Garden water features UK add beauty and tranquillity to any outdoor area, but their life span depends on their seasonal maintenance. A beautifully maintained water feature will always be a focal point with ecological and esthetic advantages year-round. This is a guide on keeping your outdoor water feature looking good all year round.
- In the summer, your garden water features UK will most likely serve as the main attraction of your garden. To keep it working well, check the water levels often because evaporation increases with increasing temperatures. Top off as necessary to maintain the water level. To avoid blockage, check the pump and filters once a week and, if needed, clean or replace them. Two organic methods to stop algae growth—which is more apparent in the summer—are to add barley straw or install a UV clarifier. Make sure aquatic plants are kept clipped and cared for to prevent them from taking over the feature.
- When the leaves fall, your garden water features UK needs more care to be ready for winter. Set a net over the feature to prevent falling leaves and other debris from breaking down in the water and creating sludge. Fish feeding should cease entirely when the temperature dips below 50°F (10°C). Sort aquatic plants and remove any that won’t survive the winter. Lastly, clean the pump and filter before winter.
- Restoring and cleaning your garden water features UK is best done in the spring, following the winter. Initially, sweep up any accumulated trash, such as leaves and twigs. Drain the water and use a non-toxic cleanser to remove algae and dirt. Look for any damage on the filters, pumps, and tubing and fix it as necessary. Gradually reintroducing water vegetation and fish will assist to avoid shock from the rising temperature. Last, top up the water feature and use a water conditioner to ensure that the environment for plants and animals is healthy.
- The top concern for wintertime safety is protecting your water features from subfreezing temperatures. If you live in an area with hard winters, it is advisable to empty the feature and remove the pump, placing it somewhere it won’t freeze. If you would prefer to leave the garden water features UK running, use a floating de-icer or pond heater to prevent the water from freezing completely, leaving a small hole for gas exchange. See if ice forms often, and sweep out any debris accumulating on top.
Follow these seasonal maintenance tips to keep your backyard water feature looking and functioning well all year long. Routine maintenance ensures its constant beauty and ability to sustain aquatic life in a healthy habitat, which also enhances the general ambience of your yard. If you want to shop the best garden fountains for sale, check our site, Just Fountains, for more!