FAQs

How Much Water Does a Water Feature Use? How Often Should I Top It Up?
Another running cost associated with water features is water usage,
especially if you are on a metered supply. However – all our water features
are either designed for pond use or self-contained, which means none of
them need to be connected to a mains water supply. While they will need
topping up occasionally with fresh water, especially in hot weather when
the water evaporates quickly, the water use associated with most of our
water features is minimal.

Please Note: With all water features containing a pump it is important to
keep the water feature topped up when running – this is because the pump
must remain submerged when switched on. If the pump emerges from the
water due to evaporation, this has the potential to cause damage to the
pump and reduce its lifespan.

How Much Electricity Does a Water Feature Use? Can It Be Left On?
How much will running a water feature set you back? The amount of
electricity a water feature uses is generally dependent on the pump type
and size, specifically the wattage of the pump attached to the water feature.
On most of our product pages for water features we have the wattage
indicated under the specifications.

To calculate how much a water feature will cost to run per hour, simply
enter your pence per kWh electricity rate, found on your electricity bill, and
times it by the wattage on the product page. For example if we take one of
our larger water features, like Almeria or Patagonia we can see it has a low
wattage of 12W, so times that by the average electricity rate of roughly 10 –
13c per kWh and we get a cost of around 0.16 cent per hour, or 3 – 4 cent
a day if left running constantly. This translates to less than a fan or electric
heater, so it does not cost as much as you might think to have the sound of
running water going constantly.

Of course, if you opt for a water feature from our solar range, you won’t
have to worry about running costs at all!

When Will a Solar Water Feature Run and Not Run?
Solar water features are great in that they are entirely self-contained,
however due to their reliance on the sun’s rays, there are certain situation
where they won’t run, for example on overcast days or at night. You can
extend the period time a solar water feature will function by purchasing one
with a battery backup, this can store up to three hours of pump life in the
battery, however it is important to note that in order to charge the battery
the features must be left in prolonged sunlight for a period of time, so even
solar water features with a battery backup may not have much life in the
winter months.

Maintenance & Cleaning Recommendations
You can clean your water feature once a week for cleaning of the mirror or
glass with a standard glass cleaner on all surfaces of the waterfall feature.
The water feature’s reservoir should be drained once every two to three
months depending on water quality in your area and whether the water
feature is located inside or outside. After draining, wipe the inside of the
reservoir with a clean, wet rag. If you use cleaning agents to remove any
dirt and debris from the reservoir, be sure to thoroughly rinse it before
refilling with clean water.

Calcium build-up
Over a period of time hard water may cause the glass to develop a hazy or
cloudy film on its surface. Completely draining and replacing the water in
the water feature more often will prevent this problem. If the problem
continues consider using distilled water.
If the glass on your water feature begins to develop a hazy or cloudy film,
this is a calcium build up which can also occur on the pump, nozzles or
filter.

To remove calcium build-up on glass, we recommend adding CLR or
vinegar to a soft cloth to gently work away at the residue.
For pumps, nozzles and filters use CLR or white vinegar. To clean a pump,
nozzle or filter you must:

• Remove it from the water feature
• Place it in a bucket of half CLR or vinegar
• Allow it to soak overnight
• Scrub off any remaining calcium and rinse in fresh water

Algae
If the unit develops an algae problem, you will notice the algae by a sour
odour and/or green or brown/black substance. If this occurs, add a pool
algaecide to the unit as directed through the reservoir via the rock tray.

Filter Cleaning
Before undertaking filer cleaning, drain the water from the reservoir
otherwise during the cleaning process, debris and dirt can end up going
into the line and clogging the water feature.

To clean the filter:

• Drain water from reservoir
• Unscrew cap and remove filter
• Clean under tap with bottle brush and running water
• Reassemble the filter then adjust the valve as required

Water Feature Maintenance Schedule
To keep your water feature at its best and to not void your warranty you
must:

Daily/Weekly:
Check the water levels to prevent damage to the pump (unless auto top-up
system is installed).
Monthly:
Dose the water feature with algaecide. If required, clean stainless steel with
a quality stainless steel polish. If required, clean the class with methylated
spirits and paper towel. If you notice any calcium deposits (white marks),
you can use a white scour pad and some CLR, to remove them.

Every 2-3 Months:
Drain the water feature completely, wipe down reservoir and clean filter as
per instructions.
Please note that replacing all the water in the water feature once a month
will naturally cut back on deposits and possible algae growth. It greatly
reduces the need to take a water feature apart for cleaning.

Bubble Panel / Bubble Bar
Bubble Panels by nature are designed to be very low on the maintenance
that is required to keep them looking as new. A regular water top up should
be all that is required. A non-abrasive cloth is all that should be used to
clean the exterior window of the panel.

Table Fountains
Tabletop fountains can find their place in every room of any home. These
essential décor pieces may be small, but they make a huge impact on a
space. Whether you are looking for a modern piece for your end table or a
small Asian-inspired one for your meditation space you will have no
problem finding one you love here.

Floor Standing Fountains
Floor fountains are unexpected and offer an element of surprise. Plus, they
can be placed anywhere there is an electrical outlet and they do not require
any mounting. This makes them perfect whether you live in a studio
apartment, industrial loft, or a penthouse in a high rise, since mounting a
wall variety may be frowned upon if you are a renter in some cases. Most
of our fountains have endless options so you can customize your fountain
to exactly what you want.  We have a variety of floor fountains including
glass fountains, mirror fountains, and you can even add your logo to almost
any of these!  At Fountain Store we carry a diverse selection of floor water
features so there is truly something for everyone.  If you need to save floor
space then you should consider a wall handing fountain instead.

Bubble Walls & Features
Water panel bubble fountains are a gorgeous type of water features that
can be tiny for small spaces or take up entire walls. They are a modern
water feature and are commonly seen in fancy restaurants, medical
facilities, spas, resorts and hotels, casinos, and thousands of other places.
People choose bubble fountains because they require hardly any upkeep,
add beauty and uniqueness to an area, and create a calming feeling when
watched.

These fountains, both small and large, are created with highly durable
acrylic panels and sealed tightly to prevent leakage. Water is inserted and
air flows through to create the bubbles. One of the greatest factors about
bubble walls is how they can seemingly come in any shape and size, and
even have LED systems so you can add color and glow. They have been
made into free-standing pillars, flat wall features, table legs (yes, a bubble
table!), standing wave-shaped, and much more. You have tons of stock
options and can even customize a bubble fountain yourself. Options and
designs are endless and after installation, all you have to do is enjoy the
view.