Pond Fountain Pump

When it comes to fountains, what is the rule of thumb for fountain care during the winter months? 

Nearly all fountain manufacturers recommend removing the fountain from your pond during the winter season in freezing climates.  This not only prevents damage to the fountain due to freezing/thawing, but also allows the inspection of the fountain for damaged parts and allows the fountain to be cleaned as well as it provides a break for the pump from the constant presence of water surrounding it.  Most fountains can handle winter in the pond without any serious problems.  However, if you decide to leave the fountain in the pond, then be sure to turn the power supply off to ensure that the fountain will not turn on.  If a fountain is left on during the winter, the pump will spray water into the air and all over the float.  Eventually, this ice buildup will become very heavy and may flip the fountain upside down.  The pump would then burn up, since it must be submerged to subdue the speed of the impellor.  This is the biggest problem in leaving a fountain in the pond during the winter months.

Otherwise, if you remove the fountain from the water, it allows the operator a chance to conduct several maintenance inspections to be done on the unit.  The first inspection would be to check for damage to the cord, pump and float.  If damage is found, repairs can be addressed at this time.  Also, in oil-cooled motors, the oil should be changed once every three years to keep the pump in prime condition.  Otherwise, pressure washing the unit and storing it out of the weather will add life to your pump.