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Top Tips to Look After a Water Feature

Water features are wonderful additions to any garden. The sound of softly running water is incredibly relaxing, but they can also double-up as excellent works of art to compliment your outdoor space. If you are thinking about installing a water feature in your garden, make sure you have thought about the maintenance work it will require as well. If you want it to last and function properly, you will need to be prepared to take care of it. Below are a few basic tips on how to look after a water feature for you to consider before you get one.

Clear Leaves Regularly

Leaves and other debris will end up finding their way into your water feature over time. While this is not anything to be concerned about, you must be prepared to scoop out dead leaves and other things from your water feature regularly. This is to help stop the pump filter from getting clogged as well as making sure your water feature looks neat and tidy. All you need is a net to scoop out the debris and you should do this at least once a week.

Keep on Top of Algae

Another thing you will need to keep a lookout for is a build-up of algae. This will be unavoidable as it thrives in water, but if it gets out of control this too can clog your pump and make your water feature less attractive. You can scrub algae away with a bristle brush, but there are also algae treatments you can use to help keep it at bay and your water feature looking clean.

Clear Pump Filter

Even if you are keeping on top of the leaves and so on, your pump’s filter will need cleaning from time to time. Ideally, you should be doing this once a year if you want to keep up with good pump maintenance. To clean your water feature’s pump, you can put your garden hose against where the water comes out and backflush clean water through to clear it. If this is not good enough, you will need to gently take the pump out and clean it by hand, including the filter. You can use warm soapy water to do this, just make sure it has been rinsed thoroughly before you put it back. If you are not sure what kind of pump your water feature needs, search for pond pumps near me to find your nearest water feature specialist and ask them.

Deep Clean It

Another thing you should do annually is to deep clean your water feature. This would also be the ideal time to clean your pump’s filter. Draining the water feature so you can clear any muck that has gathered at the bottom will help to keep it running smoothly and looking its best. How long this job will take you will depend on the size of your water feature, but it is always worth doing.  It is also a good opportunity to spot any cracks or damage that have been hidden by the water so you have the opportunity to fix your feature if necessary.

Water features can bring a lot to your garden, just make sure you are prepared to put in the maintenance work before you have one installed.

Maggie Hammond. Proud mama to two little people, and has one too many furry friends. Passionate about alternative medicine, education, the great outdoors and animal welfare.

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