How to Keep Your Corten Water Feature Clean?(Expert Tips)

Your Corten steel water feature adds a vintage charm to your garden with its unique rust-colored texture, but algae, debris, and cloudy water can quickly ruin its beauty. More importantly, regular cleaning not only keeps your Corten water feature looking its best but also extends its lifespan while providing a safe habitat for wildlife like birds and insects.
This guide shares expert cleaning techniques—from pump maintenance to natural algae removal—to effortlessly manage daily upkeep for your water fountain.

Step 1: Prioritize Pump Maintenance (The “Heart” of Your Water Feature)

 
The pump is the core of your metal water feature. If it clogs or breaks, the entire system shuts down, making daily maintenance a top priority.

1. Regular Pump Cleaning

Always disconnect power before cleaning to avoid electric shock. Remove the pump from the water, then thoroughly scrub the intake and impeller with an old toothbrush or soft cloth to remove pollen, leaves, silt, and other debris. These contaminants slow pump speed and can cause burnout, especially in large metal water features with high flow demands.
If your area has hard water (visible scale buildup), clean monthly to remove calcium deposits inside the pump. In soft water regions, clean every 2-3 months—applicable for both small round water features and large installations.

2. Inspecting the Pump and Piping

During each cleaning, also check the pump housing and connecting pipes for cracks. If cracks are found, replace the components promptly. Otherwise, leaks will occur, wasting water resources while increasing the pump's workload and compromising the overall stability of the metal water feature.
If the pump includes a filter screen, regularly disassemble and clean or replace it (typically every 2-3 months). . A clogged filter promotes harmful bacterial growth, indirectly degrading water quality. Regardless of your steel water feature's design, this can diminish its original aesthetic appeal.

3. Upgrade to a High-Quality Pump (Long-Term Peace of Mind)

If you currently use a low-cost plastic pump, consider upgrading to a high-performance model (such as the Pentair series). These pumps offer superior durability and reduce clogging frequency, ultimately saving maintenance time and costs over the long term. They are particularly suitable for water features like outdoor water fountains that demand stable water flow.

Step 2: Clear Debris from the Corten Steel Basin

 
The basin is the primary area for debris accumulation in large metal water features. Untreated buildup fosters bacteria growth, produces odors, and may clog the pump.
 

1. Daily/Weekly Quick Cleanup

Regularly skim large debris like fallen leaves, branches, and petals from the water surface using a small net to prevent them from sinking and decomposing. During peak fall and spring seasons, allocate 1-2 minutes daily for inspection and cleanup to avoid contamination from fermenting debris. This applies to both round and square water features.
Install a fine mesh filter over the pump intake to preemptively block small particles from entering the pump, reducing cleaning frequency. This method is suitable for all types of metal water features.

2. Monthly Deep Cleaning

First, drain half the water from the basin. Gently wipe the inner walls with a soft sponge—avoid abrasive tools like steel wool to prevent scratching the corten steel surface and damaging the patina.
After wiping, rinse the basin thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Refill with fresh water to the appropriate level to keep your metal water feature clean.
 

Step 3: Controlling Algae Naturally

Algae are the “arch-enemy” of steel water features, not only turning water green and making surfaces slimy but also consuming oxygen and harming wildlife. We recommend safe, natural methods to remove algae, avoiding damage to Corten steel and the ecosystem.

1. White Vinegar for Algae Removal (Safe and Effective)

Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and evenly spray it onto the inner walls of the water basin and the Corten steel surface where algae has grown. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
White vinegar effectively kills algae while posing no harm to birds, insects, or the oxidized layer of Corten steel. This method is highly recommended for both large metal water features and smaller water landscapes.

2. Preventing Algae Growth (Reducing Cleaning Burden)

• Shade the sunlight: Algae rely on sunlight to reproduce. Place the steel water feature under tree shade (avoid branches that shed leaves) or float water lilies, lotus flowers, or other aquatic plants on the surface. This blocks sunlight while adding natural beauty.
• Introduce algae-eating organisms: Introduce freshwater snails like apple snails or horned pond snails into the basin. They feed on algae, naturally controlling algae populations and reducing manual cleaning frequency, keeping your metal water feature consistently fresh.

Step 4: Manage Water Quality and Level

Stable water quality and level directly impact the cleanliness and equipment lifespan of metal outdoor water fountains.

1. Regular Water Changes (Monthly)

 
Replace 1/4 to 1/2 of the basin water monthly—full changes are unnecessary. Frequent complete water changes disrupt beneficial aquatic bacteria, potentially worsening water quality. This is especially critical for recirculating systems like rain curtain water feature uk.
Use distilled or filtered water. If using tap water, let it stand for 24 hours beforehand to allow chlorine to evaporate. This prevents harm to aquatic plants and microorganisms, safeguarding the ecological balance of round water features and other water landscapes.

2. Maintain Proper Water Level

Maintain water levels at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) below the rim of the corten water fountain basin. This prevents overflow that could stain surfaces and minimizes excessive rust water seepage (especially when the oxidation layer is unstable in new installations). For large metal water features, it also reduces edge stress, extending longevity.
During hot summer months, check water levels every 2-3 days due to rapid evaporation. In winter, the water level can be appropriately lowered. If frequent water refills are inconvenient, installing an automatic water replenishment system is both hassle-free and efficient, compatible with all styles of steel water features.
 

Step 5: Cleaning the Corten Steel Surface (Protecting the Patina)

 
The patina on Corten steel acts as a protective coating for custom metal water features. Extra care must be taken during cleaning to avoid damaging this natural protective layer.

1. Wiping External Surfaces

Monthly wipe the exterior Corten steel surfaces of your water feature with a damp cloth to remove dust, bird droppings, and other debris. For stubborn stains, gently wipe with a small amount of clean water. Never use chemical cleaners like dish soap or bleach—these corrode the patina, accelerating rusting. This applies to all metal water feature designs.

2. Managing Initial Rust Water (Important for New Water Features)

 
Newly installed metal outdoor fountains may seep rust water for the first 3-6 months. Place a layer of gravel or dark-colored tiles beneath the basin to catch the rust water and prevent ground staining. Once the oxidation layer stabilizes, the rust water will naturally cease. No additional treatment is required, and this does not affect the long-term use of round water features or other water features.
 

Step 6: Seasonal Maintenance (Summer Algae Prevention, Winter Freeze Protection)

 
Different seasons present distinct environmental conditions, requiring tailored adjustments to the maintenance strategy for rain curtain water features.
 

1. Summer Maintenance (Focus on Algae Prevention)

 

• Pump Operation: Run the pump for 8–12 hours daily; continuous 24-hour operation is unnecessary. Continuous running accelerates water evaporation and increases electricity costs. Moving water reduces algae growth and balances water quality, particularly crucial for large-capacity features like large metal water features;
• Natural Cleaners: Add eco-friendly outdoor water bowl cleaners (e.g., Fountain Safe) monthly to inhibit algae growth while remaining safe for children, pets, and wildlife. Suitable for all steel water features.

2. Winter Maintenance (Focus on Frost Protection)

• Drain Water: Before temperatures drop below 0°C, completely drain water from the basin and pipes of rain curtain fountain to prevent ice expansion from cracking corten steel or damaging pumps, especially in complex structures like corten steel fountains.
• Store Equipment: Remove the pump, dry it thoroughly, and store it indoors in a dry location to prepare for the metal water feature's operation next year.
• Cover for Protection: Cover the backyard water feature with a breathable, waterproof tarp to prevent snow accumulation from causing deformation. If winter temperatures drop only briefly (1-2 days), keep the pump running. Moving water is less prone to freezing, suitable for small, portable water features like round water features.

 

Frequently asked Questions About Water Features

 

1. Can Chlorine Be Used To Clean Corten Steel Water Features?

Use sparingly (1-2 tablespoons every 2-3 weeks) only when no aquatic plants are present. If aquatic plants exist, remove them first, as chlorine will kill them. White vinegar is a safer alternative that won't damage the Corten steel water feature's patina. It is recommended for cleaning both large metal water features and smaller installations.

2. How Often Should Corten Steel Water Features Undergo Deep Cleaning?

Small features (e.g., round water features, Corten steel bowl-shaped features) require monthly cleaning. Large features (e.g., Corten steel fountains, waterfalls, ponds) should be cleaned every 2 months. Increase frequency during summer when algae growth accelerates; extend to every 3 months in winter. This schedule applies to all steel water features.

3. Does Cleaning Damage The Corten Steel Patina?

Using soft tools (sponges, cloths) and gentle methods (plain water, white vinegar) will not harm the patina. What truly damages it are hard-bristled brushes, chemical cleaners, and excessive scrubbing. Regardless of your water feature style, always follow the “gentle cleaning” principle.

4. What Should i Do If Foam Appears In The Water Feature?

Foam is typically caused by organic debris like bird droppings or decaying leaves. Drain half the water, wipe the interior walls of the Corten steel basin with white vinegar, then refill with fresh water. If foam persists, increase water changes to thoroughly remove debris. This method also applies to metal water features.

Preserving the Timeless Beauty of Your Corten Steel Water Feature

Maintaining your large round water feature hinges on two principles: “regularity” and “gentleness.” No complex tools or frequent major interventions are needed—just simple daily care to keep your corten water feature retaining its vintage charm as a lasting focal point in your garden.
 
By adhering to these cleaning techniques, your rusted metal water feature, round water feature, or other Corten steel water installations will not only accompany you for decades but also enhance your garden's ecosystem, delivering both aesthetic appeal and practical value.

Action Recommendations

If you're searching for the perfect water feature or require matching cleaning tools and eco-friendly cleaners, explore our product range. We offer extensive options for both large metal water features and compact steel water features. For specific cleaning challenges, feel free to contact our expert team for personalized solutions!