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How to Use Saltwater in a Fountain

Jim Skelter

From the Fontana di Trevi in Rome to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, fountains can be a source of awe and inspiration. Many fountains work in many different ways, some operating on pumps and others, like the Grand Cascade in St. Petersburg, work on sheer elevation. No matter what kind of fountain you have, using saltwater in it is not a bad idea and can even keep your fountain cleaner than using freshwater.

Use saltwater in your fountain.

Step 1

Make a saltwater solution. The salinity is up to you, but too much salt can cause erosion. The salinity of seawater is about 3.5%, or 35 parts salt per 1,000 parts water.

Step 2

Fill the reservoir of your fountain with the saltwater solution just as you would with freshwater. All fountains are different, so consult a manual to know exactly how to fill your fountain.

Step 3

Change the water in your fountain with some frequency. Even though saltwater keeps fountains cleaner than freshwater, you will still need to change the filters periodically. Change the water out with a new batch each time you clean the fountain.