Design – SAI Fountains

Closing the Flow: Prepping Water Features for Winter

As October rolls in and the air turns crisp, many of our favorite outdoor fountains and water features start to quiet down for the season. The sound of running water gives way to falling leaves, and it’s time to think about winterizing.

At SAI Fountains, we spend this time of year helping clients close down their water features the right way — protecting pumps, plumbing, and finishes from harsh winter conditions. Whether you manage a municipal fountain, a corporate plaza feature, or a residential showpiece, a thoughtful winter shutdown can make all the difference when spring rolls back around.

Why October Matters

October really is the “sweet spot” for winter prep. The temperatures have dropped enough to signal the end of regular operation, but it’s not yet cold enough for freezing to set in. That window gives you the perfect chance to get everything cleaned, inspected, and protected before frost hits.

Step One: Clean and Inspect

Before shutting everything down, take a moment to do a full walkthrough. Look for leaks, clogged nozzles, or anything that didn’t perform quite right this season. Then give your feature a deep clean — remove leaves, algae, and debris from the basin and filters. It’s simple, but it prevents buildup and staining over the winter months.

Step Two: Drain and Dry

Once the cleaning’s done, it’s time to drain the system. In colder climates, leaving water in basins, pipes, or pumps can lead to cracks and damage when ice expands. Make sure everything is completely drained, and blow out any lines if your system allows it. If your design includes statuary or decorative elements, wipe them down and let them dry fully before covering.

Step Three: Protect Your Equipment

Winter is hard on mechanicals. Disconnect pumps, lights, and control equipment if the manufacturer recommends it, and store them in a dry, climate-controlled space. If you can’t remove components, use weatherproof covers or insulation where possible. A little protection now saves a lot of expense later.

Step Four: Cover and Secure

For large or exposed features, consider using a breathable cover to keep out debris while allowing moisture to escape. If you have sculptures or intricate stonework, wrapping them can help prevent cracking or surface damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Step Five: Plan for Spring

As you finish closing things down, take a few notes for next season — any parts that need replacing, things that worked well, or updates you’d like to make. Documenting that now will make your spring startup smoother and faster.

And while your feature rests over the winter, it’s a great time to schedule any planned maintenance, design upgrades, or equipment replacements.

Wrapping Up

Shutting down a fountain might feel like saying goodbye for the season, but it’s really about setting yourself up for success. A little extra attention in October means less stress and fewer surprises come spring.

At SAI Fountains, we help clients through every stage — from design and installation to seasonal maintenance and service. If you’re preparing your feature for winter and want to make sure it’s done right, our team is here to help.

Enjoy the change of seasons — and the calm that comes when the water rests.

Why Splash Pads Are the Warm‑Weather Must‑Have (And Why Precision Matters in Building Them)

When temperatures soar, splash pads become the ultimate backyard oasis. These zero‑depth water features provide kids (and grown-ups!) a way to cool down—without the need for lifeguards or deep water—and cost far less to maintain than traditional pools. Free to use and accessible, splash pads serve as inclusive gathering spots—perfect for families on a budget or anyone without easy access to air-conditioned spaces.

But their benefits go far beyond refreshing fun. Splash pads encourage active, unstructured play—helping children build coordination, balance, and social skills all at once. Because they’re designed flat and shallow, with textured non‑slip surfaces and ADA‑compliant access, these features ensure a safer environment for little feet—minimizing drowning risks and slips.

However, true safety starts with precise construction. Proper drainage to prevent pooling, reliable filtration and recirculation, and accurate chemical dosing are essential to prevent waterborne illnesses. Features like motion‑sensing nozzles, secure water treatment enclosures, and easily cleanable, textured surfacing aren’t just luxuries; they’re critical to keeping children safe.

At SAI Fountains, we understand that expert design and installation aren’t optional—they’re essential when building splash pads for families and communities. From engineering precise water flow to creating hygienic, slip‑resistant environments, our team ensures every splash pad we build delivers maximum fun and maximum peace of mind.

Why Water Features Are Key to Greener and More Livable Cities

As cities grow and evolve, urban planners are prioritizing sustainability and livability. One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is through the integration of well-designed water features. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, fountains, ponds, and interactive water elements help combat urban heat, improve air quality, and promote environmental responsibility. At SAI Fountains, we specialize in helping design and constructing high-quality commercial water features that enhance cityscapes while contributing to a greener future.

The Role of Water Features in Sustainable Urban Development

1. Combatting the Urban Heat Island Effect

Cities tend to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the heat-retaining properties of concrete, asphalt, and glass. Water features serve as natural coolants by releasing moisture into the air and creating a refreshing microclimate. At SAI Fountains, we design and install custom fountains and water walls that help lower surrounding temperatures, making public spaces more comfortable year-round.

2. Enhancing Air Quality

Flowing water helps remove dust and airborne pollutants, improving overall air quality in dense urban environments. Our team at SAI Fountains incorporates innovative aeration techniques into our water feature designs, ensuring cleaner, healthier air for communities while maintaining eco-friendly water circulation.

3. Sustainable Water Management

Modern water features can be designed with sustainability in mind. Our expert team integrates:

Recirculating systems to minimize water waste
Rainwater harvesting to supplement water supply
Eco-friendly filtration to keep water clean without excessive chemical use

By implementing these advanced techniques, SAI Fountains ensures that our water features contribute to conservation efforts while maintaining their beauty and functionality.

Water Features as Social and Recreational Hubs

1. Encouraging Community Engagement

Public water features naturally attract people, creating lively gathering spaces in parks, plazas, and commercial developments. Our team at SAI Fountains designs and constructs interactive water installations that encourage social interaction, from splash pads for children to elegant fountains in urban plazas.

2. Promoting Health & Well-Being

Research shows that exposure to water elements reduces stress and enhances mental well-being. Our water features bring tranquility to fast-paced urban environments, helping to create calming spaces where people can relax and recharge.

3. Boosting Property Value & Economic Growth

Developers and city planners know that well-designed water features add tremendous value to commercial and residential properties. At SAI Fountains, we collaborate with architects and developers to create custom water installations that enhance real estate appeal and attract businesses, visitors, and investors.

Why Choose SAI Fountains?

At SAI Fountains, we bring years of expertise in preconstruction planning, custom water feature design, and construction for commercial projects across the country. We work closely with landscape architects, architects, developers, and city planners to ensure seamless integration of water elements into any urban landscape. Our services include:
✔ Concept & Design – Tailored water feature designs that align with your sustainability goals
✔ Engineering & Preconstruction – Feasibility analysis, budgeting, and planning for efficient implementation
✔ Construction & Installation – High-quality craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology
✔ Maintenance & Sustainability Upgrades – Long-term solutions to keep your water feature efficient and eco-friendly

Water features are more than just beautiful additions to urban spaces—they are vital components of greener, healthier, and more vibrant cities. At SAI Fountains, we are committed to designing and building sustainable, high-performance water features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. If you’re looking to incorporate a stunning and eco-friendly water feature into your next project, contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life!

New Washington Harbour Fountain Flowing Through October

The new fountains at the Washington Harbour complex started flowing over Labor Day weekend. The renovated water feature will only flow until Oct. 1 this year to allow for construction of the ice rink in time for the winter season.

Ten of Cincinnati’s Best Outdoor Public Fountains

If you tell someone Cincinnati’s identity is connected to water, they’ll probably assume you’re talking about the Ohio River. Yes, there is that. But it’s also about the role of outdoor public fountains in the city’s history and recent resurgence.

The Gorgeous New Riverside Crossing Park Is Open In Dublin

Riverside Crossing Park will serve as a public space where residents can gather for events and enjoy the beauty of the riverfront area in Dublin.

Century Link Featured in Landscape Architect & Specifier

Landscape Architect & Specifier’s June, 2017 issue features a Southern Aquatics project, Century Link Campus. Century Link is a S&P 500 telecommunications company with is headquarters located in Monroe, LA. The 2.2 acre courtyard serves to connect the office building and technology center with multiple spaces to provide dynamic character. Southern Aquatics was able to assist in bringing landscape architecture firm, EDGE’s vision to life.

Ohio National Veteran’s Memorial Monument

SAI Fountains is excited to be selected to build the Ohio Veteran’s Memorial Monument, designed by the creative minds at The Olin Studio with CMS Collaborative as the Fountain Consultant.

Newly Constructed Marcum Park in Hamilton, OH

Southern Aquatics recently completed Marcum Park in Hamilton, OH.

SAI Fountains constructed the river playscape and that can be seen below.

Park Van Ness Fountain Project in Washington D.C.

Southern Aquatics Inc is near the completion of project Park Van Ness in Washington D.C.

Park Van Ness is a 271-unit residential project with approximately 9,000 square feet of street-level retail, below street-level structured parking, and amenities including a community room, landscaped courtyards, a fitness room and a rooftop pool and deck.