Proper care and regular cleaning are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is easy for foreign items to find their way into outside fountains, so keeping it clean is important. Another factor is that water that is subjected to sunlight is vulnerable to growing algae. To avoid this, there are some basic ingredients that can be poured into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided.
Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. Before you can start washing it you should empty out all of the water. When it is empty, scrub inside the reservoir with a gentle cleanser. Feel free to use a toothbrush if necessary for any stubborn crevasses. Any soap residue left on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Some organisms and calcium deposits may get inside the pump, so it is advised to take it apart and clean it completely. Letting it soak in vinegar for a few hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by looking at it every day - this Your Domain Name will keep it in tip-top shape. Permitting the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!