The Complete Guide to Outdoor Fountain Covers: Protection Tips and Creative Uses

The Importance of Protecting Your Outdoor Fountain

Installing a beautiful outdoor fountain on your property can completely transform your outdoor space. The soothing sound of running water creates an oasis of tranquility, and the fountain becomes a lovely focal point. Outdoor fountains come in all shapes, sizes, and styles - tiered, pedestal, wall-mounted, and more. While fountains clearly enhance a landscape, they do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. Using an outdoor fountain cover is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and keep your fountain in tip-top shape.

Preventing Damage from Weather

Exposing any outdoor furniture or decor to the elements day in and day out will inevitably cause wear and tear. The same goes for outdoor fountains. From intense sun exposure to surprise downpours, Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your beautiful water feature. A quality outdoor fountain cover acts as a protective barrier between the weather and your fountain.

Here are some common weather conditions that a fountain cover guards against:

• Sun exposure - The sun's UV rays can cause fading, discoloration, and deterioration over time. A cover blocks the sun to prevent damage.
• Rain - Heavy rains can be damaging in a few ways. Fast-falling raindrops on the fountain surface can chip or scratch delicate materials like natural stone or concrete. Plus, water pooling in the fountain can lead to buildup of mineral deposits and algae. A cover prevents excess rain from getting into the fountain.
• Snow and ice - Left uncovered in winter, snow can accumulate and pool in the fountain. Melting snow that refreezes as ice overnight can crack the fountain bowl. Icicles hanging off the fountain fixtures can also damage the structure. A cover keeps snow and ice out.
• Wind - Strong gusts of wind can blow leaves, dirt, and other debris into your fountain. Covers keep your fountain protected from blowing plant matter and dust.
• Pollution - Air pollution like car exhaust or manufacturing fumes can create grimy buildup on your fountain over time. Covers provide a physical barrier from pollutants in the air.

Preventing Clogs and Buildup

Even with normal use, outdoor fountains can start to accumulate mineral deposits, dirt, and algae growth from the water source. If the fountain is unused for an extended time, standing water becomes stagnant and more likely to clog fixtures or encourage algae/bacteria growth.

An outdoor fountain cover prevents clogs and buildup in a few ways:

• Keeps leaves, dust, pollen and other debris out of the water
• Prevents light from reaching the water, which slows algae growth
• Stops rainwater from entering and causing mineral deposit buildup
• Keeps critters like birds, insects, and rodents out of the fountain bowl

By keeping your fountain covered when not in use, the fixtures stay protected and the water stays clean. This saves you time on frequent deep cleanings.

Types of Outdoor Fountain Covers

Now that you know the key benefits of covering your outdoor fountain, let's explore the different types of covers available:

Canvas Covers

Canvas covers are a lightweight and inexpensive option constructed from durable, water-resistant canvas. They often feature drawstring closures at the bottom to secure the cover in windy conditions. Canvas provides protection from dust, debris, rain and snow. However, canvas is not as tear-resistant or durable as other fabrics. These covers work best for temporary use or smaller tabletop fountains.

Polyester Covers

Polyester covers are woven from synthetic polyethylene terephthalate fibers. This makes polyester resistant to stretching, fading, and mold or mildew growth. Polyester covers are affordably priced while providing excellent protection against the elements. They are more durable and tear-resistant than canvas. Many custom-fit fountain covers are made from polyester.

Vinyl Covers

Vinyl covers are waterproof and extra durable. The thicker vinyl material stands up well to wind, rain, snow and UV rays. Vinyl covers are a smart choice for large tiered fountain covers, since the heavy-duty vinyl can handle the weight without sagging or tearing. Vinyl material is also easy to clean off any dirt or bird droppings. The main downside is that vinyl covers are more expensive than other options.

Plastic Fountain Bags

Clear plastic fountain bags are a unique option to protect your outdoor water feature. These plastic bags are custom tailored to fit over the entire fountain, with openings at the bottom to fit around plumbing fixtures. The clear plastic lets you see the fountain design while fully protecting all sides from the elements. Plastic bags are a good choice for extra heavy snow climates.

Tips for Picking the Right Fountain Cover

With many types of covers to choose from, focus on these tips to select the best option for your specific fountain:

• Material - Pick a durable, waterproof material designed for outdoor use like canvas, polyester, vinyl or plastic sheeting.
• Size - Measure your fountain's dimensions and choose a cover sized to fit snugly.
• Shape - Match the cover shape to your fountain design, such as a dome cover for a tiered fountain.
• Closure - Look for secure closures like elastic hems or drawstrings to keep the cover on in windy weather.
• Weather resistance - Make sure the material offers ample weather protection for your climate.
• Budget - Canvas and polyester covers are budget-friendly. Vinyl and plastic covers offer premium protection at a higher cost.

How to Properly Cover Your Outdoor Fountain

Follow these steps to cover your outdoor fountain like a pro:

Inspect and Clean

Before covering, give your fountain a thorough inspection and cleaning. Remove any debris from the fountain bowl. Wipe down statues, figurines and surfaces with a soft cloth. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to gently clean crevices. Drain and change the water to give your fountain a fresh start for the season.

Check the Base

Make sure the fountain base or pedestal is level and stable so it doesn't shift during the off season. For extra stability on a pedestal fountain, place gravel or sandbags around the base. Check that fountain tubing and connections are securely in place before covering up.

Test Fit the Cover

Place the cover over your fountain to make sure it fits properly before securing it. There should be a snug fit without dragging on the ground. If needed, gently pull and reshape the cover to match your fountain contours.

Securely Fasten

Use any fasteners or closures on your cover to keep it firmly in place. Drawstrings, elastic hems and velcro tabs all help secure the cover against high winds. Use weights like bricks or stones if your cover lacks closures. Avoid using tape, which can leave adhesive residue behind on your fountain.

Monitor Periodically

Keep an eye on your covered fountain when outdoors to make sure the cover stays put. Recheck after storms or seasonally high winds. Refasten or reinforce the cover closures if needed to prevent it from blowing loose.

How to Keep Your Fountain Cover in Good Shape

Follow proper care and storage methods so your outdoor fountain cover enjoys a long useful life:

• Inspect for holes, tears or damage after each use. Repair any issues to keep the cover intact.
• Brush off loose dirt and debris before storing long-term to avoid abrasions.
• Allow thorough drying before folding up the cover for storage to prevent mildew.
• Clean vinyl or plastic covers periodically with mild soap and water. Let air dry.
• Fold or roll up the cover loosely to avoid sharp creases when putting away.
• Keep cover off concrete floors during storage. Place on a shelf or hang up instead.
• Consider having a spare cover on hand in case the original gets damaged unexpectedly.

Get Creative With Your Fountain Cover

Don't view that fountain cover as just a drab, practical item. Get creative with your protective cover to make it part of the garden decor:

• Look for a cover color that complements your outdoor color scheme.
• Select a patterned or printed cover for visual interest.
• Wrap fairy lights around covered fountains to add a magical glow.
• Use covers to provide height variation in the garden when fountains are dormant.
• Stack covered fountain tiers as table surfaces or plant stands.
• Cover a fountain with black plastic for a modern contrast against the garden.

Your protective fountain cover doesn't have to be an eyesore. Get imaginative to make it work within your outdoor setting!

Maintain Your Fountain Properly After Uncovering

When it's finally time to remove that fountain cover for spring, be sure to give your water feature the right care. Follow these tips for getting your outdoor fountain back up and running:

• Do a thorough clean of all fountain surfaces to remove grime that accumulated under the cover.
• De-scale the fountain to remove any mineral deposits from hard water.
• Replace old water with fresh water to get crystal clear fountain flow.
• Check all pumping and tubing for proper operation before refilling.
• Consider installing a water treatment system to inhibit algae growth and scale buildup.
• Make repairs to any cracks, chips or leaks that occurred during the off season.

Properly prepping your outdoor fountain in spring will keep it operating and looking great all season long. Happy fountain admiring!

FAQs

Do I need a cover for my outdoor fountain?

Yes, using a protective cover is highly recommended for any outdoor fountain not in use. Covers prevent damage from sun, rain, wind, snow and debris. They also inhibit algae growth and clogs by blocking light and entry by leaves/pests.

How should I measure my fountain for a proper-fitting cover?

Use a soft measuring tape to carefully measure the height, width, and depth of your entire fountain structure including tiers or bowls. Also account for any protruding embellishments. Measure a few times to ensure accuracy.

Can I make my own DIY fountain cover?

You can attempt to make your own cover using a heavy canvas drop cloth or polyethylene sheeting. However, store-bought covers designed specifically for fountains often fit better and last longer. DIY covers may lack reinforcements and closures to keep them securely on.

Should I still winterize if I'm using a cover?

Yes, it's still recommended to properly winterize your fountain even if covered. Follow typical steps like draining water, disconnecting plumbing, and adding RV antifreeze. Covers provide an extra layer of protection but proper winter prep is still needed.

How often should I replace my fountain cover?

With proper care and storage, quality covers can last 2-3 years or more. Inspect for damage like tears or holes at the start of each season. Replace the cover when it no longer fits snugly or becomes too worn out.