Corten steel water features, with their unique rust-coloured texture and industrial aesthetic, serve as the perfect finishing touch for courtyards and gardens. As a highly distinctive metal water feature, it not only creates a tranquil atmosphere with the sound of flowing water, but its oxidised layer, which evolves, also imbues the space with a unique sense of history. However, scientific maintenance is essential to keep corten steel ponds in optimal condition. Proper maintenance not only protects its iconic rust layer and extends its service life but also ensures smooth water circulation and prevents algae growth or component damage. Whether it is water feature troughs, round water features, or other types of corten steel bowls, mastering maintenance skills is the key to realizing their value.
Essential Tools & Safety Tips for Corten Water Feature Maintenance
List of Essential Tools
Soft sponge or microfibre cloth (to avoid scratching the oxide layer on the surface of the corten steel)
Neutral liquid soap (such as baby bath gel or dishwashing liquid; do not use strong acids or alkalis)
Distilled water or special water feature maintenance agent (suitable for small water features)
Soft-bristle toothbrush (for cleaning pump gaps and corners)
Garden hose (for rinsing)
Small vacuum cleaner or debris remover (for cleaning sediment in large water features)
Pet- and child-safe algae remover (to avoid harming the ecosystem)
Safety First: Must-do Before Operation
Before maintenance, ensure that the water feature's power supply is turned off and unplugged. For large Corten water features, disconnect the power at the circuit breaker to prevent electric shock. If the water feature has a lighting system, first check that the wiring is intact to avoid water ingress and short circuits.
The rust-coloured oxide layer on corten steel acts as a ‘protective umbrella’, so extra care must be taken when cleaning outdoor water fountains. Dip a microfibre cloth in warm water diluted with neutral soapy water and gently wipe the steel surface to remove dust and floating dirt. For stubborn stains (such as bird droppings or decomposing leaves), use a soft-bristle brush to scrub gently. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners (which can damage the oxide layer). Rinse with clean water after cleaning, then use a dry cloth to absorb surface moisture to prevent water accumulation, which can cause localized excessive rusting.
2. Cleaning the Water Circulation System of the Water Feature
The pump is the ‘heart’ of the metal water feature. Improper maintenance can lead to stagnant water flow and increased noise: Disassemble the pump, rinse off surface debris with a garden hose, then use a toothbrush to clean mud and sand from the intake port and impeller gaps. Inspect the pump cables for damage and check the connections for loosening. If any abnormalities are found, replace the components promptly. Before reinstallation, apply 1–2 drops of specialised lubricant to the bearings (avoid using edible oil, as it can promote bacterial growth).
3. Controlling Algae and Water Quality in Water Features
Outdoor water features are prone to algae growth, especially during hot summer months: Remove fallen leaves, petals, and other debris from the water surface weekly to reduce the nutrients that promote algae growth. Add an eco-friendly algicide once a month (must be labelled ‘safe for fish/pets’), with dosage calculated based on water volume. For shallow areas like water feature troughs, you can introduce 2-3 small algae-eating fish to naturally control algae growth (avoid overstocking, which can worsen water quality).
4. Adjusting the Water Level: Preventing the Pump From Running Dry
The water level of the corten waterfallmust always cover the pump: Check the water level weekly. If the water level drops due to evaporation or splashing, promptly top up with distilled water (for small water features) or tap water that has been left to stand for 1 day (to remove chlorine). Large square water features can be equipped with an automatic water replenishment system, especially during unattended holidays, to prevent pump damage due to water shortage.
1. High Temperatures In Summer: Preventing Evaporation and Algae Blooms
When the midday sun is strong, temporary shade nets can be erected in areas prone to exposure, such as round water features, to reduce water evaporation and algae photosynthesis.
Replace 1/3 of the water every 2 weeks, and when refilling with new water, pour it slowly along the pool wall to avoid impacting the oxide layer on the surface of the corten steel.
2. Autumn Leaves Fall: Timely Cleaning to Prevent Blockages
Hang fine mesh nets above backyard water features to intercept falling leaves, reducing the frequency of cleaning.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove sediment from the pool bottom weekly to prevent rotting and water quality contamination.
For water feature troughs, check that drain outlets are unobstructed to prevent leaf accumulation, causing blockages.
3. Winter Frost Protection: Protecting the Structure and Components
Before temperatures drop below 0°C, completely drain the water from the Corten water feature. Use a soft cloth to dry the steel surface and any moisture in the gaps (to prevent ice expansion and cracking).
Dismantle the pump, clean it, and store it in a cool indoor location submerged in clean water (to prevent the seals from drying out and hardening).
Cover the garden water feature with a waterproof, breathable protective cover to prevent snow from directly contacting the steel surface, while leaving ventilation openings to prevent condensation buildup.
4. Spring Revival: Comprehensive Inspection and Restart
Remove the protective cover, rinse the dust off the surface of the corten steel with a hose, and check for winter frost cracks or deformation.
Before reinstalling the water pump, test whether it is working properly. If there is a strange noise, disassemble it to check whether the impeller is stuck with debris.
After filling it with water for the first time, add a water stabiliser, let it sit for 2-3 days, and then turn on the circulation system to allow the water to restore its ecological balance.
Corten Water Feature Maintenance Mistakes that Shorten Its Lifespan
Over-Cleaning the Rust Layer
Some people may feel that the rust layer on corten steel is ‘unhygienic’ and wipe it with a steel wool pad or rust remover, which will destroy its self-protective oxide layer and accelerate the corrosion of the steel. The correct approach is to remove only the surface dust and retain the uniform rust colour texture.
Using Harsh Cleaning Agents
Metal parts of metal water features (especially corten steel) should not be cleaned with strong corrosive cleaning agents such as bleach and toilet cleaner, as this will cause the rust layer to peel off and spots to appear on the surface. If you need to remove scale, you can wipe it with diluted white vinegar (1:10 ratio) and rinse with clean water after 10 minutes.
Ignoring Water Level and Pump Compatibility
Using a small pump for a large metal water feature can result in poor water circulation; conversely, a high-power pump may cause the rust layer to erode due to excessive water flow. When purchasing, select a pump compatible with the water feature's volume (typically, the hourly water circulation rate should be 3–5 times the volume of the water body).
Q: Will the Rust Layer on Corten Steel Water Features Contaminate the Water Quality?
A: No. The stable oxide layer (rust layer) is dense and will not fall off into the water or release harmful substances, so it can be used safely in water features with fish or aquatic plants.
Q: How Can I Clean the Corners of a Round Water Feature?
A: Use a long-handled soft-bristle brush with a specialised cleaning sponge (such as a Magic Eraser) to gently wipe along the edges and corners. Regularly use the flat nozzle of a small vacuum cleaner to remove deposits, preventing dirt from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas.
Q: Are Corten Steel Water Features Expensive to Maintain?
A: No. Corten water features do not need to be sealed regularly like stone water features, nor do they need to be polished frequently like copper water features. They only require basic cleaning and pump maintenance, and the average annual maintenance cost is much lower than that of metal water features made of other materials.
Let Corten Steel Water Features Become the Eternal Focal Point of Your Garden
The core of maintaining a steel water feature lies in ‘adapting to nature and intervening moderately’ — protecting its unique rust-coloured oxide layer while ensuring smooth water circulation. By mastering these techniques, whether it's the sleek lines of water feature troughs or the soft contours of round water features, they will grow more charming over time. If you are considering purchasing or customising a round metal pond, choosing a professional brand's product can reduce the pressure of later maintenance — high-quality corten steel materials and a precise water circulation design are the foundation for long-lasting brilliance. Let this fusion of industrial style and natural water features bring timeless tranquillity and beauty to your outdoor space throughout the seasons.
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