Stone Fountain

[GSG]

So my parents just put a big stone (freakin heavy) fountain in the backyard. It needs some cleaning up. There are calcium deposits and the like all over it. Anybody have any experience with this or any suggestions?

 

They're not looking to use Lime-Away because it says it might discolor it. I'm pretty sure the fountain is just made out of concrete. Any help is much appreciated.

[HUSKER 37]

White vinnegar dissolves CaCo3 (Calcium Carbonate)

 

Acetic Acid is a stronger version of White Vinegar, but I wouldn't try it without gas masks and goggles/gloves.

You also might worry about the stone used..if it's limestone, the acid will attatk that too.

 

These weenies seem to think you should use watered down Vinegar, but I subscribe to the Tim "the Toolman" Taylor way of thinking.."More Power"

 

But they do have some useful tips on storing for the winter to avoid cracking...

 

http://www.lawnornamentsandfountains.com/l...ainarticle.html

[sarge87]

This is how you clean them home brew style (it's like cleaning the scale out of your home coffee maker.)

 

 

Step 1

 

Consult your fountain instruction manual, if provided, to check for specific instructions regarding types of cleaners that are safe for use on the fountain surfaces. Some fountains have special finishes that can be easily damaged. If you are unsure for any reason do not proceed and contact your local fountain/swimming pool dealer for a product to clean your lime scale.

 

Step 2

 

Unplug the fountain pump and dump the water out. If the fountain is too large to tip upside down outdoors, use either the drain plug (if there is one) or pump the water out with the fountain pump.

 

Step 3

 

Heat some white household vinegar on the stove until it's just warm (not boiling).

 

Step 4

 

Dip the cleaning rag into the vinegar and lay it on top of the stained area.

 

Step 5

 

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, to allow the vinegar to loosen up the hard water stains.

 

Step 6

 

Scrub the surface area gently with an old soft-bristled toothbrush to break up the stains. You can use a stiff nylon-bristled brush on durable fountain materials like concrete and cast stone, which can stand up to more vigorous cleaning.

 

Step 7

 

Rinse the fountain thoroughly.

 

Step 8

 

Re-fill your fountain with either distilled water or water treated with a fountain animal-safe anti-scale product. Both methods will keep mineral stains from developing in your fountain in the future. If you have trouble with moss in the water then you will have to purchase animal-safe biocide product from your fountain/swimming pool dealer.

[HUSKER 37]

...Step 6

 

Scrub the surface area gently with an old soft-bristled toothbrush to break up the stains. You can use a stiff nylon-bristled brush on durable fountain materials like concrete and cast stone, which can stand up to more vigorous cleaning.

 

Step 7

 

Rinse the fountain thoroughly.

 

Step 8

 

Re-fill your fountain with either distilled water or water treated with a fountain animal-safe anti-scale product. Both methods will keep mineral stains from developing in your fountain in the future. If you have trouble with moss in the water then you will have to purchase animal-safe biocide product from your fountain/swimming pool dealer.

 

...Step 7A ...You might also want to neutralize the acidic vinegar by adding ~1/2 box of baking soda prior to your final rinse.

 

And..if you mainly get visits from those nasty pigeons and don't care so much about "animal $afe"..Just put in a couple oz. of clorine bleach periodically.

..

 

If the dog's teeth start turning green, you probably used too much!