A well-designed fountain is a valuable architectural feature: it revitalizes a space and captures attention, captivating both adults and children with the movement of water, from slow, relaxing flows to fast, dynamic displays. However, to achieve this artistic/aquatic feature, a system of pumps, filters, nozzles, sensors, water treatment systems, lighting, electrical components, and control devices that work in concert is required.
For this reason, maintenance should never be considered only when a problem arises. Instead, it should be planned over time, with periodic checks that keep the system efficient, preserve water quality, and prevent breakdowns, scaling, and malfunctions.
Forme d’Acqua considers this an integral part of the fountain’s life: design and construction are always followed by scheduled maintenance based on the system’s characteristics.
Every fountain has its own maintenance schedule; there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule. A dynamic floor fountain, a reflecting fountain, a water wall, or a monumental fountain all have different components and operating conditions: frequency of use, exposure to the elements, size of the basin, number of pumps and nozzles, and type of filtration and water treatment directly impact maintenance requirements.
However, there is a common principle: small, frequent checks can help avoid major unscheduled maintenance. The starting point is quick but careful weekly maintenance, primarily preventative, which helps identify deviations from the fountain’s normal operation.
One of the most immediate weekly checks concerns the filter: one of the most important components of the system. For systems with a mechanical filter, it’s a good idea to periodically check the pressure using the pressure gauge: the normal operating pressure is approximately 0.4 bar; when it exceeds 0.7 bar, cleaning by backwashing the filter and then rinsing it is necessary.
At the same time, it is essential to monitor water treatment parameters by checking pH and ORP values, as well as cleaning the dosing panel filter and checking the tank levels of the chemicals used (acid, chlorine, and dechlorinator). Proper water quality management contributes not only to water clarity, but also to the protection of pumps, pipes, nozzles, and surfaces, as incorrect values can promote the growth of algae, deposits, and scale.
Pre-filters, such as the skimmer baskets and the pump pre-filter basket, as well as the suction and overflow nozzles, should also be checked weekly. All of these elements are subject to clogging caused by the accumulation of leaves or other impurities carried by water or atmospheric agents. Keeping the water flowing freely reduces the strain on the pumps and ensures constant flow rates throughout the system.
The water level should also be checked weekly. In systems with automatic filling, sensors and solenoid valves normally replenish water lost through evaporation or other causes. Abnormal consumption, however, can be the first sign of a leak or system problem.
Another important check concerns the electrical panel, to ensure that all components are functioning and properly set. For example, a thermal cutout may have tripped or a fuse needs replacing: small anomalies that, however, can prevent the fountain from functioning properly.
Finally, a simple check concerns the regularity of the jets: a partially clogged nozzle, a malfunctioning pump, or a variation in flow rate can alter the height, direction, and uniformity of the water feature. It is therefore important to periodically check that the jets maintain the characteristics intended by the design, for at least two reasons:
- Water waste: a misaligned nozzle can cause water to escape outside the tank;
- Pump protection: If the rotor is under stress due to limescale or other deposits, the circuit breaker in the electrical panel may trip, potentially damaging the pump.
In our fountains, water and light are part of the same project. For this reason, LED spotlights and bars must also be checked weekly, ensuring that all lighting fixtures are functioning properly and that the water and light shows match the preset programs. If the lighting isn’t working, it’s important to start with the simplest checks. For example, the well may be full of water: in this case, the power supply must be checked and dried. Water inside the lights can also cause problems, especially on the DMX line, compromising proper communication between the devices.
The weekly check is a good time to monitor the fountain’s overall performance, and technology can be a valuable ally in this regard. With My Fountain, the app developed by Forme d’Acqua, you can move from periodic maintenance to preventative maintenance: the system allows you to view parameters such as water consumption, filtration performance, lighting, and other system information. Furthermore, it sends alerts as soon as an anomaly is detected, allowing you to intervene promptly, before the problem worsens.
This profoundly changes the very concept of maintenance: it no longer simply means intervening according to a pre-established schedule, but rather reading the fountain’s data and promptly recognizing signs of abnormal operation. Higher-than-average water consumption, for example, may suggest a leak, while a change in filtration parameters may signal the need for filter maintenance.
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And every three months? Between the weekly and annual maintenance, some intermediate technical checks may be necessary. Typically, quarterly maintenance includes:
- cleaning the level sensor;
- checking and cleaning the pump rotors;
- checking the sensors in the product tanks;
- checking the calibration of the pH and ORP electrodes;
- emptying the tank for a thorough cleaning of the surfaces;
- checking the watertight joints, cables, and LED power supplies;
- checking the automatic loading system solenoid valve.
These are less frequent checks, but essential for verifying components that cannot be evaluated through simple daily observation of the fountain.
Annual maintenance, on the other hand, is a complete check-up of the fountain. It’s no longer just about cleaning, but also checking the condition of the components for wear and tear and preventively replacing those subject to deterioration.
The annual plan includes annually overhauling the mechanical parts of the pumps, checking, and maintaining the chemical dosing panel. The electrodes used for pH and ORP control require special care: their lifespan depends on the conditions of use and water temperature, so annual replacement is recommended, in addition to periodic calibration.
Any compensation and/or dechlorination pools must also undergo thorough maintenance: the pool is emptied and cleaned to remove sediment, scale, and deposits, while simultaneously checking the operation of the relevant pump.
At even longer intervals, replacement of the filter material should also be considered: glass grit should be replaced approximately every 3-5 years, depending on the condition of the material and the frequency of cleaning.
Maintenance also means considering sustainability, because a properly maintained fountain is more efficient and sustainable. Modern recirculation systems allow for continuous use of the same water, primarily replenishing lost water. Filtration, automatic treatment, level sensors, and consumption monitoring therefore help reduce waste and maintain the system’s stable operation.
The most effective way to simplify fountain maintenance is to consider it during the design phase. Accessible technical compartments, inspectable components, properly sized filtration systems, sensors, automation, and remote control simplify intervention and allow the system to maintain its original performance over time. For Forme d’Acqua, design, technology, and maintenance are part of the same process: creating a fountain also means planning how it will be managed in the years to come. For this reason, each system requires its own maintenance plan, tailored to the fountain’s characteristics and actual operating conditions.
