Foam or suds in your outdoor fountain water can be frustrating. While a small amount of foaming is normal, excessive foam ruins the look of your water feature.

    Fortunately, with some investigation and simple maintenance, you can banish unsightly fountain foam for good. This guide covers common causes of foamy fountain water and proven methods that I find helpful to restore your fountain’s pristine appearance.


    Why Foam Forms in Fountain Water

    Foam in fountain water is caused by a buildup of organic materials, minerals, and other contaminants. When agitated by the splashing water, these substances produce foaming on the surface.

    Some common factors leading to garden fountain foaming include:

    • Leaves, pollen, algae, and other debris break down in the water over time
    • Minerals and additives like chlorine in tap water
    • Proteins and oils left behind by birds, insects, and other wildlife using your fountain
    • Bacteria growth and waste products
    • Using soaps or cleaners that contain foaming agents


    Effective Ways to Remove and Prevent Foam

    With consistent maintenance and the right products, you can prevent annoying foam from taking over your fountain, whether it’s professionally installed or a DIY project. Below are some tips to restore and maintain your water feature.

    Change the Water Frequently

    You’ll want to drain and refresh your fountain water at least once per week. More frequent changes may be needed for larger ponds or water features. Completely replacing the water gets rid of any foam-causing buildup.

    Installing a drain valve makes emptying your fountain quick and easy. Use a submersible pump if you need to drain a pond or other in-ground water element.

    Keep the Basin Clean

    Each time you change the water, give the empty basin a good scrubbing using a stiff nylon brush and plain water. Pay extra attention to nooks and crannies where slime can collect.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    For really stubborn gunk, try mixing up some baking soda and water into a paste or using diluted vinegar to help break it down. This has helped me tremendously when cleaning my basin. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

    Filter and Treat Your Fountain Water

    Using purified, distilled, or filtered water will help prevent minerals and additives from getting into your fountain initially. If you opt for bottled water, avoid carbonated types that tend to foam when agitated.

    There are also specialty chemicals made for fountains that will sanitize, balance, and clarify the water to resist foaming. Enzyme treatments work well to break down organics.

    Keep Animals and Debris Out

    Properly sizing your fountain pump creates surface ripples that deter insect breeding and animal activity. Screens over drains block leaves and debris from clogging up your water feature.

    For open water elements, aim pump inlets away from the edges so they push debris toward the middle for quick skimming. Adding a gravel pre-filter around the pump strainer also filters out particles.

    Block Sun Exposure

    Direct sunlight warms up fountain water, causing more rapid evaporation. The stuff left behind after evaporation is what leads to foaming.

    Try to situate your fountain in an area protected from direct sun. For existing installations, look into adding shade elements like pergolas, umbrellas, or trees.

    Use Anti-Foam Additives

    Specialized fountain products contain anti-foaming agents meant to mix into your water and prevent sudsing. Concentrated liquid formulas are added periodically.

    There are also briquette-style solids that float in your fountain and gradually release the anti-foam ingredient over about 30-90 days. Both types are safe for people, plants, and pets.

    Clean with Care

    Avoid using regular soaps, detergents, or general cleaners in your fountain, as they often contain foaming chemicals. Over time, harsh cleansers like bleach can also damage fountain materials.

    Always rinse very thoroughly with fresh water after applying any chemical-based fountain cleaner per the label instructions.


    When to Call a Professional

    Very large fountains and water features may need professional servicing. Experts have access to:

    • Commercial chemicals to treat difficult water quality issues
    • Heavy-duty pumps and filtration systems
    • Powerful equipment to flush and sanitize hard-to-reach spots
    • Pressurized cleaning methods for stubborn buildup
    • Training to identify and fix underlying maintenance problems

    So, Is Excessive Foam Harmful to My Fountain?

    While some bubbling is natural, letting foam go wild can lead to a few headaches:

    • Foam traps unhealthy gunk, reducing water quality for visiting wildlife.
    • Lack of oxygen from contaminants could harm any fountain plants or fish.
    • Mosquitos and other insects can multiply easily in dense foam.
    • Organic slime buildup stains surfaces and makes them slippery.
    • Thick foam looks unpleasant and blocks the calming cascading water effect.

    Unchecked foaming allows declining water conditions that could disrupt your whole fountain environment. Quick foam fixes keep your water garden healthy.


    FAQs About Removing Foam from Fountains

    How often should I clean my fountain to prevent foaming?

    Most experts recommend changing the water and wiping down the basin at least once a week, but you can clean more frequently if you notice increasing foam.


    What's the best way to clean a fountain basin?

    Use a stiff nylon brush and plain water for routine cleaning. For stuck-on gunk, make a paste of baking soda and water or use diluted vinegar. Avoid detergents.


    What fountain cleaners and additives work on foam?

    Look for products like Fountain Clear, Fountain Foam Free, or BioGuard specifically formulated for fountains. Avoid bleach, detergents, and multi-surface cleaners.


    Will distilled or filtered water prevent foaming?

    Yes, I’ve found that using garden-safe waters, like distilled, purified, or filtered water, will help curb foaming issues. The purity cuts back on problematic minerals and additives.


    When should I call for professional fountain service?

    If excessive foaming persists after consistent cleaning and water treatment, bring in the pros. They can troubleshoot underlying issues and perform deep cleaning and maintenance.


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    Coty Perry

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    Coty Perry is a lawn and garden writer for Today’s Homeowner. He focuses on providing homeowners with actionable tips that relate to the “Average Joe” who is looking to achieve a healthier and greener lawn. When he isn’t writing he can almost always be found coaching youth football or on some trail in Pennsylvania in search of the next greatest fishing hole.

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    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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