Keeping a backyard fountain clean suggestions?

Question

I've got an Airbnb a couple of hours away. It has a backyard fountain that accumulates debris (branches, leaves, etc.). The odd guest here & there unplugs/turns off the fountain & in doing so it accumulates algae. Does anyone have any experience with how to keep these things clean when you aren't around to care for it weekly? I've read stuff online but it all seems to be stuff that needs to be done on a regular weekly basis. I'm typically there monthly to check on everything so would like to find a longer term solution if you have a suggestion.

James Carlson · Answer

Not what you're asking ... but I'd remove that damn thing.

There are Airbnb amenities that are a pain in the a** but that also bring value (hot tub, for instance, especially for my STR clients here in Colorado). Then there are amenities that are a pain in the ass but (I'd guess) add very little value. A fountain falls in the latter in my opinion.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Josh Ball, so does the fountain have a water feed to it or is it just static?

Maybe you could use a bleach toilet tablet in the fountain? That would kill anything in there. Or use a bromine tablet if the bleach is too fragrant.

Can you get the cleaner to quickly skim the water to get rid of the branches and leaves?

JD Martin · Answer

I have several fountains at my home and you are going to be fighting a losing battle in a remote str. Have it wired into a breakered lockbox to prevent it from being unplugged, but everything else you'll have to just have your cleaners do their best.

JD Martin · Answer

There's not going to be a good temporary solution to this unless your cleaner really wants to get involved in keeping up the fountain. It's not going to be as simple as skimming debris off; debris will sink in the water and eventually plug up the pump such that it will get really slow, or be so clogged that the pump gets starved of water and burns out. Unless your pump is housed in a good screened enclosure in the bottom, in which case you'll still need to clean the screens of debris. 6 feet of turf in diameter isn't much to replace. Fountains look nice and sound great - like I said, I have three of them at my house - but they're not no/low maintenance. Someone has to babysit them constantly. Most of them will need water replenishing whenever it gets hot. You'll need to occasionally clean everything that gets wet, as sunlight and movement burns up free chlorine really fast, and you'll need to do the occasional GFCI reset (your pump should be in one of these or I'd unplug it pronto in a rental) and cleaning of the pump intake.

It's just not really worth it for a remote rental. I'd guess your cleaners aren't going to really do all of that I listed above, at least not without some extra money. I also turn my fountains off and reverse blow out the pumps with a hose every once in a while to clear debris that can get stuck inside the pump impellers and outlet hose. Maybe I spend an hour a week on them, which is nothing for me but will probably be a hassle for your cleaners.

Collin Hays · Answer

I have one of these at home, and they take babysitting. I would remove it.

Eric Gerakos · Answer

We have a large backyard fountain. Depending on what material the fountain is made of, bleach can damage stone or synthetic stone. Use chlorine tablets. They will control algae, mosquitos etc.

Josh Ball · Answer

Will try chlorine rather than bleach. I was worried chlorine I would have to do too often but will give it a shot.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hey there Josh - You could install a timer to keep the fountain running consistently and use slow-release algaecide tablets that are safe for pets/kids if needed. Adding a mesh cover can also help minimize debris buildup between visits.

Kate Sanchez · Answer

@Josh Ball  Interesting challenge. Have you looked into installing a timer or smart plug to keep the fountain running consistently? Also wondering—have you tried any long-lasting water treatments or algae-control tablets that are safe for guests and require less frequent upkeep? Might be a good balance for a monthly check-in schedule.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I would recommend having cleaners or maintenance personnel clean out the debris between stays.  You can also have them but in chlorine tabs to keep water clear and algae away.  How important is it to the aesthetic to be there?  May be easiest to replace with something maintenance free.

Keeping a backyard fountain clean suggestions?

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