Winterise the Pool Before Frost Finds It
October is the sweet spot for closing your pool—the leaves have mostly fallen, the nights bite a little harder, and the water is still cooperative. Start with a deep clean: skim leaves, brush the walls, and vacuum every corner so you don’t trap stains or algae under winter’s quiet. Balance your water chemistry to winter levels; aim for steady pH, stable alkalinity, and adequate calcium hardness, then shock to ensure a clean slate.
The headline act is protecting the plumbing. Drain or blow out lines to pumps, filters, and heaters so expanding ice can’t crack anything expensive. Dose the water with a winterising kit designed to keep algae and scale in check while it sleeps. Finally, stretch a secure, properly fitted cover until it’s drum-tight—nothing sags, nothing sneaks in. Come spring, you’ll lift the lid on clear water instead of a green mystery.
Clear Gutters, Drains, and Downpipes While the Leaves Are Still Listening
Autumn’s romance is lovely in the trees, not so much in your gutters. When leaves pile up, water misbehaves—overflowing onto fascia boards, seeping into insulation, and pooling around foundations where it shouldn’t. A quiet afternoon with a sturdy ladder pays you back all winter. Scoop out debris, then flush each run with a hose to confirm the water moves the way it’s supposed to.
Watch for sagging sections, loose brackets, or seams that weep after a rinse. Those small fixes now prevent cascading problems later. If your home sits beneath a leafy canopy, gutter guards can be a worthy ally; they won’t make maintenance vanish, but they’ll keep the bulk of the mess out. And don’t forget downpipes: a clear exit is just as important as a clear entrance.
Book Your Septic Tank or Small Sewage Plant Check Before the Ground Hardens
If your home relies on a septic tank or compact treatment plant, October is prime time for professional maintenance. Cold, saturated ground makes access difficult, and you want any adjustments finished before frost turns the soil to stone. A competent service will measure sludge levels and advise on pumping if they’re high, inspect the drainage field for pooling or odours, and confirm that aerators, motors, or control panels (if you have them) are behaving.
Neglect invites clogs, backups, and contamination—issues that don’t just ruin a weekend, they can threaten health and demand big repairs. A scheduled check now keeps the system steady through winter’s slow biology and ensures your spring starts clean and uneventful.
Protect Outdoor Taps and Garden Hoses From Ice’s Sneaky Grip
When it gets cold, outside taps and hoses die first. Freezing water expands, and even a small amount can fracture metal behind a valve. Start by detaching and laying out each hose to drain. Unkink kinked ones and identify worn ones for replacement. Insulated exterior tap covers are economical frost protection.
If your plumbing allows it, turn off the internal shut-off valve that feeds those outside taps and open the exterior spigot to let the line drain. That simple step reliefs pressure and removes hidden water from the pipe. In regions with deeper freezes, double-check any exposed pipes for insulation and confirm hose bibs are frost-proof or backed by a shut-off. It’s small work now to avoid the springtime drip-drip of a cracked fitting.
Review Your Water Use and Set a Winter-Ready Budget
October is also a smart moment to pull the thread on your water bills and household maintenance budget. Scroll through last year’s statements for patterns—a spike that lines up with a silent leak, a seasonal surge that isn’t tied to guests or gardening. Knowing your baseline helps you spot trouble early and plan with confidence.
Set aside a modest buffer for necessary fixes; water systems have a way of choosing inconvenient timing. Even a small monthly amount, ring-fenced for home maintenance, gives you breathing room when a pump hums wrong or a valve gives up. While you’re here, consider a few strategic upgrades: aerated showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and efficient taps often deliver instant savings without changing how you live. When winter bills roll in, your future self will appreciate the foresight.
FAQ
When should I winterise my pool?
Aim for October, after the bulk of leaves have fallen and before consistent overnight freezes, so plumbing can be drained and chemistry dialled in calmly.
Do I need to drain my pool completely for winter?
No; keep water at the recommended level and focus on balancing chemicals and clearing plumbing lines to prevent freeze damage.
How often should I clean gutters in autumn?
Check them at least once in mid-autumn and again before winter, or more frequently if you’re under heavy tree cover.
Are gutter guards worth it?
They reduce debris build-up and frequency of cleaning, but you’ll still need periodic checks and rinses.
What are signs my septic tank needs pumping?
Slow drains, gurgling, odours near the drainage field, or unusually lush grass over the tank are common red flags.
Can I winterise pool lines without special equipment?
You can drain many components by gravity, but an air blower makes clearing hidden water from lines far more reliable.
Should I shut off water to outdoor taps?
Yes, if your system has an interior shut-off for exterior lines; turn it off and drain the tap to prevent freezing.
How can I spot a hidden water leak from bills?
Look for unexplained increases month-to-month; if usage rises without a lifestyle change, investigate fixtures and meters.
Do winterising chemicals replace spring cleaning?
They keep water stable through the off-season, but you’ll still want a fresh clean and balance when reopening.
Which water-saving upgrade pays off fastest?
Aerated showerheads often deliver quick savings with minimal effort and no sacrifice in comfort.
