Water Features can be the centrepiece of your outdoor area or maybe a full ecosystem in the corner of the garden. Maintenance is key to ensure the best quality and longevity of your outdoor water displays. The constant exposure to the elements, especially around this time of year, may have an impact on your water feature. But, this can be prevented with some easy maintenance.

Water Feature Maintenance

When winter comes around and less time is spent in your garden, it is common that people forget about their water feature leading into repairs once the warmer weather comes around. Keeping this in mind, different powered features will need to be handled differently. To help you understand the differences, we’ve covered what you need to know below.

Solar Panel Features

• When the temperature gets to freezing, remove all water.
• Using warm water, thoroughly clean the panel with a cloth using some suitable grime spray and warm water.
• Once dry you can store this in a secured shed or garage. Please note the temperature could go below freezing, so wrap the feature up for further protection.

Mains Powered Features

• Act fast, never allow ice to form on any part of the feature.
• Empty all water from the feature, if you have a large feature this may require multiple people to ensure it is done safely
• Wipe up any excess water and residue that is left behind. This will prevent it turning into ice.
• Special protection covers are available and come in multiple sizes, placed over your feature to protect it from the months of harsh weather.

These steps will ensure you preserve your water feature, and preserve its condition ready for its return as the heart and soul of your garden.

Pond Maintenance

When it comes to your pond, you can have a lot at stake. It’s important to protect the work you put into it this year, so it’s imperative that you don’t let Winter ruin that hard work. The body of water will need to be looked after but the concerns about the fish and plant life should also be kept in mind. Popular advice includes:

• Remove vulnerable plants, most plants that go around ponds will survive winter but the tropical plant life may not survive. Take them inside to ensure they stay alive.
• Monitor debris in the pond. Surrounding plants in your garden will be shedding, so there might be a build up of this debris as well as algae and fish waste.
• Smaller issues with waste management can be aided by installing a pond filter.
• Installing air pumps will ensure that a small part of the pond will remain ice free. Also, the constant movement of water will also stop algae building up.
• Covering your pond can ensure that no debris will affect the pond, giving you peace of mind when contact with your garden will be limited.
• If you have fish in your pond, depending on the species, they can hibernate during Winter so reduce their food.

The landscape you have cultivated in your garden should be your pride and joy. The countless hours and budget that has gone into this can potentially be in jeopardy over the winter months. But the simple steps, covered above, can prevent issues from arising. The transition from Winter to Spring will be with ease with proper water feature maintenance.