Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I clean my fountain?
Answer:
The easiest way to clean your fountain is to invest in a wet/dry vac. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, or try any hardware store that may carry them. They are relatively inexpensive and you can use it for other means around the home. Use the wet/dry vac and vacuum all the water out. Take a soft brush either bristle or nylon and scrub off any dirt and algae. Rinse the fountain with water and vacuum the dirty water from the scrubbing. If you have an algae problem. We suggest creating a solution that consists of 50% vinegar and 50% water. Take this solution and sponge it all over the inside of the fountain. Let the solution do it's thing for about an hour or two. Rinse the fountain thoroughly and vacuum the water out. Fill your fountain with clean water. ** Remember to never fill your fountain when the fountain is warm/hot to the touch from the hot weather. You may risk cracking your fountain. We suggest filling the fountain early in the morning or in the evening when the fountain is cool to the touch.
Question: I have white stuff forming all over my fountain what is it?
Answer:
The white stuff is caused by hard water. They are actually calcium deposits. The same stuff you see on the shower glass doors or sink faucets. Unless you are using distilled water, your fountain will continue to form white powdery substance all over.
Question: How do I get rid of the white stuff?
Answer:
If the calcium deposits just started to form, you may be able to use a brush and scrub it off with clean water. Most of the time calcium deposits will leave a white stain on your fountain if it's colored. Scrubbing it off may or may not work. You may actually risk taking the color finish off if the calcium deposits haven't already done so. At this point, the only way to get rid of it is to re-finish your fountain using touch-up paints, which are available. We also recommend using a commercial solution called Protec as an added protection. The solution helps soften the water to prevent calcium deposit buildup and it will also help prolong the life of your fountain pump by having less chances of getting corroded by the calcium. The touch-up paints run $6-$12 and Protec solutions are $10 for an 8oz bottle or $40 for a 64oz bottle. Protec is safe for pets but not for fish. They are all available at Absolute and can be shipped out to you at any time.
Question: I have an algae problem, what can I do?
Answer:
See question 1 on how to clean your fountain. We recommend a preventive maintenance schedule which consists of a commercial solution called Fountec. It runs at $10 for a 8oz bottle or $40 for a 64oz bottle. A weekly maintenance of a few drops is all you need. Please read the directions on the label for the specific doze amount. The solution will help to keep the water clear, algae free and it also kills mosquito larvaes. The solution is safe for pets but not for fish.