No, we would not recommend it. Fountains constantly have water running through the line lines and the pump. If it were to stay outside during the colder months, that water would freeze and cause expansion. This would damage your fountain. Please, winterize your fountain and store it away during the Winter.

This depends what type of fountain you have. A standard model will have a recycling pump and electrical cords to plug in. However, you can get solar powered fountains which still circulate the water using a pump, but is powered by the sun and they do not require to be plugged in.

This would depend on the environment. If you notice algae, dirt, and other debris forming in your fountain, clean it right away. Leaving it too long will decrease the life of your pump. A standard fountain in normal elements should only need to be cleaned 2-3 time per year, including the clean-out you perform when winterizing.

Yes! The pump will filter out any unwanted materials. The water isn’t meant for drinking other than by birds and small animals.

Most outdoor water fountains are made of durable resin casts, concrete, and rubber which shouldn’t fade in the sun, or other elements, but it’s never 100% guaranteed. With that being said, it’s very unlikely that your fountain would ever lose color or finish by sitting in the sun.

Like any product, cost always depends on a number of different factors. Everything from materials used to construct, to size, and the complexity of the parts involved. With water fountains, cost can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars because there’s such a large variety to choose from. We would advise to first decide what you want out of your fountain and then search for a few models to narrow it down.