The main purpose in winterizing your inground swimming pool is to protect it from damage due to freezing water. Another is to keep it as clean as possible for the next season. Closing your swim pool properly can save you a lot of work when it comes time to open the swimming pool for the summer.
•The first step in the winterization procedure is to make sure your water chemistry is balanced. You should make sure that your pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness are all balanced. By balancing your water chemistry you are protecting the surface of the pool from staining and etching.
•Adding a winterizing chemical kit to your water will help keep it blue and clear for the next season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the kit.
•Do not use a floater that contains a strong oxidizer (chlorine or bromine) as the floater will stick against the wall and stain and/or bleach your wall, especially a vinyl liner. For the same reasons DO NOT throw chlorine or bromine tablets into the pool. They will sink to the bottom and damage your pool’s surface.
•When water freezes, it expands. This can cause great damage to your pool, pool plumbing, and its filter system. If you are closing up your pool for the winter, you should always take precautions to protect from freeze damage no matter where you live. You can never be sure that it will not drop below freezing, even in the Sun Belt.
•The next step is to lower the water below the mouth of your skimmer(s). This will get the water out of the throat of the skimmer which can be easily damaged if water were to freeze there.
•Another option for vinyl liner pools is to put an Aquador over the mouth of the skimmer. This is a plastic dam which holds out the water from the skimmer, allowing you to leave the water level up for the winter. This will help in supporting your cover and also help keep the liner from “floating” if the winter is your rainy season. Sorry, they have not invented a similar device for concrete pools yet.
•Blow out the water from your plumbing lines. You can do this using a shop vac. Use the discharge of the shop vac to blow water out of each line from the filter system. As the water is purged from each line, you will need to put a plug in the lines at the pool end. Some fittings will allow for a threaded plug, which is best. Be sure to use a plug with a rubber gasket or “O” ring to make a seal, or the water may fill the line back up. If your fittings are not threaded, then use a rubber freeze plug.
•In the skimmer(s) you should use a Gizzmo to seal the line. This device is a hollow tube which will collapse if water should get into the skimmer and freeze. Be sure to put Teflon tape on the threads of the Gizzmo to make a seal and to ease removal in the spring. It is usually impractical to put a plug in the main drain if you have one, but its extreme depth will normally protect it from freezing.
•You should cover your pool to keep out the debris. The type of cover you use will depend upon several factors.
•The final step? You must drain all the water from your filter equipment.
•The filter should have a plug at the bottom that will allow it to drain.
•Be sure to open the air relief valve on top if you have one.
•Put the multiport valve in the closed or “winterize” position and remove the pressure gauge.
•Drain the pump. There may be two plugs to remove here.
•After draining the pump, turn it on for a brief second to get the water out of the veins of the impeller. Do not run the pump more than a second or two because you can burn out the seal very quickly.
•You should have let the chemicals (chlorine/bromine tablets) run out of your feeder so that no chemicals are left in it. Leaving chemicals in your feeder over the winter can cause damage to it and other equipment.
•You will now be able to drain your chemical feeder and automatic cleaner pump, heater, and any other filter equipment that has water in it.
•If you put all the plugs that you have removed into the pump strainer basket, they will be easily found in the spring.
•It is a good idea to take the pressure gauge inside for the winter because water collects in its tube which can freeze and cause breakage.
•Do not put the plugs back on the equipment. If equipment should get water in it, the plugs will prevent proper drainage.

The term “winterize” when used in warm-season grass lawn care is simply stated as slow down growth and beef up plant levels of the nutrient potassium (K). This is an attempt to toughen plant tissues for the winter freezes much as you would add antifreeze to your car’s radiator.

Research has shown that higher levels of plant K enhance tolerance to a broad range of environmental stresses, including cold damage. Therefore, a good strategy is to maintain high levels of soil K throughout the growing season. When soil test levels of K have reached a high level, maintain that by applying about 2/3 part of K₂O fertilizer for every one part of nitrogen (N) supplied. This is not an exact calculation but good rule of thumb. The third analysis number on the bag of fertilizer is the percent by weight of potassium K₂O equivalent also called “potash.”  

You can’t just go by the term WINTERIZER on the fertilizer bag because many winterizer formulations sold in Louisiana are for cool-season grasses in the northern states. So, as usual, it’s “buyer beware.”  An informed consumer will be looking for a southern type winterizer for theIr warm-season grasses to avoid the plant-softening effect of using a northern, high-N formulation.

Phosphorus (P), the middle number (as percent P₂O₅) on a fertilizer bag analysis, does not usually come into concern here as long as soil levels are not very low. Extra fall P would just promote winter weed seed germination. An exception is if you will be overseeding for winter color; then you may apply P for better ryegrass seedling development.

With adequate K available all season, special winterizing would be unnecessary, and the turf would be in the best shape to handle environmental and pest problems all season long. Just make sure your last application of N is lower (maybe half rate or less) when applied after late summer and before mid-fall. After mid-fall, do not apply N to a warm-season lawn.

For those with a less-than-ideal lawn fertility program, here are some end-of-season tips:

(1) Reduce N fertilizing to 1/3 normal application or less. If you have not gotten a lawn by September, you should not try to continue to grow it out in fall and risk extra winterkill. Reducing N fertility slows growth, which allows the grass to toughen and store more carbohydrate in reserve for spring green-up. Lower fall N also reduces brown patch (large patch) disease, which is so prevalent in fall.

(2) Finish the growing season with a fertilizer high in potassium. If not using a southern winterizing blend or warm-season grass winterizing blend, at least choose an even ratio analysis like 13-13-13 to avoid high N. If applying only K₂O to avoid extra fall N, use 1 to 2 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. of muriate of potash (0-0-60). This supplies a 60% K₂O or up to 1.2 lb. K₂O/1,000 sq.ft.

(3) Keep up adequate moisture in the fall. We often want to forget lawn care by this time. Fall in Louisiana will be dry without tropical depressions, and turf still needs to store food now for the long winter dormancy.

(4) Keep an eye out for yellowing areas that would indicate brown patch disease. Treat with a “patch-type” fungicide as needed. Remember, if these areas die off in the fall, they will still be dead next spring.

(5) Always apply granular materials on dry foliage. This reduces the salt burn potential of an application. They are usually watered in if rain is not forthcoming.

One last warning – too much of a good thing is often bad. Excessively high rate of K fertilizer may lead to foliage burn (salt burn) or can lead to competitive inhibition of other soil-nutrient uptake. This is especially known to affect magnesium (Mg) uptake, which can appear as a light green lawn color.

Fall is your lawn’s favorite time of the year. Take care of it properly during this time to ensure that your lawn looks its best next spring and summer. Start by raking up any leaves and other debris. Fallen leaves can smother your lawn as they become wet and decompose. Removing leaves from your lawn will also help prevent disease problems come spring. If there are any bare spots in your lawn, re-seed now.

What you need:
Lawn mower
Rake
Nitrogen based fertilizer

Fertilizing your lawn before the onset of winter is very important. Nitrogen promotes healthy root growth and allows your lawn to store food for the winter. Fertilize your lawn twice during the fall. Around Labor Day, apply 3/4 of a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Fertilize again (same amount) after your last mowing for the season. This second feeding is usually done around mid-November in most parts of the U.S.

Once the grass has stopped growing for the year, give it one last mowing … to about an inch or two high. Keep the grass short to prevent it from matting down as winter approaches.

Your backyard should be a haven where you can relax and escape the rest of the world. Unfortunately many people let their backyard turn into a disaster or a jungle that no one ever ventures into, instead of turning it into an outdoor paradise. Sure, dealing with the backyard takes a bit of time and work; however, in the end, the results are well worth it.

Imagine stepping out your door into the back yard. You can feel the warm rays of sun on your face and smell the beautiful aroma of roses wafting through the air. Ponder a moment on the beauty you see around you. Beautiful flower beds bursting with color, well trimmed hedges, and beautiful fruit trees growing in your back yard. Pause a moment to hear the gentle trickling of the garden fountain, and watch the sun shimmer off the surface of your beautiful backyard pool.

Yes, this all sounds like a beautiful dream. Perhaps even a glimpse of paradise, but you can actually have this type of a backyard. Having a backyard that you can enjoy and relax in is important. It should be a place of beauty as well as a place where you can enjoy yourself and have some fun. Whether you are a master of landscaping or someone who just needs some helpful tips for making your backyard a better place, you have found the right place.

Here you will find all kinds of helpful information for people interested in fixing up their back yard. Whether you just want to add a bit of color with flowers, or you are thinking about an entire backyard makeover, here you will find all the information that you need. In fact, you can find here everything about your back yard that you need to know. The following are just a few of the categories that you will find information on:

•Gardening
•Fountains
•Backyard Pools
•Outdoor Décor
•Landscaping
•Animals
•Hydroponics
•And many more…
Whether you have a specific backyard question or you are just looking for some helpful ideas to get you started, you are going to find what you need right here. Full of hundreds of great tips as well as many helpful articles, we are here to provide you with quality information that will be of help to you as you turn your backyard into paradise.

If you are lucky enough to have a nice size backyard, then you definitely need to put it to use. It is a shame to have a nice backyard that is not well taken care of. Just think of what you could be doing with that yard. You could turn it into a beautiful flower wonderland, just perfect for your kids to play in or you could add a beautiful backyard pool to provide fun for the entire family. Are you a nature lover? If so, you could plant flowers that draw birds and develop a yard that draws other animals as well. You may even want a small pond complete with beautiful fish and water lilies.

There is really no end to the things that you can do with a nice backyard. From gazebos, to fountains, to backyard buildings, to pools, patios, and beautiful gardens, you can just let your imagination run wild. If you are not really sure what will look great in your yard, read our helpful tips here. Also, once you do decide what you want to do in your backyard, you can find all kinds of helpful articles that will be of use as you begin to develop and shape your new backyard. So, are you ready to start making your yard look wonderful? If so, you have definitely arrived at the best place for backyard information.

When most people think of landscaping, they think of a beautifully decorated front yard. But what about the back? There are many reasons why you should consider backyard landscaping, if you have not already. Some of them include:

- To enjoy for yourself. Wouldn’t it be great to sit out on your sun deck and have a magnificent view? It is a stress reliever like no other because of its relaxing qualities. Plus, when your yard looks good, you feel good!

- To enjoy with your company. Now imagine sitting on your sun deck with your friends talking over various things while viewing your backyard landscaping. You may even get some great compliments!

- Even if you have a fence around your home, people may still be able to see it from an elevated road. This may be especially important to you if it is a popular road going to and from your neighborhood.

- What good is a beautiful outdoor decor in the front when the back is shabby and bland? It can take away from all the hard work, effort, and money that you have put into the front.

- You can use backyard landscaping to make your very own natural privacy fence! Instead of wood, you can plant gorgeous shrubs to stand between your yard and your neighbor’s yard. They might appreciate it too!

Once you see how wonderful backyard landscaping can be you will want to have barbecues or cookouts all the time. Maybe even invite the extended family over for a little reunion. The entertainment possibilities are endless when you have a backyard landscaping job that you can be proud of. If you don’t think you are up to the challenge yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.

For more information on backyard landscaping and other landscaping ideas visit www.lawnchair.com.

Patio furniture can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of your backyard, and well-chosen pieces can become attractive features of your garden design. There’s a massive range of outdoor patio furniture to choose from, depending on your lifestyle, your budget and the layout of your garden. For instance, if you like to entertain guests on your patio, then there are various types of dining sets available. Or for more casual relaxation, there’s a great selection of recliners and chaise lounges, just perfect for whiling away those long sunny days.

When choosing items of patio furniture, it’s worth knowing a bit about the different types of materials and their features. For example, some outdoor furniture is not built to withstand adverse weather conditions and is designed to be stored inside when not in use. Lightweight aluminum, plastic and wicker furniture falls into this category, and is generally cheaper to buy than the more solid items that can be left outside year round. These types of chairs and tables require little maintenance and are easily portable. They are often designed to be folded away or stacked, to save on storage space.

For long-lasting garden furniture that’s going to remain in a permanent position in your backyard, it’s best to look for heavy and durable materials, such as metal or wood. Wrought iron and cast aluminum patio furniture is very popular, as it can be crafted into all kinds of ornate designs, and comes in a choice of finishes. Aluminum is favored because it’s rust-proof, but wrought iron can be treated with a metal protector to prevent corrosion, and with regular attention can withstand many seasons of use. Alternatively, wooden items, including cedar, pine and teak outdoor furniture, can look stunning and with a bit of care can last for years.

There are also some accessories that you may want to consider for your outdoor furniture. To provide protection from the elements, weather-proof patio furniture covers are ideal. These are durable vinyl or PVC coverings that can be fitted over individual items or over whole sets. They are effective at preventing wear and tear from rain, wind, snow and sunlight. A cover is also useful for keeping your chairs free from dust and insects. Other accessories include specially made patio furniture cushions, which come in all shapes and sizes. These not only provide added comfort, but can add a splash of color to your patio area.

Patio furniture not only enhances the appeal of your backyard, it can provide loads of enjoyment for outdoor living for many seasons to come.

The highest quality outdoor furniture is without question teak wood patio furniture. For many years, this wood has been known for quality. It is one of the most durable types of wood in the world. If money is no object then adorn your patio in these exquisite furnishings. Even though it is quite expensive, it is still becoming quite popular throughout the world. This could be due to more people becoming aware of it due to the internet.
Teak wood patio furniture may be much more expensive but it will last much longer than other types of wood furniture. Teak can be used indoors or outdoors, it does not matter as it fits in anywhere with most styles of décor. This stuff is built to last a lifetime and it does!
Another of the many positive qualities of teak wood patio furniture is that it can withstand the forces of nature. For this reason, you can leave it out year round and you do not have to worry about finding somewhere to store it during the winter or bad weather. Alternatively, to preserve its natural color, you may want to protect it more from the bad weather.
Many years ago, teak was used for building ships because it could withstand the force of the sea. Teak wood patio furniture is available in light to dark brown. After awhile it will turn a grey color. There are products such as teakwood oil available that can keep the wood looking its brown color. Check with the manufacturer or retailer on what you can do to preserve the natural colors. This type of wood is also resistant to most insects as well. You will likely never see large cracks appear in the furniture due to the natural wood oils that permeate teak wood.
Teak wood is from such tropical locations as Burma and Indonesia. A lot of the teak wood patio furniture is manufactured there as well. There are many websites offering this fine furniture for sale.