Keeping your outdoor garden fountain in good working order for many years to come will require some maintenance before winter begins.

The most important time to do these steps is before the first freeze.  To find the average time of the first freeze in your area, check this site… 

The best way to protect your fountain is to completely dissemble it. Clean out the pump and various parts of your fountain and then store away for the winter season in your shed or garage.

However if this is not possible due to size or weight, the following steps need to be followed to prevent cracking and other damage.

• Drain the water out of your fountain prior to the first freeze
  
• Remove the pump from your fountain, clean of all debris and store indoors. Store your fountain pump in a bucket or plastic container of water. Keep it in a warm indoor spot to keep the gaskets from drying out.
  
• Fill the basin of the fountain with an absorbent material such as burlap sacks or blankets. They will absorb any condensation and preventing the fountain from cracking due to expansion and contraction of water.
  
• Also cover your fountain with tarp or fountain cover to further protecting it from moisture.
  

Many concrete and cast stone fountains will develop tiny hairline cracks over time after exposure to the elements; these cracks are completely natural and will not effect the functionality of your fountain
 

You will be glad you took the time to ensure water does not freeze in your fountain and cause it to crack, or your pump to get damaged during the cold winter months. 

Fountains are commonly made with cast stone, fiberglass and ceramic because they are durable and lightweight materials that can be moved easily.  These materials are made to withstand the elements but if it gets wet, freezes and thaws it can crack.