Shutting down fountains for the winter is the most error-prone and costly aspect of fountain operations in northern regions. The bottom line: Winter shutdown of a fountain is not simply a matter of ”turning off the power and calling it a day.” Residual water in the pipes expands by approximately 9% when it freezes—enough to burst steel pipes, crack the impeller chamber of a pump, and damage solenoid valve bodies. The losses resulting from a single improper shutdown can exceed the total maintenance costs for five years. This article provides a complete, actionable step-by-step procedure for winter shutdown of fountains, detailing the drainage sequence, equipment protection, and restart inspection. It is applicable to the three main types of fountains: plaza fountains, dry fountains, and floating fountains.
Preparations for Shutting Down the Fountain for the Winter
Before beginning the shutdown procedure, the following preparatory steps must be completed to ensure that the shutdown process proceeds smoothly:
- Confirm the downtime schedule:Using the first prolonged cold spell (5 consecutive days or more below 0°C) as indicated in the local weather forecast as a reference, begin preparations 7 days in advance and complete the operation before the minimum temperature drops to -5°C.
- Prepare the shutdown tools:Submersible sewage pumps, air compressors, inflatable rubber stoppers, rust-preventative oil, thermal insulation batting, and rainproof protective bags.
- Current Status Archive:Take photos of the spray heads, light fixtures, pipe routing, and control panel wiring and save them as a record to serve as a reference for reinstallation the following year.
Procedures for Shutting Down Plaza Fountains for the Winter
1. Shut off the water supply
Close the municipal water supply valve and confirm that the water level is no longer rising.
2. Drain the pool
Turn off the water pump and open the drain valve. For large pools, a submersible pump can be used to assist with draining; leave 10–15 cm of silt at the pump outlet to prevent the inlet from becoming clogged.
3. Pipe purging (the most critical step)
Open the drain valves at the lowest points of all pipes, and use an air compressor to blow through the pipes from one end to the other, continuing until no water mist is emitted. Pay special attention to U-tubes, building penetrations, and low-lying sections of pipe.
4. Equipment Disassembly and Storage
Be sure to remove water pumps, spray heads, and underwater lights and store them indoors in a dry place. If the seals on the lights have deteriorated, they should be replaced all at once during the winter to reduce the failure rate the following year.
5. Control System Protection
Back up the PLC programs and DMX show files, disconnect the power supply, and post warning signs. It is recommended to place silica gel desiccant packets inside the control cabinet to prevent moisture buildup.
Precautions for Shutdown in Special Environments
| Environment Type | Special Shutdown Requirements | Risk Alert |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Fountain | Drain standing water from the sump; remove or drain the solenoid valve | Frozen and cracked valve bodies are the most common failure type. |
| Floating Fountain | If the ice is more than 30 mm thick, it must be moved to the shore for storage. | Ice thrust can cause permanent deformation of the floating platform structure |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it okay to just turn off the power without draining the water?
A: Absolutely not. When water freezes, it expands with tremendous force, which can cause pipes, pump rooms, and valve bodies to burst. The total cost of repairs would far exceed the labor costs associated with a shutdown.
Q: Should pools in northern regions be filled with water to prevent cracking?
A: In regions of the north with severe cold, it is recommended to completely drain the area and lay a breathable protective membrane, as water accumulation and freezing can cause freeze-thaw damage to the waterproofing layer.
Q: What should I do if a pipe freezes and bursts?
A: Once it has completely melted, check for leaks. Minor cracks can be sealed with waterproof tape; for large cracks, cut out the affected section of pipe and replace it. Be sure to perform a leak test after repairs are complete.
Huiqi FountainWith 19 years of industry experience, we provide standardized winter shutdown and restart services for clients in northern China. Our services include professional pipeline purging, equipment disassembly and storage, program backup, and spring leak testing to ensure a seamless restart the following year. For more information, visit www.huiqi-china.com or call 13826128838.
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