When the temps begin to fall and the daylight gets scarce, it’s time for fall. With that comes the realization that there are plenty of tasks and work to be done.
Let’s go down the fast lane list of big-ticket items that will need to be done. Some may seem obvious, yet there are subtle things you may forget. If you do, it may cost you further down the road. We are here to help you avoid that.
Closing the Pool
While you check your essential checklist for preparing your pool for the colder months, it’s crucial to address both the obvious tasks and the more nuanced details that might slip your mind. Overlooking certain steps now could lead to costly issues down the line, a scenario we aim to help you avoid.
Remember, protecting your pool’s longevity is the key.
- Clean & Balance: Remove debris by skimming the pool, shock chlorine, and adjust water balance (pH & alkalinity).
- Lower Water Level: Drain below the skimmer for winterization adhering to the specific depth levels outlined in your pool’s manual.
- Winterize Equipment: Disconnect and drain the pump, filter, and cleaner lines. Cover exposed parts. Store equipment in a safe place for the winter months.
- Add Pool Chemicals: Add winterizing chemicals to prevent algae and freezing. If you haven’t done this before, you may want to consult a pool store professional for help.
- Cover & Secure: Place a secure winter pool cover over the pool, ensuring it’s tied down with straps or water tubes. Adding a water balloon or pillow beneath the cover facilitates water drainage on all sides.
Consider visiting your local Ocean State Job Lot for all your pool chemicals and accessories. We have over 100 pool chemicals and winterizing kits for you to get started with. Plus, whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool, we’ve got the right cover for you along with all the right accessories you’ll need like vacuums, brushes, skimmers, and more.
Getting Rid of Leaves
Taking care of getting rid of leaves is another crucial part of your fall cleaning and maintenance.
This comes in double doses. Raking and picking up leaves is a very common chore that most of us do. You’ll want to have a sturdy rake as well as heavy-duty trash and paper bags. You can even rake the leaves onto a tarp before putting them into the bags. If you don’t want to use bags, you may want to use an old trash can marked with “YW” for yard waste. Check your local town rules for when you can put yard waste out. There are usually particular dates that are allowed on trash days.
Secondly, you’ll want to clean the gutters.
There are two ways to do it. One from the ground and the other using a ladder, the most common being the latter.
Method 1: Using a Ladder
Prioritize your safety by wearing gloves and eye protection. Use a sturdy ladder on even ground. Have someone with you to hold the ladder for stability. With gloved hands, scoop out any leaves or debris from the gutter. Place debris in a bucket or bag for disposal.
Method 2: From the Ground (for low clogs)
Use a leaf blower on a low setting or pressure washer to remove and clean leaves from gutters. Suck up the leaves and debris with a wet/dry vacuum with a gutter attachment. Consider using gutter guards to prevent leaves from accumulating in the first place. In addition to cleaning the gutters in the fall, you should consider doing it as well in the spring to avoid clogs and poor drainage.
Storing Outdoor Furniture
It’s almost like putting puzzle pieces together when you’re moving around things in between seasons. Having a shed with some shelving definitely helps as it gives you some options. Click here for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to put away all your gardening tools for the season.
As for your outdoor furniture, you might want to consider either putting a tarp on it if you are leaving it out in the weather or trying to find enough room to store it indoors for more protection. Either way, things like cushions, pillows, and pool items should be put away.
Once you’ve stored everything in your shed, make sure you have things you’ll need for the next season like shovels, ice melt, and your snow blower if you have one.
Additional Tips
Additional fall tips include power washing areas now left clear by putting outdoor furniture away, mowing the lawn, fertilizing, protecting tender plants, bringing in container plants, draining hoses, and shutting off the outdoor water supply. Ensure everything vulnerable to harsh weather conditions is safeguarded against snow, moisture, cold, and wind. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protective measures.
Don’t forget, if there’s anything you’ve overlooked, you can always visit your local Ocean State Job Lot for comprehensive solutions!