FAQ - In Development
Water Feature Care
Can I leave my water feature running all winter?
Most water features are tied into the main line of your sprinkler system with what is called a float valve. This valve fills the water feature when the water level drops below a certain point, usually from evaporation or splash out. During winter, when the system is off, the float valve is no longer maintaining the water level. A person may keep their water feature running, so long as someone is monitering the water level, and manually filling the feature on a daily or weekly basis (pending on the size of the water feature).
It is very important that water is constantly moving through the pump, as they are not build to run while dry for extended periods of time. Also, ice buildup will quickly drain water, and may block the flow of water to the pump. There are several brands of pond heaters that could help that situation.
Bubbling boulders are the easiest type of water feature to maintain throughout the winter. A feature with long, narrow streams will typically freeze up, allowing only a small amount of water back to the pump.
Pumps are expensive, and you are taking a risk when leaving it run during the winter. Though it is possible.
Do I need to add chemicals to my water feature?
It is very important that water is constantly moving through the pump, as they are not build to run while dry for extended periods of time. Also, ice buildup will quickly drain water, and may block the flow of water to the pump. There are several brands of pond heaters that could help that situation.
Bubbling boulders are the easiest type of water feature to maintain throughout the winter. A feature with long, narrow streams will typically freeze up, allowing only a small amount of water back to the pump.
Pumps are expensive, and you are taking a risk when leaving it run during the winter. Though it is possible.
Choosing whether or not to add chemicals to your pond varies upon the situation. Water features located near shrub beds or tree stands tend to collect more debris, which increases the amount of algae and sludge in the feature. Our licensed chemical applicators use a potent mixture to break down the algae and sludge, and cleans the water.
If you have fish or water plants, you should either drain the pond and power-wash the algae, or purchase a fish/plant safe chemical from a store.
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