Many people enjoy using their outdoor hot tub or spa during the cold winter months. There’s nothing like soaking in a warm hot tub as you sip hot cocoa and watch the snow fall around you. If you live in a cold climate, follow these six tips to ensure proper operation and efficiency of your hot tub all winter long.

1. Stock up on Supplies – Make sure you have an extra filter cartridge and enough sanitizer, chemicals, test strips, and other spa supplies to last you through the winter. The weather can be unpredictable and you don’t want to take the chance of having to go out and purchase these items when the roads are icy or unmanaged.

2. Protect Your Pipes – One of the major risks of operating a hot tub in the winter is that water can freeze in the pipes. Check that your spa’s freeze protection system is activated, which will help maintain a constant water temperature even when you’re not using the spa. If your hot tub doesn’t have freeze protection, set your timer switch to cycle on for 15 – 20 minutes every hour to keep warm water circulating through the pipes.

3. Keep it Covered – A good insulated cover is essential for reducing the energy requirements of your hot tub during the winter. It is also recommended to use an inexpensive thermal blanket under your regular hot tub cover to help keep the heat in, reduce chemical use, and decrease moisture build-up on the cover. Be sure to spray the vinyl cover with a quality protectant to safeguard against harsh weather conditions and also remove snow before it accumulates on the cover.

4. Watch the Water Level – Check your hot tub’s water level regularly, especially if you do not use your spa every day. If the water in your spa gets too low, the pumps and heater may stop working which will cause the water to freeze.

5. Maintain the Water Temperature –The colder it gets, the longer it takes for your spa to heat up. It is less expensive and more efficient to maintain the water temperature of your hot tub on a daily basis than it is to let it get extremely cold and then reheat it when you want to use the spa. It also keeps water from freezing in the pipes and reduces chemical use.

6. Turn off Air Jets – Running the air jets in the winter uses a great amount of energy because they inject cold air into the spa water. If you do use your jets, make sure you turn them off after every use.

The holidays are right around the corner and if you’re like most people, you probably have a few friends or family members left to buy presents for. To help ease the stress of last-minute holiday shopping, we’ve put together this holiday gift guide full of great gift ideas for the pool, spa, and backyard lover on your list.

Take your backyard winter landscape from drab to fab by adding festive touches that celebrate the winter holiday season.

We’ve put together some easy and creative ideas for decorating your backyard with seasonal flair—after all, you can still enjoy the view of your backyard in the winter.






Photo courtesy of Deborah Silver & Co.|Detroit Garden Works

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Deck the Patio & Fence




• Drape garland made out of hardy evergreens like cedar, cypress, and euonymus over patio doors and deck/fence posts. Add berries, pine cones, and twigs for texture and color.



• Outline the perimeter of your patio or fence with festive pathway markers such as snowflakes, candy canes, stars, or giant Christmas bulbs.







Photo courtesy of Foegley Landscape, Inc.








Make outdoor furniture part of your display by arranging string lights or garland over the backs of chairs and down the center of the table.





Brighten a barren patio with colorful winter containers. Use boughs of evergreens (such as red or yellowtwig dogwood, pine, and fir), poinsettias, winterberry holly, reindeer moss, fruit, hydrangea blooms, and dried eucalyptus. And of course don’t forget to add twinkle lights!

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Adorn Outdoor Structures




• Wrap the poles and beams of an arbor, pergola, or gazebo with twinkling lights to create a dazzling winter wonderland once the snow arrives.



• Hang glittery snowflake decorations (sold at craft stores) or large Christmas balls from pergola beams or gazebo railings at varying lengths for interest and ambiance.



• Add holiday spirit to an outdoor shed or pool house by hanging a wreath or swag on the door, filling window boxes with boughs of evergreens, pinecones, and berries, and adding lights to the roof. You can even add a wooden sign by the door that says “Santa’s Workshop.”



• Turn your gazebo into a gift-giving showpiece by placing a decorated Christmas tree in the center.



• Bring the indoors out by placing a wreath above an outdoor fireplace or hanging stockings made of outdoor fabric from the mantel.

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Dress Up Fountains, Planters & Birdbaths




• Add color to empty garden containers and fountains with poinsettias, evergreen boughs, pine cones, and winterberry twigs.



• Use empty planters to display decorative present stacks: Wrap a small, medium, and large plastic container (filled with a few rocks for weight) in holiday foil gift wrap, stack the boxes in size order with the large box on the bottom, and then tie them together with ribbon.



• Arrange glowing globes, jewel-toned gazing globes, or lighted grapevine balls (all available at home improvement stores and garden centers) in urns, tiered fountains, or birdbaths for a shimmering spectacle.

• Use a de-chlorinator and neutralizer to remove chlorine in the tap water when adding it to the pond since chlorine and chloramines are poisonous to fish.
• Make sure there is no more than a five-degree difference in the temperature of the pond water and the water from the hose as a severe change in temperature is stressful for fish and can cause disease.
• Add pond salt (one pound per 100 gallons) to help fish restore their slime coat and boost their immune system.
• Add cold water bacteria to reduce buildup, keep the water quality healthy for the fish, and condition the pond for startup in the spring.
• Test the water and O2 level to make sure everything is in good balance.

Decorating your yard for fall is a great way to celebrate the natural beauty of the season and welcome the upcoming holidays. It can also be a fun family activity where you spend a crisp autumn afternoon sipping hot apple cider, playing in the leaves, and decorating the yard together.


Pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks are all you’ll need to turn your backyard into a delightful fall scene—and create the perfect background for taking pictures of the kids. Find inspiration below for ways to add these festive items to your yard.








Photo copyright Southern Living

• Place pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes in a series of rows in a designated area of your yard to create your own pumpkin patch.
• Paint or carve out letters on individual pumpkins and arrange them on steps or walkways to display messages such as “Welcome” or “Happy Fall.”
• Create charming pumpkin planters for your fall flowers by cutting a large opening on the top of the pumpkin and hollowing it out; then drill a drainage hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, fill it with potting soil, and add your favorite fall blossoms.


Scarecrows - Scarecrows are a fun addition to any fall setting. You can buy one from a local craft store or nursery, or make your own with a few simple items:


1. 1. Grab an old pair of jeans and a plaid shirt and secure the ends of the legs and sleeves with rubber bands.
2. 2. Attach the shirt to the jeans with safety pins and then stuff the clothing with newspaper or straw to form the body.
3. 3. Stuff garden gloves and a pair of shoes with hay to make the hands and feet; use a pumpkin or pillow case filled with straw for the scarecrow’s head.
4. 4. Finally, use markers or paint to create a face.

Be as creative as you want. You can make your scarecrow resemble a family member, friendly neighbor, or even a famous celebrity for an amusing showpiece!



Corn Stalks - Use dried cornstalks to add a rustic touch to your fall landscape.


• Tie a few tall corn stalks together with twine, raffia, or a decorative fall-colored ribbon and attach bundles around trees and gazebo posts or along your fence.
• Dress up an arbor or trellis by covering the structure in corn stalks and adding seasonal accents like Indian corn, acorns, and small gourds.
Hay Bales – Available at home improvement stores or your local nursery, hay bales provide the perfect base for an attractive fall arrangement.


• Stack a couple hay bales in the corner of your patio, deck, or yard and set pumpkins, potted flowers, and other festive items on the different levels to make a charming display—and a great spot for pictures.
• You can also use hay bales as seating for outdoor fall gatherings or Halloween parties. Set a couple large, square hay bales in a row to make a simple bench or use several hay bales to form a couch:


1. 1. Create the base of the couch by making two rows of three to four hay bales (the more hay bales, the wider the couch).
2. 2. Stack another three to four hay bales on top of the back row to form the back of the couch.
3. 3. Stack two additional hay bales on either side of the couch to form armrests.
4. 4. Then cover the couch with burlap, canvas, or old sheets for a casual, yet chic spot to relax with family and friends.

(Note: Keep hay bales away from your fireplace, firepit, or heater. Make sure you use dry hay as wet hay generates heat and can start a fire.)

The brightly colored leaves, crisp weather, and festive atmosphere mean fall has arrived. The changing of the season marks the perfect time to update the look of your outdoor living space.


Whether you live in a region that experiences the lovely transition between summer and winter or an area that boasts summer-like weather practically year-round, you can easily transform your backyard into a dazzling autumn display using the warm colors and natural beauty of the season. Try some of these simple and inexpensive ideas to decorate your backyard landscape for the fall.







Photo copyright Southern Living

• Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are the classic fall flower, but Montbretia, Hypericum, Helenium, Aster, Roses, and even Sunflowers are ready available in the fall. All of these blooms boast the stunning warm hues of season, from golden yellows and fiery oranges to deep lavenders and crimson reds. (Check with your local horticultural extension about the best fall plants for your area.)
• Plant fall flowers directly in your garden or display them in pretty planters for an easy update. Container gardening makes it easy to move the plants in and out of the sun, depending on how they hold up in your climate. They are also great for adding color and interest to decks, patios, and walkways.


Autumn Wreaths - Take advantage of the natural beauty in your yard by using the colorful leaves to create decorative wreaths and swags to hang on your fence, deck, arbor, or outdoor fireplace. To make a wreath:


• Purchase a basic wreath form from your local craft store.
• Attach a group of leaves with ends facing clockwise to the base with hot glue or a U-shaped floral pin (available at craft stores).
• Keep adding the leaves in the same direction, slightly overlapping each grouping to conceal the pins/glue. Once you’ve made it around the base, repeat the process working counterclockwise to cover the entire base.
• For a decorative touch, you can embellish the wreath with pine cones, dried corn, berries, or other seasonal items.

(Note: If using the wreath inside your home, bake the leaves in an oven for 45 minutes at 200 degree F to kill any insects or eggs.)


Fall-Themed Accessories - You can completely change the look of your patio or deck for fall simply by updating your outdoor furniture and accessories:

 

• Use outdoor cushions and pillows in the season’s warm tones, such as burgundy, gold, chocolate, orange, and red.
• Add a welcome mat or outdoor rug with the colors and images of fall such as leaves, pumpkins, trees, or acorns.
• Arrange twigs, small gourds, berries, pine cones, and other fall materials on your outdoor table to create a festive centerpiece. 
Festive Lighting – The right outdoor light fixtures can create the perfect autumn ambience around your landscape.


• Establish the rustic feel of the harvest season with wrought-iron lantern-style light fixtures, such as wall sconces, deck posts, and chandeliers.
• Suspend several round, orange-colored paper lanterns from pergola beams or tree branches for an elegant accent that resembles to quintessential symbol of the season: pumpkins!
• Adorn deck rails, gazebo posts, or trees with strings of orange and yellow lights for seasonal sparkle.
• You can also strewn party lights with fall-themed covers, such as pumpkins, leaves, or acorns, along your fence for simple decoration.

The arrival of fall means the days are getting shorter, the nights are growing longer, and the weather is beginning to cool down in many areas of the country. But your time spent outdoors doesn’t have to end. Enjoy your backyard well into the fall season by adding one or several of these items to your outdoor space:

1. Fire Features – Outdoor fireplaces and firepits bring the warmth and ambiance of your living room to your backyard, creating a cozy place for your family and friends to gather on a chilly fall night. An outdoor fireplace is permanently installed as either a stand-alone structure or built into an existing wall. It can be surrounded with brick, stucco, stone, or concrete to complement the architectural style of your home and can use wood, natural gas, or propane for fuel.

Firepits range from a permanent pit in the ground enclosed by brick or concrete to a portable bowl-shaped structure made of metal. Firepits can use wood or natural gas to create a controlled bonfire in your backyard.

(Note: Be sure to check with your local municipality office before adding a fireplace or firepit to your backyard. There may be regulations regarding the type of fireplace you can have or the type of fuel that can be used.)

2. Outdoor Heaters – Outdoor heaters radiate a pleasant circle of heat so you can relax or dine al fresco amid the vivid fall foliage. Tall, freestanding patio heaters with an umbrella-style top are the most common type of outdoor heater. They’re often used at restaurants with outdoor seating, but these are also available for at-home use. They operate on natural gas, propane, or electricity and can heat an area of up to 20 feet in diameter. Though made of stainless steel, these heaters are available in several different finishes—including bronze, copper, black powder coat, and custom paint—to fit the style of any deck or patio.

Tabletop heaters are a smaller version of the traditional freestanding units and come in a variety of finishes and designs including decorative styles that look like lamps. Available as gas or electric units, tabletop heaters provide a heat radius of up to 8 feet and work well for patios with small outdoor seating/dining areas. 

 
Wall-mounted patio heaters are typically powered by electricity and concentrate heat in a small area using infrared technology. Though limited in style, a wall-mounted heater works well for small decks and patios because it doesn’t occupy floor space. Most patio heaters feature manual heat adjusters and an automatic shut-off that turns off the heater when it reaches a set temperature.

(Note: Outside heaters are not designed for indoor use. Installation of an outdoor heater must confirm to your local codes and ordinances.)

3. Gazebos – Another way to extend the season is with a gazebo. Gazebos create a beautiful focal point in your backyard and provide an inviting place to relax with your coffee on a crisp autumn morning or host a tailgate party with your closest friends. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including wood, vinyl, and metal. Though gazebos are traditionally open-sided structures, newer models allow for removable vinyl or plexiglass windows that extend their use in cooler weather by offering protection from chilly winds. Window options range from simple roll-down  vinyl panels that are fastened to the gazebo’s wall posts with Velcro to track-style vinyl or plexiglass window panels in an aluminum frame that mount to the wall sections of the gazebo.

4. Lighting – As the days get shorter, proper lighting will keep you and your guests out of the dark on lovely fall evenings. Place path lights along walkways, driveways, and other small areas of your backyard to provide an illuminated route to your patio or deck. Add both beauty and function by lighting up the perimeter of you deck with lantern-style solar LED post lights. If you have a covered patio or gazebo, try hanging a wrought-iron chandelier or string lights for sparkle and ambiance.

With the Labor Day holiday over, pool season will be ending in many areas of the country. If you live in an area with a seasonal climate, you’ll probably be closing your pool in the next few weeks. Here are 10 steps to follow when winterizing your pool.