How to Cover a Fountain for Winter

Covering your outdoor fountain for winter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect it from freeze damage, debris, and UV degradation during the cold months. Whether you're storing a small tabletop fountain or protecting a large multi-tier garden centerpiece, the right cover makes all the difference.

Why Cover Your Fountain for Winter?

Even after draining, an uncovered fountain is exposed to:

• Residual moisture from rain, snow, and condensation that can refreeze inside cracks
• Debris accumulation — leaves, dirt, and twigs that clog the basin and pump housing
• UV damage from winter sun that fades and degrades resin and painted surfaces
• Wind damage to lightweight decorative elements

A proper cover addresses all of these risks with minimal effort.

What Type of Cover Should You Use?

Breathable Waterproof Fountain Covers (Best Option)

Purpose-made fountain covers are the gold standard. Look for covers that are:

• Waterproof on the outside to repel rain and snow
• Breathable on the inside to allow moisture vapor to escape and prevent mold
• UV-resistant to withstand winter sun without cracking or fading
• Fitted or adjustable with drawstrings or elastic hems to stay secure in wind

Burlap or Garden Fabric

A breathable, natural option for mild climates. Burlap allows airflow but provides limited waterproofing — best used as a secondary layer under a waterproof cover in wet climates.

What to Avoid

• Plastic tarps: Non-breathable; trap moisture underneath, promoting mold and mildew growth
• Tight plastic wrapping: Creates condensation that can refreeze on fountain surfaces
• Leaving the fountain uncovered: Even in mild climates, debris accumulation makes spring cleanup much harder

How to Cover Your Fountain: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Drain and Clean First

Never cover a fountain that still has water in it. Complete the full draining and cleaning process before covering — covering a wet fountain traps moisture and can cause mold or freeze damage.

Step 2: Remove the Pump and Store Indoors

The pump should always be stored indoors during winter, not left inside the covered fountain. Store it in a bucket of clean water in a frost-free location to keep the seals supple.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size Cover

Measure your fountain's height and widest point before purchasing a cover. A cover that's too small won't protect the base; one that's too large will catch wind and blow off. Most fountain covers come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.

Step 4: Place the Cover Over the Fountain

Drape the cover evenly over the fountain, ensuring it reaches all the way to the ground or base. For multi-tier fountains, make sure the cover fits over the tallest tier without pulling tight.

Step 5: Secure the Cover

Use the cover's built-in drawstring, elastic hem, or tie straps to secure it snugly. For extra security in windy areas, use bungee cords or rope tied around the base of the cover.

Step 6: Check Periodically Through Winter

Check your covered fountain every few weeks to ensure:

• The cover is still securely in place
• No water has pooled on top of the cover (shake or brush it off)
• No animals have made a home underneath

Should You Cover a Resin Fountain?

Yes — even though our FountJoy resin fountains are crafted from UV-resistant, weather-durable resin designed to withstand the elements, covering them during winter provides an extra layer of protection and keeps them looking pristine season after season. It also makes spring startup faster since the basin stays clean.

Can You Leave a Fountain Uncovered in Mild Climates?

In regions where temperatures rarely drop below freezing (USDA Zones 9–11), you may be able to leave your fountain running year-round without covering. However, even in mild climates, covering a drained fountain during the wettest winter months protects against debris and algae buildup.

Final Thoughts

Covering your fountain for winter takes just 10–15 minutes and provides months of protection. Pair it with proper draining and pump storage, and your fountain will emerge from winter in perfect condition — ready to fill your garden with the sound of flowing water from the first warm day of spring.

Shop our collection of premium outdoor water fountains — designed for beauty, durability, and easy seasonal care.