We are concerned that your PREMIER FOUNTAIN should run whenever you want it and give pleasure and peace of mind to all that see and enjoy it. We have prepared a set of advice which will help as a guide to maintain a PREMIER FOUNTAIN.

Electricity Supply

85% of fountain problems are due to electrical issues and nearly 100% of them are due to severe deficiencies with the electrical supply. Low voltage is the main culprit. Minimum voltage of pumps and other equipments are single phase- 220 volts, three phase-380 volts. This is the voltage ON LOAD, that is when the fountain is running. If low voltage is constant problem check that the electric connection is large enough for the load, and also that the supply is heavy enough. A cable or wires which are too small in diameter will cause a large drop in voltage. Otherwise steps will have to be taken to improve supply by approaching the electric supply authority.

Low voltage means that the current or amperage increases and this causes heating. This could not only lead to motor failure but will also cause switchgear to overheat and burn as it is not designed to carry excess current as happens when the voltage is very low.

Low voltage also lowers the light output of lights. A reduction of 10 volts (e.g. 220 in place of 230) causes a reduction in the light output of  20%. As a result of which the greens and blues becomes darker as these color filters absorb considerable amount of light. Low voltage also reduces pump output and water jets may be lower than normal.

Frequent fluctuations in voltage and power cults will also increase the wear and tear on the equipment. The protective devices in the electrical panel can lose their effectiveness with frequent voltage fluctuations. Other problems are single phasing and low frequency.

It is an inherent characteristic of single phase motors that they need a starting and in the form of a capacitor. This need special attention in the case of single phase mono submersible pump sets (1 and 1.5 hp 230 volts).

If it happens that the pump is not starting firstly check the blockage or jamming and then check the capacitor which is mounted with the switchgear. And if replaced use reputed makes and ISI marked spares always. If the standard length of the cable is extended or if the voltage is low it may be necessary to increase the capacitor rating.

Check electrical wiring and switchgear connections for tightness, every two weeks. When pool is drained check wiring of light. Whenever working on the wiring or electrical equipment make sure the supply is disconnected and for extra safety remove fuses in all phases.

FILTRATION

A mesh filter is provided on the pump suction to keep debris like leaves, paper and plastic bags etc. out of the pump and from blocking the fountain nozzles. However the suction effect of the pump keeps the debris stuck to the screen and therefore to be effective the screen must be cleaned whenever necessary. In case the dirt is drown through the filter and blocks the nozzles by poking with wire or hard object. This can scratch the bore of the nozzle and spoil the jet. The nozzles must be remove for cleaning and the pump run for a few minutes to thoroughly flush out the system.

Carefully readjust all the nozzles after cleaning. Many are filtered on ball joints and need exact alignment to replicate the original effect.

Mist and fog effects may have a cartridge filter in circuit. This has a large but fine filter inside. If the mist or fog effects seem to be lower or less than used check the pump mesh filter then open the cartridge filter remove the screen and wash it carefully. Do not use a wire brush or anything that might damage that might damage the fine screen.

LIGHTING

Dirt on the glass or colored filter greatly reduces light output so they should be kept clean- wiping when wet is best. If not done frequently a lime salt or similar film may develop which cannot be wiped off. Remove the glasses and use a mild acid solution to dissolve and remove the film.

Take care of the coloured glass filters, if they get hot and sudden splashing with water can shatter them. The lights should either be arranged so that the filters are under water or the filters should be constantly under the fountain water sprays. Acrylic or plastic coloured filters fade with time and need to be replaced.

Two weeks after the fountain has been installed check the light glands for tightness and give an extra turn if required. Repeat this inspection every month.

When replacing a light bulb check the gland for tightness and tighten the cover nuts evenly and equally. There may be a slight amount of moisture inside due to condensation-this should be thoroughly dried. If leakage is suspected check the gland and the cover gasket.

CLEANING 

Wipe down all the pipe work, lights and nozzles etc. When wet to keep it clean. If dirt is allowed to accumulate it will be difficult to remove.

PUMP

If the fountain has not been run for some time the pump may get jammed. If this is suspected assistance may be necessary. With mono submersible pumps the suction filter can be removed and this will expose the impeller which can then be levered to see if it is jammed. Leaving may release it otherwise special assistance is needed.

WATER

Keep water up to the required level by topping up as necessary. If water becomes discoloured or dirty it must be drained off and replaced. Running a fountain with dirty water loses its beauty and can cause deposits to settle on the lights etc.

For its full beauty a fountain needs clean water. Water can be replaced or can be kept clean with several systems. Most PREMIER FOUNTAINS can now be fitted (including those already in service) with a MAGNETIZER®, an imported device which fits unobtrusively on the fountain and controls algae, kills bacteria and clarifies water due to a unique polar magnetic effect. Once fitted it lasts indefinitely, uses no chemical or electricity and requires no maintenance. For applications requiring filtration Package Filtration Units (PFU) is a compact and economical solution. They incorporate a media filter with back flushing arrangement, prefilter and self priming pump with pipework and electrical all mounted on a channel base frame. PFUs can also be fitted with an imported MAGNETIZER® or ionizer that controls algae and bacteria without using chemicals.