FAQ
Fountain care questions, answered plainly.
Straight answers on maintenance, seasons, repairs, restoration, floating fountains and working with Fountain Place.
Maintenance
Maintenance and seasons.
How often should a commercial fountain be serviced?
Commercial locations are maintained weekly or bi-weekly, and monthly service suits some sites. Tree cover, traffic and basin size decide which. See fountain maintenance.
What happens on a maintenance visit?
Technicians remove debris, check filters and chemical systems, de-clog nozzles and balance the flow. Larger reservoirs get portable vacuuming, and every visit is written up in a client visit report.
Why vacuum a fountain instead of adding more chemical?
Debris left in a reservoir drives up chemical use. Portable vacuuming removes the cause and lowers chemical costs.
When should a fountain be started up in spring?
After frost risk passes. We de-water, remove organics, power wash, run an electrical safety test, then fill, start up and balance the flow. See openings and closings.
Why does a fountain need a proper fall closing?
Water trapped in pipes freezes and cracks them through freeze-thaw cycles. We drain the system and store pumps, lights and controls in our moisture-controlled facility over winter.
Can you provide reports for our board or the ministry?
Yes. We provide client visit reports, and weekly reports for ministry submission where a site needs them. Online visit reports with photos are coming in 2027.
How much does fountain maintenance cost?
It depends on the fountain’s size, systems and how often it is serviced, so we quote each site individually. Request a quote or call 1-877-752-1222.
Repair
Repair and restoration.
What are the most common fountain problems?
Pump failures, leaks, lighting faults, clogged nozzles and control problems. Motors also overheat, vibrate, lose pressure or trip breakers from cable leakage. See fountain repair.
Do you have parts for older fountains?
Usually, yes. We make our own high-quality parts for maintenance and restoration, so parts are readily available.
Should we repair our fountain or restore it?
Start with an inspection. Our inspections and condition reports set out findings and repair costing, so you can compare a repair with a restoration.
What does a full restoration include?
Inspection, engineering, a restoration plan, demolition with rubble disposal, reconstruction, commissioning reports and as-built drawings, and staff training. Many finish with new submersible LED lighting. See fountain restoration.
Can a historic fountain be restored?
Yes. We restored the 1914 Belfountain with copper pipe and new pumps, and the 1967 Pembroke Centennial Fountain with new vaults and controls.
Can old fountain lights be upgraded to LED?
Yes. LED fountain lights use far less power than halogen. See fountain lighting.
Do you take emergency calls?
Yes. Emergency calls and service are available for clients. Call 1-877-752-1222.
Ponds and lakes
Floating fountains, aeration and de-icing.
What is the difference between a floating fountain and an aerator?
A floating fountain gives a spray display and aerates the surface water. Surface aerators and diffused bottom aeration focus on moving and oxygenating the water. See floating fountains and pond and lake aeration.
Does aeration help with algae?
Yes. Aeration adds oxygen and circulation, which reduces algae, odour, muck and mosquito breeding. Some ponds also need water testing and treatment.
Should a floating fountain come out for winter?
Yes. Floating fountains are removed and serviced in fall, then reinstalled in spring.
What does a de-icer do?
A de-icer keeps open water around docks and boathouses so ice does not damage them. See winter de-icing.
Why does my floating fountain trip the breaker?
Leakage on the cable run is a common cause; over 5 milliamps trips the panel’s safety controls. We trace it with a milliamp reader and repair cables and quick disconnects.
Can you repair my Kasco unit?
Yes. Our certified motor technicians follow a 17-step procedure. Units can also go to Fountain Depot’s Kasco repair centre, with a free diagnostic estimate and a 90-day warranty on parts and labour.
Which brands do you service?
We fully service Kasco Marine, Aqua Master and Aqua Control, and test and maintain Otterbine, Airolator, AirMax, OASE and Arbrux. See Kasco and motor service.
Working with us
Working with us.
Where do you work?
Crews leave our Markham shop for Toronto, the GTA, York, Durham, Peel, Halton, Hamilton and cottage country. See service areas.
How long has Fountain Place been in business?
Since 1967, the year of Canada’s Centennial. Read our story.
Who will we deal with?
Ryan Trollope, owner and lead designer, and Scott Bishop, partner and lead technician, lead every job with our mechanical, electrical and operations team.
What is Fountain Depot?
Our sister company and online store, shipping across Canada from the same Markham shop. It is a factory-authorized Kasco Marine dealer and certified Kasco repair centre.
What types of properties do you serve?
Condominiums, municipalities, stormwater ponds, golf courses, commercial sites, estates and cottages. See who we serve.
How do we get a quote?
Call 1-877-752-1222, email ryan@fountainplace.ca, or use the form on our contact page. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.