Yes, and in hard-water areas expect limescale on the pump and the bowl — descale with a mild acid solution on the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse thoroughly, and dry before refilling.
Tap water is normal. Hard tap water simply adds a maintenance job.
What limescale does
It coats the impeller and the housing, which changes the note of the pump and eventually stiffens it. It also builds on ceramic and stainless surfaces where it is visible but harmless.
Descaling
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for what may be used on their materials. Rinse thoroughly afterwards — residue is worse than scale — and let everything dry.
Filtered water
Some owners use filtered water to slow this down. It works, and the fountain’s own carbon filter is doing part of the same job.
What not to do
Do not run a descaling solution through the pump while the fountain is assembled and switched on unless the maker says you may.
This does not replace your device’s manual. Blade temperatures, locking mechanisms and cleaning procedures differ from model to model, and the manufacturer’s instructions take precedence over anything written here. Unplug a device before dismantling it, check a hot blade or an air nozzle against your own hand before it goes anywhere near an animal, and keep a mechanism that closes or rotates under supervision until you know how it behaves.
Last reviewed 2026-08-17