Should You Leave an Outdoor Fountain on All the Time?

7 min readNov 20, 2022

Outdoor water fountains create a pleasant ambiance around your premises; they not only increase the appearance of your garden but also attract birds- there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of water and birds!

Do you know?

Solar fountains do not need much maintenance, so it is possible to leave your outdoor fountain running as long as there is enough supply of water to maintain the flow.

Generally, water fountains in outdoor areas are powered by submerged water pumps that must be kept running to ensure optimal flow of water.

Now, what will happen if there is no water?

The fountain needs energy and water to run the system; if the submerged pump does not get enough supply of water, it may lead to overheating.

Do you want to learn more about it?

This article will explain the importance of running your fountain pump and the negative effects of switching off the pump. I’ll also tell you the common issues that people encounter when using water fountains.

They generally ask these questions in forums, but if you want a quick answer from me, you can ask in the comment below.

Should You Turn Off Your Outdoor Water Fountain?

I do not recommend switching off the water fountain because they are designed to run 24/7. Do you know that frequently switching off the water pump can cause it to be damaged more quickly? It could also trigger additional issues (pests, bugs, and algae) due to stagnant water.

Like most other articles online, it is not only about problems. I’ll also tell you about fountain maintenance.

Do Fountain Pumps Need to Run Continuously?

The fountains are used to run continuously, and they operate at a lower speed, so they last for a long time without much maintenance. Indeed, you can switch off the fountain for maintenance, but do not switch it off and on every day.

Learn More about Solar Fountains

Solar Fountains FAQs (SOLVED): Ultimate Guide

What Will Happens If You Leave an Outdoor Water Fountain Off?

It may lead to issues like the growth of algae which can lead to the breeding of pests and other insects. The habit of turning off your fountain frequently can cause damage to the fountain and the pump. Some other issues are:

The breeding ground of eggs-laying insects during the summer months.
Growth of algae and other bacteria.
Dirt and other weeds make the water grey.
If you have fish, the stagnant water may cause harm to their health.
Your pool can be the ‘Palace’ of mosquito larvae!

Do not let this happen to you; it might result in health diseases for your family members, employees, or guests. If you want to switch off the fountains for a few days, please clean the water during and after the maintenance to prevent such issues.

The flowing water prevents algae growth. That is why a river is cleaner than a stagnant pond. It is also true for outdoor water fountains. That means ensuring the good condition of the pool by installing a solar fountain.

However, it does not mean you cannot switch off the fountain.

When Should I Turn off My Fountain?

All the water fountains (solar fountains, too) need maintenance because I faced an odor in my pool when the solar fountain was left without maintenance. I suggest switching off the fountain once a month and cleaning the pool. There are many ways to keep your pool odor-free.

How Long Should I Keep My Solar Fountain Switch off?

You should not keep the fountain switched off because algae or bacteria start to grow within 24 hours. You may notice the algae growth (change in water color) within a week, but the stagnant water is always a magnet for adult mosquitoes. Once mosquitoes lay eggs, they start to hatch!

Next time, when you restart the fountain, clean the pool water.

Should I Turn off My Waterfall at Night?

If you are using an electric fountain, there is no need to turn it off at night. In the case of a solar water fountain outdoors, you can save battery power when you do not need to run the system. However, it needs less maintenance, and solar power does not add up to your electricity bills, so you can run the fountain all the time.

Can You Turn Off Water Fountains Outdoor in Winter?

The fountain should not be turned off in winter, as it can freeze the fountain or water. Switching off the fountain could cause damage to the pump. A frozen pool of water can damage marble, stone, or any other material used in fountains.

However, there is a way to turn off the fountains before ‘ winter is coming.’

Remove the water completely and clean the pool before turning off the pump.
You must cover the fountain with a tarp or remove it to avoid snowfalls.

Till now, I have only explained the queries regarding an outdoor water fountain, but you can buy a fountain for indoor use too. Let’s explain two lines regarding indoor fountains:

Should You Leave Indoor Fountains on All the Time?

The functions of outdoor and indoor fountains are similar. Generally, there is no issue keeping an indoor fountain running at all times. The pumps are compact and built to last for a long time. However, you must ensure that you clean the water and fountains at least once in two weeks to prevent algae and germ growth.

Sounds like a lot of maintenance? Indeed, it is essential because indoor pest issues can be severe for your health.

What is the solution?

You can buy solar mini fountains that come with five nozzles. The best part is that you can keep it under sunlight to run the system, but it would not run in the absence of sunlight, so there is no need to run it all the time. Moreover, it does not use an on-grid power supply. Many customers prefer it as a primary tool of decoration.

Now coming back to our main topic-

How Should You Maintain Outdoor Water Fountains?

Maintaining your outdoor water fountains is not a very difficult task. I am helping you to make it simple.

You need to maintain the external factors such as cleaning the pool and fountain structure.
Hire experts to check the health of the fountains using advanced tools. They will also check the chemicals in the water, nets, and pads of the fountains.

If you are hiring an expert for maintenance, make sure to check the following:

The water pump must be able to deliver maximum power.
The pads for filtering and the net should be kept clean.
The water level must be sufficient to ensure your pump runs smoothly.
If the fountain comes with an autofill function, ensure it is in the correct setting.

When calcium deposits become the cause of your issue, then clean the entire fountain with calcium lime remover. Wipe it with distilled water instead of regular tap water to stop this issue from occurring again.

You may also need to have an examination of your water’s features by a qualified professional at least two or three times each year.

Please note that water fountains need minimal maintenance if the water is flowing consistently. If the water is stagnant, you need to maintain it more frequently.

Do Water Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity?

Water fountains do not require lots of power, particularly those with smaller (low horsepower) pumps. Some non-branded cheap water fountains operate using small water pumps that consume more electricity than an ordinary LED bulb or two.

Alternative: Some water fountains are energy efficient because they run on solar panels. That is why I always prefer solar fountains for outdoor use.

An outdoor solar fountain that runs continuously does not require much electricity. You can install solar panels and batteries to supply power 24/7. Do not worry about the electricity cost! Solar fountains are self-sufficient like you.

Do Outdoor Water Fountains Attract Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes and other pests prefer moist areas, so water fountains in outdoor areas, particularly garden fountains, are a favorite breeding ground for adult mosquitoes (and other pests such as cockroaches and rodents) that may lay eggs and multiply in number quickly.

Please note that mosquitoes only lay eggs in stagnant water, but if you run the solar water outdoor fountains, it will not be an issue for you.

Garden fountains can be a breeding ground for frogs, snakes, rodents, and other insects, which can cause discomfort for some people. However, these pests are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Mosquitoes can attract birds to consume the insects, and your yard will soon become an ecosystem.

Conclusion

Outdoor water fountains can enhance the aesthetic quality of your premises and attract different species of birds, pests, and other insects. To ensure that the fountain is clean and the pump in good condition, make sure you keep the fountain running continuously.

Originally published at https://www.aimforcent.com.