Algae

Are you finding your water becoming to be green and a little dirty? If your answer is yes then this is the blog post for you.

Warm weather is approaching us quickly as you may know and since it is getting warmer you may need to pay closer attention to your fountain. Why you may ask, well the reason is ALGAE! Now algae can be intimidating for new fountain owners but do not fret it’s nothing that does not have an easy fix.

Algaecide

Now that easy fix to algae is an algaecide. Algaecide will prevent algae from growing and it will also keep your water clean and clear. As long as you use the algaecide consistently and correctly your worries will be gone.

Now you’re probably thinking what algaecide do I use and how do I use it? Well, most algaecides do contain chemicals that may be concerning to you but we have the perfect one for you. The algaecide we strongly recommend to those who are concerned about their pets drinking out of the fountain or birds or even ourselves being around the splashing water is Physan 20.

Physan 20 is an algaecide safe for birds, plants, and animals in its diluted form. Physan will keep your fountain clean of algae. Now if you already have had some algae build-up do not worry because you can use the Physan and a small dish pad to lightly scrub off that algae then rinse it clean.

The key to keeping algae away is to use it consistently and the way we like to use Physan here at Zona Fountains is to pour Physan into a 25 oz spray bottle. You will only need to pour 5oz of Physan into the bottle and fill the rest with water (20oz). In the summer we spray our fountains 3-4 times a week.

If you experience a “bubble bath” in your fountain no worries. This will not bring any harm to the fountain it just means you are putting in too much Physan at one time. A little goes a long way, use a little less if it starts to bubble up.

The “DO NOTS” of Algae

Now it is tempting to use anything you have on hand at home to try and get rid of algae that has grown on your fountain but do not do it.

Do not use any bleach, Clorox, vinegar, baking soda and etc. These can cause more harm than good, it will get rid of algae but will cause damage. Using any of these products can damage the patina of your fountain and can also eat at the color stain on the fountain. It can also attack the plastic tubing and pump that makes the fountain function.

Here to Help!

We hope this helps you! Algaecide is sold here at Zona Fountains! If you have any more questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. We are always here to help and answer all your questions.

What you may not know

Buying a fountain is super exciting and fun. Sometimes we don’t know how to upkeep and maintain them. This post will give you a brief example of how to treat your fountain.

The first question we mainly get asked on maintenance is, How do we keep our pump clean? What can we do to have our pump last a long time? Our pump isn’t working what do we do?

Pumps can last 5 years or longer if you care for them properly. A pump needs just as much of attention as the fountain itself. At the end of the day it is the backbone of the entire operation of the fountain.

How to clean and maintain your pump

If your pump has only been sitting in your fountain for a couple months and starts to give out on you, its most likely because that pump needs to be cleaned out. One way to get that pump running like brand new again is to give your pump a “backflush”. What that means is you’re gonna wanna turn the pump off and stick a hose at the top of the pump then turn on the pressure and it will unclog the pump. We find this the best way to help get all the debris and algae out of the pump.

Keeping your fountain away from trees is also a good way of making sure not much debris is falling into the water and so the pump isn’t sucking it all up.

Never let your pump run dry, always make sure it is fully submerged in water so it is not sucking in air. Running a pump dry makes the pump work harder and is the quickest way for your pump to die out.

As we talked about in our last two Fountain Upkeep blog posts you don’t wanna use any kinds of bleach, chlorine, or vinegar in your fountains. They are bad not only for the stain of your fountain but also for the pump. These products will slowly eat at your pump and tubing and make it deteriorate. Stay away from using those products.

Tips and Helpful Products

• A pump sock is your bestfriend. A pump sock is just a mesh bag that you can put on your pump that has drawstrings to seal the bag. This will help keep debris out. This will help with the longevity of your pump.
• Using a fish net or skimmer to clean out any leaves or debris that gets into the water will help as well. This is one of the easier ways to help prevent your pump from sucking in any leaves and dirt.
• Instead of having a normal pump door you can replace that with a filter media. The filter media will catch any debris, dirt, or leaves before it can get into your pump

Any of these products listed above will improve the life span of your pump and keep you from having to replace it so often.

Here to Help!

We hope this helps you! All the products talked about are sold here at Zona Fountains! If you have anymore questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. We are always here to help. Keep up to date with our blog posts and don’t miss out on frequently asked questions here at Zona Fountains!

Store Number: 520-325-3888

2515 E Fort Lowell Rd.

Located at the corner of Tucson Blvd. and Fort Lowell

Email: Support@ZonaFountains.com

What you may not know

Buying a fountain is super exciting and fun. Sometimes we don’t know how to upkeep and maintain them. This post will give you a brief example of how to treat your fountain.

The first question we mainly get asked on maintenance is, What is the white stuff on our fountain? How do we get rid of it?

The first thing is that the “white stuff” on the fountain is actually Calcium build up from the hard water. Here in Tucson , our water is very hard and full of different minerals. When the water starts to dry up that is when those white spots start to appear because of the minerals that are left behind.

How to prevent or get rid of Calcium

We offer additives to help with hard water. We recommend using an additive called Protec, this well help prolong calcium from building up. It wont completely get rid of the hard minerals but it will slow down the process of it building up. Protec can be poured into the fountain or can be used with a soft brush or dish pad to lightly scrub the fountain. Just remember it is impossible to make your fountain turn brand new again.

We also recommend using a calcium inhibitor that you can easily attach to your hose. The calcium inhibitor will help filter out some of the minerals from the hard water and can also help prevent the calcium from building up quickly.

For some smaller fountains and table top fountains you can try using distilled water rather than tap water. Using distilled water is an easy way to prevent calcium build up.

Do not use any harsh chemicals including lime-a-way, bleach, chlorine, or vinegar as this can actually hurt your fountain and it’s stain.

Here to help!

We hope this helps you! Calcium inhibitors and Protec are sold here at Zona Fountains! If you have anymore questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. We are always here to help. Keep up to date with our blog posts and don’t miss out on frequently asked questions here at Zona Fountains! Next post will be all about cleaning out your pump and getting debris out of it.

Store Number: 520-325-3888

2515 E Fort Lowell Rd.

Located at the corner of Tucson Blvd. and Fort Lowell

Email: Support@ZonaFountains.com

What you may not know

Buying a fountain is super exciting and fun. Sometimes we don’t know how to upkeep and maintain them. This post will give you a brief example of how to treat your fountain.

The first question we mainly get asked on maintenance is, How do we keep the water clear and get the green stuff out?

The first thing is that “green stuff” growing in your fountain is algae. The best way to rid of it is to use an algaecide. Algae will build up quickly, and the times we see algae grow the most is in the summer. The warmer the weather and the more powerful the sun algae will build up. All the algae needs to grow in sunlight.

How to use Algaecide

Let’s talk algaecide. The best product that we recommend is called Physan 20. This product is an algaecide safe for birds, plants, and animals in its diluted form. Physan will get rid of the algae. Existing algae prior before use of Physan? Do not worry you can use just a small dish pad and some of the Physan. Lightly scrub off that algae then rinse it clean.

Pour Physan into a spray bottle we pour 5oz of Physan into the bottle and 20oz of water into the bottle as well. In the summer we are spraying our fountains 3-4 times a week. Don’t like the spray bottle idea? Don’t worry you can pour it in straight from the bottle and it will do the same. If you a experience a “bubble bath” in your fountain no worries. This will not bring any harm to the fountain it just means your putting in to much Physan in at one time.

Here to help!

We hope this helps you! Algaecide is sold here at Zona Fountains! If you have anymore questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. We are always here to help. Keep up to date with our blog posts and don’t miss out on frequently asked questions here at Zona Fountains! Next post will be all about calcium and hard water.

Chiminea’s originate from Mexico. They are usually made from clay and used as a wood burning fireplace. Chimineas should be used outdoors and protected from rain and freezing. Most of the time Chimineas are used as a heat source but can also be used for cooking, the most popular being roasting marshmallows with friends and family!

Chimineas are back in stock here at Zona Fountains and better than ever. With the new arrival of our wide selection of Chiminea’s, these beautiful clay products need more love and care then you might think.

Lets talk Chiminea care.

Using your chiminea for the very first time can be very exciting but do not get carried away. Always begin with a small fire, especially for the first time use. DO NOT start a big fire , starting a big fire can damage the chiminea and crack it. The flow of air from the rising heat will allow the fire to grow on its own. REMEMBER start small!

Chiminea Tips:

• Keep at least 2-3 inches of sand or gravel at the bottom at all times. A metal screen can also be used.
• Do not use your Chiminea if wet or damp. To keep it from getting wet, use a cover.
• Place the Chiminea on a flat surface or stand (ours come with a stand).
• Keep clear from anything that can catch fire, for example trees, branches, wooden fences etc.
• Clean Chiminea’s regularly. For clay Chimineas remove gravel or sand and shovel out the ashes that have built up.

Now that you know just a bit more about Chimineas and have become a pro on all things Chiminea, come down to Zona Fountains and purchase one of your own!