The Complete Guide to Fountains: Operation, Composition, and Cleaning Methods

How do fountains work? Their function isn’t complicated — it’s based on a mechanism, with the pump at its heart. In this article, you’ll find a quick rundown of fountain design, how it works, and some handy maintenance tips. The whole piece was put together by an expert from Streamline Pump Solutions, with years of hands-on experience in designing, installing, and maintaining fountains — as well as finding the best pump solutions to suit different setups.

The Science Behind Fountains: How Do Fountains Work?

How do water fountains work?

The water flows in a closed loop — the pump pulls it in and pushes it through a pipe, keeping the stream going non-stop.

For fountains, they use:

• submersible pumps (compact and silent)
• external pumps (more powerful but need to be installed outside the water).

Doesn’t matter how complex your fountain setup is, whether it’s indoor, outdoor, or just for decoration — they all work the same way, using pump-driven water cycles. You can explore our pumps and other applications to fountains here.

What Are Fountains Made Of?

What are fountains made of, and why does it matter for the pump? Fountain bowls and parts are traditionally made from stone, metal, concrete, ceramic, epoxy resins, or glass. Choose materials that work well with the pump to keep the weight right, help water flow smoothly, reduce strain on the system, and make sure it all lasts longer. At the same time, the pump’s power needs to match the design, bowl size, and materials, so the water flows properly and looks the way it’s meant to.

How to Clean Fountains

How to clean fountains properly?

1. Switch off the pump
2. Drain the water
3. Use a soft brush to remove leaves, dirt, and any build-up from the fountain and pump parts
4. Rinse the whole system with clean water.

Use gentle cleaners without harsh chemicals to tackle algae and lime build-up while cleaning. They won’t damage the pump or the fountain materials. Regular cleaning helps your equipment last longer and keeps the fountain looking good for years.

How to Keep Outdoor Fountains Clean

How to keep outdoor fountains clean? Outdoor fountains and their systems get dirty a lot quicker than indoor fountain systems ones — bugs, leaves, and dust all find their way in. To keep this decor piece looking great and working the way you want, choose a pump with the right power, fitted with proper filters and cleaning accessories made for outdoor use. 

Extra protective steps, like pre-filters for the bowl or a mesh cover over it, can also help keep dirt out of the system. Make sure to check your compressors regularly, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of storms or dust storms.

How Do Incense Fountains Work?

Incense fountains or backflow incense burners work differently from regular fountains: they don’t use water or pumps, even though the flow effect looks pretty similar. The scented smoke gently flows down the channels thanks to physics, a special incense blend, and the reverse airflow that forms inside. Incense models need different setups and handling compared to traditional water-based fountains, as they need good ventilation, a spot away from drafts and windows, and a flat, stable surface. These smoke-based devices also need specific care — like cleaning off soot and residue.

Final thoughts

Fountains are stylish and eye-catching, but these systems should run smoothly and properly. Steady water flow and long-term use all come down to regular maintenance, choosing the materials, and picking the right pump. For every type and design, select a device that matches the power, size, and working conditions. 

To avoid mistakes, talk to the pros: our Streamline Pump Solutions experts can guide you through the best jet pump options from our range to suit your needs perfectly.