← Back to Blog
Wisconsin does not ease into winter. The difference between a space that opens cleanly in April and one that needs work is almost entirely what happened in a couple of hours the previous October.
Decks
- Clear leaves and debris from the surface and, critically, from between the boards — trapped organic material holds moisture all winter.
- Wash the surface with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. Skip pressure washing on composite unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it, and stay well within their pressure limit.
- Check that gaps and drainage under an elevated deck are clear.
- Use a plastic shovel and shovel with the boards, not across them. Avoid rock salt; use a product rated safe for your decking.
Pergolas and outdoor rooms
- Clear integrated gutters and downspouts so meltwater has somewhere to go.
- Retract and clean motorized screens; store any fabric elements dry.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidance on louver position for winter, and know the structure's rated snow load.
- Cover or store furniture and cushions, and shut down any seasonal power circuits.
Pools
Closing a pool is the one item on this list where a mistake is expensive, and it is worth having done professionally. In broad strokes: balance the water, lower to the recommended level, thoroughly blow out and plug the lines, add antifreeze where appropriate, remove and store equipment baskets and any drain plugs, and cover it.
Water left in a line is the only part of winterizing that can break something you cannot fix in spring.
Do it before the first hard freeze
Not after. In the Fox Valley, that means having the plan set well before you need it. Questions about your specific setup? Call 920-949-6892.