Openings & closings
Spring start-ups and fall closings.
We open fountains once frost risk passes and close them before freezing nights, storing pumps, lights and controls in our moisture-controlled facility.
Why does a fountain need a proper fall closing?
A fountain needs a proper fall closing because water left in pipes, pumps and fittings freezes and cracks them. Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles do the most damage to lines that cannot drain. A correct closing drains the system, removes the equipment that can’t stay outside, and leaves nothing trapped to split over winter.
A proper spring start-up matters just as much. Cleaning, testing and balancing before the first fill catches damage early and gets the display looking right from day one.
Spring start-up
How we open a fountain
01
Assess and de-water
We inspect the basin and drain any winter water, rain and debris that collected over the off-season.
02
Remove organics and power wash
Algae builds up in spring as concrete settles and rain pools in low areas. We remove the organics and power wash with equipment matched to the surface.
03
Electrical safety test
Every circuit is tested before the fountain is filled. We do this before every fill, at every site.
04
Fill and start up
We reinstall pumps, lights and controls, fill the basin and start the system.
05
Balance the flow
We adjust the flow so every nozzle and jet gives the best display, then walk the whole fountain.
Fall closing
How we winterize a fountain
01
Shut down and drain
We shut the system down and drain the basin and lines before freezing nights arrive.
02
Remove the equipment
Pumps, lights and controls are taken out so they are not left to freeze in place.
03
Store it dry
Equipment goes into our moisture-controlled facility in Markham for the winter.
04
Service floating fountains
Floating fountains are pulled from the pond and serviced, so they are ready to go back in at spring start-up.
From the field
What happens when a fountain can’t drain
On one condominium restoration, we found pipes that the original installers had broken and filled with concrete. Trapped pipes like these could not drain their winter water, so they cracked through each freeze cycle.
A proper closing prevents that damage. When we close a fountain we confirm the lines actually drain, and we flag any that don’t before winter does the damage.
What we open and close
Every kind of fountain, every season
Courtyard
Condo and commercial fountains
Podium and courtyard fountains, including systems over underground parking, drained and opened on schedule.
Civic
Municipal and landmark fountains
Large basins and heritage features, with an electrical safety test before every fill.
Ponds
Floating fountains
Pulled, serviced and stored over winter, then reinstalled and anchored in spring.
Openings and closings
Ready for the season, safe for the winter.
Basins cleaned and refilled for spring start-up, and fountains brought back to full display.
Reviews
Ready for every season
“Fountain Place was able to create a maintenance plan for our water feature to ensure it stays perfect during all seasons.”
“We sought a floating fountain and underwater lights for our client, and Ryan delivered precisely what our client was desiring. The Fountain Place continues to maintain the fountain, and we have had zero issues.”
Our sister company
Parts, pumps and fountains ship from Fountain Depot.
Closing a small pond or fountain yourself? Our sister company Fountain Depot carries fall pond care and fountain care products, shipped from Markham.
FAQ
Opening and closing questions
When should a fountain be closed for winter?
Before the first freezing nights. Water left in the lines can freeze and crack them, so it is safer to close a little early than a little late.
When should a fountain be opened in spring?
Once the risk of frost has passed. Opening too early risks a cold snap freezing a freshly filled system.
Where do you store our pumps and lights over winter?
In our moisture-controlled facility at the Markham shop. Pumps, lights and automation equipment are stored there until spring start-up.
Do you remove floating fountains for the winter?
Yes. As part of the fall closing we remove floating fountains and service them, then reinstall them in spring. Ponds that need open water over winter can use a de-icer.
What is the electrical safety test?
A test of the fountain’s electrical systems before water goes in. We run it before every fill, including at the City of Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square.
Can I book only an opening or closing without a maintenance program?
Yes, call to book a seasonal visit. A maintenance program is often simpler, because the same crew then looks after the fountain all season.