Preparing Your Fountain or Surface Aerator for Colder Months
In our decades of experience working with floating fountains and surface aerators across the Midwest and northern climates, one of the most important steps for protecting your equipment is proper winterization. What we have found is that skipping this step tends to lead to expensive emergency repairs, shortened lifespan of your equipment, and downtime during the peak of the summer when you want your unit performing at its best.
What happens if I just leave it in the water?
When ponds and lakes freeze over, several challenges can arise if the unit is left in place:
• Ice Build-Up: Water thrown into the air during freezing weather returns as ice, which collects on the float and may eventually pull the system under.
• Float Damage: Even if turned off, the natural expansion and contraction of ice around the float can cause cracking or splitting.
• Seal Wear: Cold conditions place extra stress on seals and motor components, leading to water intrusion or failure.
The Best Way to Store Your Fountain or Aerator
From what we’ve seen in the field, removing the unit before ice sets in is the single best way to prevent damage. Two steps that can make a big difference:
• Climate Controlled Storage: Prevents residual water inside the unit from expanding and damaging internal parts.
• Store Upside Down: Place the nozzle or propeller end down, canister up. This keeps oil against the seals, reducing the chance they dry out over winter.
The Value of Preventative Maintenance
Winter is also the best time to have your fountain or aerator serviced. By having a professionally trained fountain technician caring for your equipment, regularly replacing seals and oil, and performing motor diagnostics, we find this significantly extends the life of the unit. This equipment naturally wears down over time, and routinely servicing them can prevent leaks, improve efficiency, and ensure your fountain or surface aerator benefits from any updates or improvements introduced by manufacturers.
Long-Term Benefits
Simply put, fountains and aerators that receive consistent winterization and routine service outperform and outlast those that don’t. They start up without issues in spring, run more efficiently through summer, and avoid costly mid-season breakdowns when you want to enjoy your fountain – not deal with headaches.
That’s why the TIGRIS Performance Care program is built around proactive winterization and seasonal maintenance. This preventative care helps to ensure your valuable fountain not only lasts longer but also performs reliably year after year. With automatic service scheduling, warranty handling, and trained experts maintaining your equipment, this program removes the guesswork. You don’t have to remember when to call or what needs attention, it’s taken care of.
Final Thoughts
Getting a fountain ready for winter doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Having a plan for proper storage and preventative maintenance by a professional will protect your investment, reduce repair costs, and make sure your water feature is ready to shine again once spring has sprung.
Ready to Winterize Your Fountain?
Talk to TIGRIS Today About Your Fountain Care Needs
