

Placing your water feature in partial shade.
Adding aquatic plants like lilies to provide natural cover.
Using UV clarifiers or eco-friendly algaecides as needed.

Avoid chemical-heavy cleaners — they can harm wildlife and damage your feature’s finish.

4. Inspect Seals, Lights, and Fittings

Every few months, check that:

Seals and joints are watertight to prevent leaks.
Cables and lights are intact and suitable for outdoor use.
Decorative stones or pebbles haven’t shifted and blocked the flow.

Small checks like these extend the life of your equipment and keep your feature looking pristine.

5. Prepare for Winter

The UK winter can be harsh on garden water features. Before freezing temperatures set in:

Drain standing water from pumps, pipes, and reservoirs to prevent cracking.
Remove and store the pump indoors if possible.
Cover your feature with a waterproof sheet or specialist winter cover.

If your feature must stay running, use a frost-resistant heater or keep water circulating to stop ice forming.

6. Refresh the Water in Spring

When temperatures rise, it’s time for a spring refresh:

Empty the feature completely.
Clean all surfaces with a soft brush and mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
Refill with fresh water and restart your pump.

Add new decorative elements, stones, or lighting to give your feature a seasonal lift.

7. Use Accessories to Simplify Maintenance

Investing in the right accessories saves time and effort.

Pond vacuums remove sludge and debris efficiently.
Automatic water top-up kits keep levels steady.
Filter sponges extend pump life.

🔗 Explore: Water Feature Accessories | Pond Maintenance Tools

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained water feature is the centrepiece of any garden — bringing relaxation, sound, and style year-round. With just a few regular habits, you can keep it running beautifully for years to come.

🌿 Find everything you need to care for your feature in our Water Features and Garden Accessories collections at Aquatic Living.

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